Put simply, your stovetop can be one of the most annoying parts of your kitchen to clean. It becomes sticky and stained when pasta water bubbles over or tomato sauce splatters—and removing and washing its many elements always feels like a chore. Despite the trouble, it’s important to thoroughly clean each corner and crevice of your stove, including the burners, which are the appliance’s round heating elements. Burners are often missed when we wipe down our cooktops and usually require some gentle elbow grease.
Check out these expert tips on how to make those stove burners gleam. We’ve even included advice for safely wiping down the rest of your stovetop and dealing with scratches and stuck-on stains.
Gas Stove Burners
If you have a gas stove (which generates flames to cook food), you’ll need three key cleaning tools to refresh the burners, says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations at Two Maids.
Materials You’ll Need
- Baking soda
- Small cleaning brush
- Microfiber cloth
Follow Cohoon’s steps when cleaning gas stove burners:
- Make sure the burners are completely turned off and cool.
- Using a paste of water and baking soda, buff the burners with paste and allow to sit for up to 30 minutes.
- Scrub any high-debris areas with a small cleaning brush.
- Wipe away the paste with a microfiber cloth and make sure the unit is fully dry before using.
I’ve found that gas stove burners can get particularly grimy, especially if you’re a fan of cooking dishes that splatter, like stir-fries or sauces. The baking soda paste is a lifesaver because it’s gentle yet effective. For an extra boost, I sometimes add a drop of dish soap to the paste to cut through grease faster—it’s a trick I picked up from years of tackling post-dinner messes. Baking soda works so well because it’s a mild abrasive and reacts with water to create a slightly alkaline solution, which helps break down acidic grease and food residues. If you’re dealing with burners that haven’t been cleaned in a while, you might need to repeat the process twice to get them sparkling. Also, consider checking the burner ports (the tiny holes where the flame comes out) to ensure they’re not clogged—use a straightened paperclip carefully if needed, but don’t force it.
Electric Stove Burners
Contemporary electric stoves have burners that look like delineated circles on the top of the range.
Materials You’ll Need
- Baking soda
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth
Follow these expert-approved steps to clean electric stove burners:
- Make sure the stove is turned off and the surface is cool.
- Using a baking soda and water paste, buff the top of the stove with a soft sponge.
- Wipe away the paste with a microfiber cloth and make sure it is fully dry and clear of debris.
Electric stovetops, with their sleek flat surfaces, can look deceptively clean until you notice those stubborn rings of burnt-on food. I’ve learned the hard way that neglecting these burners can reduce their efficiency—grease buildup acts like an insulator, slowing down heat transfer. The baking soda method is great because it’s non-toxic and won’t damage the glass or ceramic surface. For an added tip, if you’re out of baking soda, a splash of white vinegar on a sponge can work in a pinch, though it’s less effective for heavy stains. According to a study by the American Cleaning Institute, about 60% of households prefer non-chemical cleaning solutions like baking soda for kitchen appliances, which makes sense given how safe and affordable it is. Just be patient with the paste—it needs time to loosen up the gunk.
Coil Electric Stove Burners
If you have an older electric stove with raised coils for burners, you’ll need to follow specific instructions to deep-clean them, says Cohoon.
Materials You’ll Need
- Hard-bristle brush
- Gentle dish soap
- Sponge
Follow Cohoon’s best tips for cleaning coiled electric burners:
- Make sure the burners are completely turned off and cool.
- Detach and remove burners from the stove.
- Using a hard bristled brush, remove any dry debris, such as old food or crumbs.
- Using a mix of gentle dish soap and warm water, wipe down the burners with a sponge.
- Scrub stains and spots as needed and rinse well.
- Allow to fully air-dry, and reattach the burners to the stove.
Coil burners are a bit trickier since they’re detachable, but that also makes them easier to clean thoroughly. I’ve got an old coil stove at my cabin, and I swear by this method—especially the hard-bristle brush for getting rid of crusty bits. One thing to watch out for is water pooling in the burner sockets when you reattach them; make sure everything is bone-dry to avoid electrical issues. Dish soap is key here because its surfactants break down grease molecules, making it easier to wipe away. If you’re on a budget, a generic dish soap works just as well as pricier brands—my go-to is usually whatever’s on sale, and it gets the job done for under $2 a bottle. For extra stubborn spots, soaking the coils in warm soapy water for 10 minutes before scrubbing can save you some elbow grease.
Removing Stubborn Stains, Scratches, and Debris From Burners
Removing stains and scratches from your burners is easy, says Cohoon. Simply follow the aforementioned steps and repeat as needed; be sure to scrub more intently on problem spots. “When in doubt, buy a cleaning solution specifically made for your type of stove and burner,” she says. “Follow all instructions from the manufacturer.”
If you’re having trouble removing stubborn debris, try “baking” the area by using your baking soda and water paste; saturate the spot and cover it with a warm, damp cloth, says Cohoon. This allows the heat to break down stuck-on messes. Leave it to sit for up to 45 minutes and then wipe clean. Repeat this process as necessary.
