Maintenance Monday: How to Deep Clean Your Stove Top

Are you ready to give your kitchen a refresh for spring? Welcome back to Maintenance Monday, where today we're rolling up our sleeves and using a bit of elbow grease with a task that will make your stovetop shine -- deep cleaning those often neglected drip pans!

 

Step 1: Remove the Burner Coil

To kick things off, you'll want to begin by removing the burner coil from your stovetop. Depending on your stove model, this may involve gently lifting the coil from its socket, or releasing it with a quick twist. Be sure to also disconnect any electrical plugs before moving to the next step! 

 

Step 2: Remove the Drip Pan

Now that the burner coil is out of our way, we can get to the actual drip pan. These handy trays work to catch any spills or debris while cooking, but this means they can quickly also collect grease and grime. Carefully lift the drip pan from its position to avoid spilling anything inside, and set it aside for cleaning.

 

Step 3: Cleaning the Drip Pan

Now for the main event -- getting that pan clean! Depending on the level of. buildup accumulated, you may need to try a few different cleaning techniques. For light buildup and a quick clean, a simple mixture of dish soap and warm water will do the trick. Just soak the drip pan for a few minutes to loosen any residue, then scrub with a sponge or brush until it's sparkling!

 

For any tougher stains or baked-on grease, consider using a specialized stove cleaner from the grocery store, or make a paste from baking soda and water. Apply the cleaner of your choice to the drip pan, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub away with a non-abrasive sponge.

 

Step 4: Reassemble Your Stovetop

Once the drip pan is clean and dry, it's time to put everything back together. Carefully place the drip pan back into its place, ensuring it's aligned properly inside your stovetop. Next, reinsert the burner coil into the socked, and reconnect any electrical plugs you unplugged in Step 1.

Give everything a final wipedown to remove any lingering crumbs or debris, and voila! Your stovetop is ready for spring!  

 

BONUS ROUND

If you've got the time and you're already in deep cleaning mode, why not give the rest of your stovetop some TLC? Here are a few extra tips to make sure your cooking space is absolutely sparkling: 

 

Remove Burner Grates

If your stove features burner grates, remove them and soak in warm, soapy water to loosen any grease or residue. Scrub with a sponge or brush, then rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing.

 

Scrub Burner Caps

If your stove model has burner caps, (small, metal discs that sit atop burner heads), don't forget to give those a quick clean! Remove them and soak in warm, soapy water, then scrub or wipe with a sponge to remove any buildup.
 

Wipe Down the Control Knobs

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the knobs that control the heat and power on your stovetop, removing any grease or grime. For stubborn stains, a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water can help dissolve buildup.

 

By incorporating a couple extra steps into your standard wipe-down cleaning routine, you will keep your stovetop looking its best and ready for any cooking task! Stay tuned for more Maintenance Monday tips and tricks in the future to keep your apartment in top-notch condition!

 

Remember: Your Safety Always Comes First

While cleaning your stove's drip pans is a relatively simple task, it's essential to take care when working with any electrical appliance. If you're unsure or uncomfortable performing maintenance tasks, contact our maintenance team for assistance.