Cleaning your cooktop … our top tips
Your cooktop is one of those areas in your home that cops a bit of a battering because, well, splatters, spills and stains are just a part of cooking. We’ve got some great tips to help you keep that cooktop looking sparkly and clean.
Let’s start with some basic tips and then look at how to clean the three most common types of cooktop – gas, electric and glass.
Tip number 1 is to jump on those splatters and spills as soon as you can. The heat from the cooktop will bake them on if you don’t address spills quickly so it’s always best to wipe the cooktop down with a damp cloth each time you cook.
Tip number 2 is to check the instruction manual for your cooktop for specific cleaning instructions. If you don’t have the manual, you can visit the manufacturer’s website or search the model number online. Following the cleaning directions in the instruction manual will ensure you don’t cause any damage or void your warranty.
Tip number 3 is to make sure that the cooktop is turned off and has cooled down before you start cleaning. This will stop you accidentally burning yourself.
Cleaning electric cooktops
If you have electric coil burners you’ll know that they can get sticky pretty quickly. The best way to clean them is to wipe them with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water to remove any mess, and then wipe again with a dry cloth. You can also remove the coils if they are really dirty; just make sure that you don’t get the connection wet and ensure that they are completely dry before reattaching them. If the plates below the burners are removable you can take them out and give them a clean with a mix of bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar.
Cleaning glass cooktops
One of the many advantages of glass cooktops is that they are super-easy to clean. Their flat surface means that a wipe over after every use should keep things looking pristine. If you do have tough stains to remove you can spray the cooled cooktop with white vinegar and then sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda. Soak a tea towel in hot water and place it over the bicarb and leave to sit for 15 minutes. Remove the towel and wipe the glass with a streak-free cloth.
Cleaning gas cooktops
We love gas for its instant and even heat, but gas cooktops can be notoriously hard to keep clean. Giving the cooktop a wipe with a damp cloth after use will help but there are a few extra things you can do to keep your gas cooker looking good and working efficiently. First, remove the grates that sit over the gas burners and wipe up any spills. For the grates themselves, soak them in warm soapy water to help remove any built-on grease and grime, then give them a gentle scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or scourer. Some gas cooktops have grates that can be put in the dishwasher but please check your cooktop instruction manual before washing. The other part of a gas cooktop that can get grotty is the burner caps. When these become clogged with grease or food particles they will prevent proper gas flow, so it is important to check them regularly and use a damp cloth to clean them.
