Gas stoves have many advantages and are becoming more popular in modern homes. Gas stoves heat quickly, cook food quicker, are more versatile for grilling or searing, and they are easier to regulate the temperature. Gas stoves require more attention than electric stoves. Cleaning and properly maintaining a gas stove will help you avoid a stove appliance repair and help keep it working efficiently. These are our top tips for gas stove maintenance.

1. Wipe Up Messes Daily

Cooking can be a chaotic endeavor, and gas ranges for kitchens often get the brunt of spills, crumbs, and other messes. While it may be tempting to leave small bits of food or liquid on the range until a later time, it’s best to wipe up messes as soon as possible. Once your burners are off, and have had time to cool, you should use a mild cleaning solution and clean rag to wipe up messes.

Doing this task can take a few minutes each day, but it can save you a lot of time down the road when you don’t have to spend hours scrubbing away baked on messes. This also ensures that food or liquids won’t catch fire the next time you use the burner, which can be dangerous.

2. Inspect And Clean Burner Channels Regularly

The burner channels are responsible for moving the gas from your supply to the rings of the burner which supply your pots and pans with heat. Burner channels are located under the gas cap, and they can get clogged after some time. When this happens, the burners won’t supply an even distribution of heat, which can negatively impact your cooking. Blocked burner channels are also a fire hazard.

To clean your burner channels, use a pipe cleaner or straw cleaner. Avoid using a toothpick or anything else that is made of flammable materials. Toothpicks can break off into your burner channels, which can create a bad situation once a flame is ignited again.

3. Deep Clean Grates About Once Per Month

The grates have the important job of holding your pots and pans steady above the flame, which means they tend to be the dirtiest, grimiest part of the gas stove. In most gas ranges for kitchens, the grates are removable, which allow you to perform deep cleans to restore them to their former glory. The best way to clean grates is to soak them in the sink with a vinegar and soap solution. After 15 minutes the burnt-on crusts should lift right off.

4. Avoid Using Harsh Cleaning Products And Abrasives

When going to clean a difficult mess, many people reach for the strongest cleaning products they can get their hands on or use steel wool. Both options can wear the enamel on your stove, which can alter the look and functionality of your stove. Instead, opt for a mild cleaning solution made with vinegar, dish soap, and water, and stick to using rags or washcloths to wipe away messes.

5. Get Your Stove Checked Once A Year

One of the best ways to be sure that your gas range remains in safe working order is by having a professional check its functionality on a yearly basis. They can spot problems while they are still small, and fix the problem while they are most affordable.