Reviving your gas stove: Safety tips for spotless burners
Burnt-on grease, spilled milk, and sauce residues – under high temperatures, these can become a hard, persistent residue that's tough to remove. How can you get rid of it? We've prepared a step-by-step guide for you.
The gas stove is the heart of many kitchens. We often cook on it with love and passion, but just as often... we forget to clean it thoroughly. And that's a mistake! The burners, though unassuming, get dirty quickly – no less than the grates or countertops. Worse still, neglected burners are not just an aesthetic problem – they can pose a real safety risk.
The buildup of grease can obstruct gas flow, leading to an uneven flame or no flame at all. Contaminants can also block igniters, making it challenging – or even impossible – to light the stove. In extreme cases, it could cause gas to backfire or ignite uncontrollably. Clean burners are therefore important for both aesthetics and safety.
How to clean gas burners? A simple guide
Safety first. Before you start, disconnect the stove from any power source and turn off the gas. This is crucial – no cleaning while the stove is powered.
Disassemble the parts. Remove the burner caps and crowns—the metal parts with grooves where most of the dirt collects.
Clean the burner sockets. Prepare a bowl with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Use a toothbrush to spread the solution around the tiny holes under the burner crowns.
Next, dampen a wadded-up paper towel with the same solution and place it in the socket – let it work its magic!
Tackle burnt residues. For stubborn dirt, use regular toothpaste! Apply it to a toothbrush and gently scrub the burnt areas. Don't worry – you won't scratch the surface. For hard-to-reach areas, use a wooden toothpick, but be careful with the igniter – it's very sensitive.
Clean the metal parts. Soak the crowns and burner caps in the detergent solution, then scrub with a brush. Rinse under running water and ensure all parts are thoroughly dried.
Clean the inside of the sockets. Remove the soaked paper – it should take the contaminants with it. If necessary, wipe the inside with a toothbrush again.
Optionally – clean the nozzles. If you want to ensure full efficiency, you can unscrew the burner nozzle (you'll need a socket wrench) and gently clean its outlet with a copper wire.
Finally, dry all the parts and reassemble the stove. Done!