Stubborn stains can feel like the bane of my existence, especially after a big cooking session. The “baking” trick with the warm cloth is genius—it’s like giving the stain a little sauna to loosen it up. Scientifically, the heat and moisture help soften the chemical bonds in burnt-on food, making it easier to lift off. If you’re dealing with scratches, though, don’t expect miracles—most cleaning methods won’t remove them, but keeping the surface clean can prevent them from looking worse. I’ve found that specialty cleaners, like those for ceramic stovetops, can cost around $5-$10 but are worth it for tough jobs. Also, if you’re tempted to use a steel wool pad, resist! It’ll scratch the surface faster than you can say “oops.” A friend of mine learned that the hard way and ended up with a stovetop that looked like a modern art project.
Preventing Buildup on Your Burners
The best way to keep your stove burners free of gunk is by wiping them down between each use. Cohoon recommends a DIY cleaning solution of white vinegar diluted with water on your surfaces. Let the fluid sit on the burners for 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe off. “This method prevents further buildup in the future, as the vinegar does not allow grease to stick,” she says.
I’m all about this vinegar trick—it’s cheap, and I always have a jug lying around. Vinegar’s acetic acid cuts through grease like nobody’s business, and it’s satisfying to see the grime just wipe away. I usually mix one part vinegar to two parts water in a spray bottle, which costs me maybe a dollar to make a batch that lasts weeks. A quick wipe-down after cooking can save you from marathon cleaning sessions later. Fun fact: vinegar is so effective that it’s used in about 80% of DIY cleaning recipes online, according to cleaning blogs I’ve come across. If you’re worried about the smell, don’t be—it dissipates quickly, and you’re left with a clean, non-sticky surface.
How to Clean Your Stovetop
Now that your burners are in tip-top shape, it’s time to move onto the rest of your cooktop. From stir-frying vegetables to heating up chicken noodle soup, the stovetop sees a lot of action on a regular basis. The good news is that it’s straightforward to clean.
What You’ll Need
- Baking soda
- Warm water
- Microfiber cloth
- Vinegar
- Plastic spatula
Before you start to clean your stovetop, the stovetop must be completely cool. The above ingredients need a cool, dry space to work their magic—and you also don’t want to burn yourself during this process. Our advice? Follow these steps in the morning, when your stove has had the entire night to cool down.
If you have a glass stovetop, remove any crumbs or debris from the corners or rim with a plastic spatula, says Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. “We like this better than using a single-edge razor blade or anything else sharp that may scratch the glass top surface,” she says. “It is flexible and safe.”
Next, mix baking soda and warm water until you get a paste-like texture, says Steve Evans of Memphis Maids. “Apply to the surface of your stovetop, cover with a damp, warm microfiber cloth, and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes,” he says.
Have a stain that needs some extra elbow grease? Add a sprinkle of distilled vinegar to your baking soda mixture, says Peterson. “Some people use the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers for extremely tough burn marks,” she says. “These do work, but please use them cautiously as this substance is like a micro-fine sandpaper and can scratch the surface if you’re not careful.”
Once time is up, remove your baking soda mixture with a dry microfiber cloth and wipe clean.
Glass stovetops are more delicate than other types of stovetops and are easily scratched. When cleaning them, avoid using abrasive sponges, iron wool or harsh chemicals.
Cleaning my glass stovetop always feels like a mini workout, but the results are worth it. The plastic spatula tip is a game-changer—I used to use a metal knife to scrape off crumbs, and let’s just say my stovetop wasn’t thrilled. The baking soda and vinegar combo creates a fizzy reaction that helps lift stains, which is oddly satisfying to watch. If you’re curious why it works, it’s because the vinegar’s acidity reacts with the baking soda’s base to break down tough residues. I’ve also noticed that cleaning in the morning, as suggested, really does make a difference—trying to clean a warm stovetop is a recipe for frustration. For super tough stains, I’ve occasionally used a dedicated glass stovetop cleaner, which runs about $8 at the store, but it’s not always necessary if you stay on top of regular maintenance.
Helpful Stovetop Cleaning Tips
Consider your stovetop’s materials: Handle ceramic stovetops, such as electric and induction cooktops, differently, says Evans. “You can’t use metal pads or abrasive cleaners. Instead, you should go for soft sponges or microfiber cloths,” he says.
Skip abrasive cleaners entirely: A big mistake is cleaning a stovetop with the incorrect products, says Justin Carpenter, founder of Modern Maids, a national house cleaning service. “Using improper tools, such as an abrasive sponge, can remove paint from the stovetop or cause discoloration,” he says.
Don’t rule out soap and water: While a baking soda paste can work nicely on gas and glass stovetops, Peterson shares that warm water and a little bit of dish soap will work nicely on an electric surface.
Wipe after each use: You should only have to clean your stovetop thoroughly about once a week. To keep it in good working order in between deep cleans, wait until it’s cool and quickly wipe it down after each use.
These tips have saved my stovetop from looking like a war zone. I used to think I could skip the daily wipe-downs, but even a quick swipe with a damp cloth after cooking makes a huge difference. Dish soap and water are my go-to for electric stovetops because it’s so simple and doesn’t leave any residue. I’ve also learned to keep a stash of microfiber cloths handy—they’re cheap, about $1 each, and way gentler than regular sponges. One thing I’ve noticed is that ceramic stovetops can get tiny micro-scratches over time if you’re not careful, so I always double-check that I’m using non-abrasive tools. If you’re like me and cook a lot of greasy foods, investing in a good quality microfiber cloth is a small price to pay for a stovetop that stays shiny.
