Cleaning grease from a stove involves tackling both everyday splatters and tough, baked-on grime. For lighter grease, a simple degreaser and scrubbing are usually sufficient. However, for heavy, stubborn build-up, a more intensive method, like using a heavy-duty oven cleaner and covering it to prevent drying, is often necessary.
Tackling Light Grease
Regular cleaning prevents grease from building up and becoming difficult to remove.
Here’s how to clean common grease spills:
- Prepare: Ensure the stove is cool. Remove grates, burner caps, or coils if applicable.
- Apply Cleaner: Spray a commercial degreaser or a mixture of warm water and dish soap onto the greasy areas.
- Wipe Away: Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the grease away. For dried spots, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently.
- Rinse and Dry: Wipe the surface with a clean, damp cloth to remove any cleaner residue, then dry with a separate cloth to prevent water spots.
Cleaning Heavy and Baked-On Grease
When grease is greasy and grimy, as noted in the reference, a more powerful approach is needed. Heavy-duty oven cleaner is recommended for this type of build-up.
Follow these steps for tough grease:
- Protect Surroundings: Cover nearby surfaces and the floor with newspapers or drop cloths, as oven cleaner is potent. Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation.
- Apply Heavy-Duty Oven Cleaner: Spray it on thick onto the heavily greased areas of the stove surface.
- Cover with Plastic Wrap: Cover it with Saran Wrap. This is crucial because it ensures that the cleaner doesn't dry up at all, allowing it to penetrate the grease effectively while it sits.
- Let It Sit: Let it sit for the time recommended on the oven cleaner product label (this can vary, often 30 minutes to several hours, or even overnight for very tough grime). The plastic wrap keeps the cleaner active.
- Wipe and Scrub: Carefully remove the plastic wrap. Use a non-abrasive sponge, cloth, or plastic scraper to wipe away the dissolved grease and cleaner. Be prepared for some scrubbing on particularly stubborn spots.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Wipe the stove surface repeatedly with a clean, damp cloth to remove all chemical residue. This may take several passes.
- Dry: Dry the surface completely with a clean, dry cloth.
Important Considerations:
- Always read the manufacturer's instructions for both your stove and the cleaning products you use. Some cleaners may not be suitable for certain stove finishes (e.g., stainless steel, enamel).
- Avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemicals not designed for stoves, as they can scratch or damage the surface.
- Clean spills as they happen to prevent grease from baking on and becoming hard to remove.
By using the right technique for the level of grease, including employing a heavy-duty cleaner and the cling wrap method for tough grime, you can restore your stove top to a sparkling clean condition.
