We all agree stoves are an essential appliance in our kitchen. They have the important job of cooking our meals and are often, the first thing anyone sees when they walk into your kitchen. For this reason, it should stay looking fresh and new, but over time it can get dirty and grimy, filled with food particles and stains that ruin its aesthetic appeal. So, how do you keep your stove top looking brand new and shiny even after years of use? Here are some tips!
Step 1: Regular Cleaning
No secret here. The best way to keep anything looking new is regular cleaning. For a stove top, immediately after cooking or at least by the end of the day, wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge. This can help prevent the build up of dirt and grime.
Step 2: Use the Right Cleaning Agents
Not all cleaning agents are good for your stove. Harsh chemicals can scratch, tarnish, or even discolour the stove surface. For gas stove tops, a simple solution of vinegar and water will work wonders. If you’ve got a glass top electric or induction stove, use a cleaner specifically designed for that type of surface.
Also, remember to always fully rinse off any cleaning agents used to prevent any damage from leftover residues.
Step 3: Deal with Spills Immediately
One of the toughest challenges in keeping your stove top looking new is dealing with spills. Spills happen, whether from a pot boiling over or a sauce that sizzled too vigorously. Therefore, it’s important to clean them up immediately, or they will dry up, get cooked on and become a real pain to clean later. Dealing with stains while they are still fresh makes it much easier to keep your stove top looking new.
Step 4: Use the Right Tools
Just like with cleaning agents, not all cleaning tools are good for your stove. Avoid abrasive scrubbers like steel wool that can scratch your stove top. Instead, use soft cloths, non-scratch sponges, and plastic scrubbers.
Step 5: Deep Clean Occasionally
Aside from regular cleaning, your stove also needs a good deep cleaning at least once a month. Remove the burners and knobs if you can and clean under them. Make sure to also clean those areas you might usually skip, such as the edges and corners.
Step 6: Polish
Polishing is one tip that many overlook, but it’s definitely a game-changer. There are stove top polishes available in the market that can help your stove shine like it’s new. Remember to use a soft cloth when polishing to avoid scratches.
Step 7: Regular Maintenance
Lastly, regular maintenance checks can keep your stove looking new and functioning well. If you notice any problems like a knob not working properly or a burner not lighting up easily, get it checked and fixed immediately.
Maintaining a clean, good-looking stove top not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen but also prolongs the life of the stove. Of course, all stoves get old and will eventually wear down, but with proper care and maintenance, you can definitely keep yours looking new and fresh for a long time. Happy cooking!
