Cleaning jobs can prove to be very difficult sometimes. This especially happens when you don’t know the right method or way to get the job done. By employing the right process, the whole thing will get much easier and less time-consuming.
Stovetops can be hard to clean up as well, as they tend to collect layers of grease which are tough to remove. So, we are going to make the job a little easier for you here. You will get detailed directions on how to clean a ceramic stove top in this article.
The Standard Cleaning Method
Stoves are something that should be cleaned on a regular basis as they are used very frequently in most households, also because they tend to get dirty very fast. So, in order to prevent layers and layers of grease and food from getting stuck on your stove, make sure it’s always clean.
Step 1: Use Baking Soda to Clean the Stove
While cleaning, baking soda will become your best friend; it is able to get anything look new and shiny. So, your first task would be to sprinkle some of it on the stovetop. You’re not going to need a whole bunch of it, just take enough so it can cover the surface of the stove.
You could use a bottle with holes on the lid to make the sprinkling process a little easier and quicker. The distribution would be more even this way. You could go a little heavy-handed if your stove is especially looking dirty.
To make this step even more effective, you could mix the baking soda with some vinegar and then spray in on the stove. Both the products will actively work to make sure the stove is nice, clean, and fresh. The bubbles created by the mixture is just what you need to get the job done.
Step 2: Dampen A Rag to Clean the Stove
Your next task is to properly soak a large piece of rag in water. If you have a soapy water solution, then it would be better, and the cleaning will be far more effective and efficient.
When choosing your rag just try to keep in mind that it should be of the same size or bigger than the stove itself so that you can cover it entirely with the rag. It’s something you need in order for the cleaning to be done right.
Step 3: Cover the Stove Top with The Rag
Once you are done soaking your rag in the water and soap solution, take it out and wring properly. Make sure to get as much water out of it as possible as it should be damp but drenched in water. Then you have to spread the rag over the stovetop which had previously been covered with baking soda.
You should leave the rag there in place for around 15 to 20 minutes. This should be long enough for both the baking soda and the soapy water to breakout the buildup of food and grease.
Step 4: Finish It by Wiping the Stove Top Clean
When your waiting time is over, and it has been long enough for the mixture to do what it’s supposed to do, remove the rag. Using the same rag slowly with a circular motion wipe the surface of the stove. Do this to remove the baking soda from the top, with it you are also cleaning up the dirt.
After you clean the stove with the rag and have cleaned up the whole stove, it would be better if you now take a new one and wipe it down once again. This step will ensure that you have no residue of the cleaning substance left on the stove, and this will make it look cleaner and shinier.
With that, we come to an end of the first cleaning method.
Tips to Use to Make Cleaning Easier:
Here are two tips to make things easier for you.
Tip 1: Clean up the food right away to prevent stains
We all know prevention is better than cure, as much as it is applicable for health; it goes for our stovetops too. Might sound a little weird at first but think of it this way, if you make less mess you have less cleaning up to do.
So, while cooking is a little careful and makes sure you drop fewer things on the stove, this way, you will not have to clean it as frequently. But, if in case you do drop something wipe it away before it gets a chance to harden completely and leave a stain on the stove.
But make sure the stove isn’t too hot when you wipe the dropping as you might end up burning your hand.
Tip 2: Do not use an ammonia-based cleaner
Ammonia-based cleaners might be able to do a fantastic job of cleaning almost all types of surfaces. However, it is not the right choice for a ceramic stovetop. It is better for cleaning the light mess, nothing too extreme and it is also known to leave a slight stain behind after every clean.
The baking soda, vinegar, and soap water cleaner can do the job just fine, and all these items can be found at your home.
While we are on the topic of things to avoid while cleaning up the stove, try to steer clear of steel wools. If you use them to remove the stains and food from the ceramic stovetop, then chances are, they will leave behind many scratches. That is something you absolutely want to avoid.
How to Clean Up Marks or Stains
There are a few different methods you can employ when you want to clean up stovetops in case; they end up getting stains. Here we will be discussing two of them which you could use to help yourself in the process.
Method 1: Use A Magic Eraser to Remove Stain
If you haven’t heard of a magic eraser, then now is the time for you to know how useful it can be when it comes to cleaning. It is different from the regular sponges we have; it was made in a particular way so that it would be able to clean up surfaces like no other.
You will be able to find them at almost all grocery stores near you.
Take the magic eraser and run it along the area where there is a stain, it proves to be more effective than using steel wool as it does not leave behind any scratches on the surface of the stove.
Method 2: Use Special Cleaner to Remove Stain
The chances of you being able to remove a serious mark from your ceramic stovetop with the help of a regular cleaner are very slim. So, you will have to buy a cleaner which is made specifically for this reason. Just spray some of it on the mark and wipe it using a sponge or a damp rag.
FAQ
Q: How do I clean a ceramic stove top? A: To clean a ceramic stove top, follow these steps:
- Sprinkle baking soda on the surface.
- Mix baking soda with vinegar for added effectiveness.
- Dampen a rag with soapy water and cover the stovetop.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Wipe the surface with the damp rag in a circular motion to remove baking soda and dirt.
- Use a new rag to wipe down the stove again to remove any residue.
Q: Can I use an ammonia-based cleaner on a ceramic stove top? A: It is not recommended to use an ammonia-based cleaner on a ceramic stove top as it may leave stains behind. Baking soda, vinegar, and soapy water are effective and safe alternatives for cleaning.
Q: How can I prevent stains on a ceramic stove top? A: Clean up spills and food debris immediately to prevent stains. Wipe them away before they have a chance to harden and leave a lasting mark. Be cautious while cleaning to avoid burning yourself on a hot stove.
Q: Can I use steel wool to clean a ceramic stove top? A: It is advised to avoid using steel wool on a ceramic stove top as it can cause scratches. Opt for non-abrasive cleaning methods like baking soda, vinegar, and magic erasers.
Q: How do I remove stubborn stains from a ceramic stove top? A: Two methods to remove stubborn stains are:
- Use a magic eraser by rubbing it on the stained area to clean without leaving scratches.
- Use a special cleaner made for ceramic stovetops. Spray it on the stain, then wipe with a sponge or damp rag.
Conclusion
Armed with a few ways of cleaning up, you should have a much easier time on the days you go to clean your kitchen and your ceramic stovetop.
If you need any further help, let me know in the comments.
