Understanding your cooking range
Before diving into cleaning your cooking range, you should first understand the parts that make up your appliance. A typical cooking range has a cooktop where the burners are located and an oven where you bake or broil food. Familiarize yourself with the type of cooking range you have, whether it’s gas, electric, coil or smooth-top. This will help you determine the type of cleaning products and methods to use.
Cleaning the cooktop
The cooktop is the part of your cooking range where spills and splatters are most likely to occur. For electric smooth-top ranges, use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge with a cleaning solution specifically made for smooth-top ranges. For gas or coil ranges, remove the grates and burner covers and wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge. Clean the burner heads with warm water and mild soap, making sure that they are completely dry before reassembling. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrub brushes as they can damage the surface or cause scratches.
Cleaning the oven
Over time, your oven will accumulate grease, food particles and spills, which can cause unpleasant odors and even affect the flavor of your food. To clean your oven, start by removing the racks and soaking them in warm, soapy water. For self-cleaning ovens, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the manual. For non-self-cleaning ovens, use an oven cleaner and apply it evenly inside the oven. Let it sit for the recommended time and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Make sure to ventilate the area while cleaning the oven, as these cleaners can be harsh on the respiratory system.
Dealing with stubborn stains
Sometimes, even with regular cleaning, some stains may persist. For tough stains on your cooktop or oven, try using baking soda and a small amount of water to create a paste that you can apply on the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes and then scrub gently with a sponge or cloth. For extremely persistent stains, use a cleaner with a stronger formula or seek the help of a professional cleaning service.
Maintaining your cooking range
In addition to regular cleaning, maintaining your cooking range can help prevent future stains and damage. Use stove liners or drip pans to catch spills and empty them regularly. Wipe down your cooktop after every use and clean your oven at least once a month. For gas ranges, make sure that the flames are blue and steady as yellow flames indicate a gas leak. Replace damaged or worn-out parts as needed, such as the burners, grates, and oven racks.
