Don't scrub and struggle. Here are 6 easy hacks for cleaning your stove burners

After you've spent all day cooking a delicious meal, the last thing you want to do is clean up the stove. But one look at your stove burners is enough to tell you that they're going to require some serious scrubbing. Or are they?

If cleaning isn't your favorite thing, you're in luck. Here are six easy ways to clean stove burners with minimal to no scrubbing. Remove the burners from the stove, decide which method you want to use and you'll have a clean stove in no time.

1. Soak in Soapy Water:

Remove the stove burners from the stove and soak them in a sink filled with warm, soapy water. Allow them to sit for about 30 minutes to loosen the grime. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub away any remaining residue, and rinse them thoroughly before drying.

This method works because the warm, soapy water helps to loosen the grease and grime from the stove burners. Soap acts as a surfactant, breaking down the surface tension of water and allowing it to penetrate and dissolve the dirt more effectively. Soaking the burners also softens the residue, making it easier to scrub away.

2. Baking Soda Paste:

Make a paste by combining baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the stove burners, focusing on the areas with stubborn stains. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently with a brush or sponge. Rinse off the paste and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Baking soda is an excellent natural cleaner due to its mild abrasive properties. When mixed with water to form a paste, it creates a gentle scrubbing action that helps remove stains and baked-on residue from the stove burners. Baking soda also has a slightly alkaline nature, which aids in breaking down grease and grime.

3. Vinegar and Baking Soda:

Sprinkle baking soda over the stove burners, then pour vinegar over them. The mixture will fizz, helping to loosen the grime. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub with a brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

Vinegar is acidic and can dissolve tough stains and mineral deposits. When combined with baking soda, a chemical reaction occurs, producing carbon dioxide bubbles. These bubbles help to lift and loosen dirt and grease from the stove burners. The acidic properties of vinegar further enhance the cleaning process by breaking down stubborn stains.

4. Ammonia Solution:

Place the stove burners in a sealable plastic bag, add half a cup of ammonia, and seal the bag tightly. Leave it overnight or for several hours to allow the ammonia fumes to break down the grease and grime. The next day, remove the burners, rinse them thoroughly, and wipe them clean.

Ammonia is a powerful degreaser and works effectively on heavily soiled stove burners. When sealed in a plastic bag, the ammonia fumes penetrate the grime, softening it and making it easier to remove. The prolonged exposure to ammonia helps break down the grease and dirt, resulting in cleaner burners.

5. Dishwashing Liquid and Hot Water:

Fill a sink or basin with hot water and add a few squirts of dishwashing liquid. Place the stove burners in the soapy water and let them soak for an hour. After soaking, scrub the burners with a brush or sponge to remove any remaining residue. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.

Dishwashing liquid is specifically formulated to cut through grease and remove food residue. When combined with hot water, it enhances its cleaning power. The heat from the water helps to loosen the grime, while the detergent breaks down the grease, allowing it to be washed away. This method is convenient and easily accessible for most households.

6. Commercial Oven Cleaner:

If the stove burners are heavily soiled and none of the above methods work, you can try using a commercial oven cleaner. Follow the instructions on the product label and ensure proper ventilation when using these strong chemicals. Apply the cleaner to the burners, let it sit for the recommended time, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.

Note that this method is chemical based. These cleaners typically have specific instructions for use, and their effectiveness may vary depending on the brand and formulation. It's important to use them according to the manufacturer's instructions and take appropriate safety precautions.