Whether you’re a keen cook or just use your cooktop to reheat leftovers, you’re likely to have experienced the frustration of cleaning a cooktop. Over time, your cooktop can build up grime, gunk and baked on spills. This can make cleaning an unpleasant chore, but there are some tips and tricks to make cleaning easier.

Get the Right Tools

Liquid surface cleaners and paper towels are often sufficient for light cleaning of an electric or gas cooktop, but if yours is particularly dirty, you may need additional tools. Cooktop cleaning brushes are inexpensive, but can be used to brush debris off or break up tougher grime spots. Burned on residue can be removed using a razor scraper, just take care not to scratch the surface.

Assess Natural Cleaners

While you’re likely to find lots of kitchen cleaning sprays at most grocery stores, you may not need these often pricey solutions. You’re likely to have two of the most effective cleaners already in your kitchen: Lemon and vinegar are not only cheap, but also powerful. Lemons can be used to great effect with baking soda. You just need to sprinkle baking soda lightly on the surface and rub it with lemon before you wipe with a damp cloth to clear the remnants. Vinegar can be used in a one part vinegar, two parts water solution. Put this in a spray bottle for everyday cleaning.

Wipe When Warm

While this is not a great tip for cleaning a mess right now, but it can prevent future problems. When you are cooking, if there are any splashes or spills, try to wipe them while the surface is still warm. It may not be possible to wipe down as you’re cooking, as you’ll be risking a burn, but if you can remember to come back and wipe down before the cooktop fully cools, it will be easier to clean.

Disassemble Before Soaking

Many types of cooking station, particularly gas stovetops, have components that can be easily removed. While you may have difficulty cleaning the stovetop with these elements in place, by disassembling, you can soak these parts to make the task easier.

When your cooktop has stubborn spills and stains baked on, it is a good idea to check what parts can be removed and soak them in your sink. This will help the gunk to soften, so it may just slide off. The rest can be scrubbed clean easier after a soak. Just be sure to thoroughly dry all the components before you reassemble.

Tackle it Frequently

While no one enjoys the prospect of tackling a dirty cooktop, doing this task regularly will make it easier. When you clean regularly, you’ll find your efforts are more effective. By having a weekly schedule for cleaning your cooktop and other tricky areas of your kitchen, grime and stains won’t have the chance to properly set in. There is nothing more challenging than trying to clean layers and layers of accumulated, baked on grime, so it is best to clean regularly to stop the layers of spills and stains from making themselves at home on your cooktop.

If your cooktop is getting more and more difficult to clean, it may be time to upgrade. If your cooktop has had a hard life, it is possible that the finish has started to become pitted and this will make it more difficult to clean.

If you’re considering upgrading your cooktop, you can explore your options with this online collection of cooktops, ranges, and ovens, or speak to a home appliance specialist for additional help and guidance.