Cleaning your gas stove is hardly anyone's favorite task, but the sticky residue and stubborn stains that gather on your gas burners are not going anywhere on their own. The truth is, the more you postpone the cleaning, the messier your job will become. Fortunately, there's a straightforward method you can use to get your burners spotless—and it doesn't require hours of scrubbing or any fancy equipment!
Why regular cleaning matters
Gas burners are prone to accumulating food spills, grease, and general gunk every time you cook. If ignored, these residues not only become harder to remove but could also affect the efficiency of your burners. Giving your gas stove a deep clean periodically can keep your kitchen hygienic and even extend your stove's lifespan.
What you'll need
Before you get started, gather the following items:
- Baking soda (or soda)
- Dishwashing liquid
- Scrubbing sponge
- Boiling water
- Old dish towel
- Kitchen gloves
Step one: soaking cast iron grates
Start by removing the cast iron grates from your stove. These are the heavy racks that support your pots and pans. Place them in your sink and fill it with hot water, adding a generous splash of baking soda. Let the grates soak for half an hour—this breaks down burnt-on food and greasy deposits, making them much easier to scrub off later. For extra-stubborn grime, sprinkle a bit more baking soda directly on your sponge as you clean. Don't forget to dry the grates thoroughly after rinsing to prevent any rust from forming.
Pro tip: The stove knobs also collect a surprising amount of grime. You can soak and wipe them in the same water before drying with an old dish towel.
Step two: deep cleaning the aluminum burners
The aluminum burners should never be soaked together with the cast iron parts if you're using soda or baking soda because it may lead to discoloration or dullness. Instead, fill a heatproof bowl with boiling water, mix in a few drops of dish soap, and allow the aluminum parts to soak for about 30 minutes. Afterward, scrub them gently with a metal sponge or a non-abrasive pad to remove burnt-on residue. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a towel before putting them back.
Step three: scrubbing the burner caps
While the burner caps are best cleaned immediately after cooking (once they've cooled), you can give them a deeper clean by soaking them in a soapy solution. Use a gentle all-purpose cleaner and a soft sponge to lift off any remaining debris, then rinse with clean water.
Using ammonia for heavy-duty cleaning
If your burners are particularly greasy, consider using ammonia for a deep clean. Carefully place the stove parts into a strong garbage bag, add a tablespoon or two of ammonia, and seal the bag tightly. Leave it outside overnight to avoid lingering fumes. In the morning, open the bag outside—wear gloves and be cautious, as the fumes can be strong. The baked-on grime should wipe off easily.
Avoid the dishwasher
Resist the urge to toss your gas burners and grates into the dishwasher. While it might seem like a time-saver, the harsh environment can cause these parts to lose their shine or even rust. Hand cleaning is always the safer choice for long-lasting burners.
Final tips
- Always wait for parts to cool before cleaning.
- Wear gloves, especially when using strong cleaning agents like ammonia.
- Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling to prevent rust.
Follow this simple routine, and your gas stove will look pristine after every use—without any heavy-duty scrubbing. Happy cleaning!