Make sure the surface is completely cool to the touch before cleaning. A deeper clean can be done about once a week. Select Whirlpool® Gas Cooktops feature EZ-2-Lift™ Hinged Cast-Iron Grates that make cleaning simple.
The method: Mix up a 1:3 water-to-baking soda paste and spread it generously all over the surface of the grates. Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes then scrub a bit with a sponge and rinse in warm soapy water. Pat dry.
How often you should clean your stove depends on whether you clean it right after cooking every time you use it. A good rule of thumb is to clean a stove about once a month. If you happen to be pretty consistent with cleaning your stove after cooking, the baking soda paste method should work just fine.
In addition, clean cast-iron stove grates on an as-needed basis when major spills or splatters happen during cooking. Cast-iron stove grates should be seasoned, much in the same way you would season a cast-iron pan.
Helpful Hint: To prevent rusting of cast iron grates, apply a light coating of cooking oil to the bottom of the grate.
Burner grates may become discolored with normal use. Some cooking methods or cookware result in heavier staining. A white or gray residue may be left on burner grates if using pots and pans made of metals other than anodized aluminum, stainless steel, or cast iron.
In general, it's recommended to clean your stovetop grates once a week if you cook often. “Besides being a mess, the leftover food on your stovetop grates can leave a smell every time you cook,” says Truong.
A dirty oven can build up grease and food, posing health risks. These risks aren't just about cleanliness; they can also affect your food's taste and safety. Ignoring your oven's upkeep can harm your health and safety. It can also make your oven less efficient and effective.
Baking Soda Method
Create a paste of baking soda with a few drops of water. Remove the grates, caps, and heads and wash with dish soap. Next, use the paste to coat all the parts you removed from the stovetop. Let them sit with the baking soda paste on them for up to an hour.
All grates without bumpers (including flat-wire grates) can be cleaned in a self-clean oven. In 2016, bumpers started being moved from the grates to the cooktop surface on new gas range models. Current 2017 gas ranges models (including free-standing, slide-ins and drop-ins) now have self-cleanable grates.
If you're washing them in the dishwasher, make sure to place the grates in the lower rack and select the most aggressive cycle. Scrubbing the grates by hand ahead of time can improve the cleaning process.
Stove Grate Cleaning Method: Dawn Professional Heavy-Duty Degreaser. The Method: I've been hearing that this stuff is magic. For cleaning your stove grates, just spray the solution on, wipe clean, rinse, then dry. For extra-stubborn stains, just let the solution sit for longer.
Some people swear by Easy Off, a popular oven cleaner that can be used successfully to clean tough grime off of your cast iron stove grates when used according to the directions on the package.
In general, it's recommended to deep-clean your oven every three months to keep it clean and cranking out delicious dishes time after time. If you're cooking often, you may need to clean a bit more often, whereas an oven that's used less often will likely do just fine with quarterly cleanings.
The Risks of Not Cleaning Your Oven
If you neglect to clean your oven, grease and food debris can build up and cause a range of issues. This includes smoke, unpleasant odours, and even fires.
This can be more difficult than cleaning electric stoves due to burners, grates, and other components that can collect grease and food residue. Cleaning a gas stove typically involves removing the burner grates, cleaning them separately, and wiping down the burners and other components with a degreaser or soapy water.
If your grates or caps are very dirty, create a paste by mixing three parts baking soda to one part water. Coat the grates in this mixture and set aside for 20 minutes.
Monthly Deep Clean
Experts recommend a thorough cleaning of your oven and stove at least once a month. This includes: Oven Interior: Remove the racks and use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply it to the interior surfaces, let it sit for a few hours, and then scrub and wipe clean.
Though it depends on how frequently you use your microwave, a good rule of thumb is to clean your microwave about once a week. Frequent cleaning helps prevent messes from getting caked on and makes each wipe down that much easier. Be sure to clean your microwave immediately after any large spills or splatters occur.
Use a non-metal, soft bristled brush, pad or sponge to scrub away at and remove any food residue or grease on the grates. Ensure to get into all the crevices and awkward places to get rid of dirt. Once the grates are all free from grime, rinse with warm water until there are no traces of soap.
Here's how to use vinegar to clean stovetop grates:
Fill your sink, basin, or bathtub with enough very hot water to cover the grates. Add half to 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Let the grates soak for 15-30 minutes to overnight. Scrub using a natural brush or non-scratch scouring pad, if necessary.