How to Clean an Oven and Stove Top

Cleaning the oven or stovetop probably isn’t on anyone’s favorite weekend activity list. But when baked-on grease starts smoking or your burners just won’t shine, it’s time to face the grime.

The good news is that giving your oven and cooktop a solid clean doesn’t have to take all day (or a dozen elbow-grease-powered scrubs). With a few simple tricks, and maybe some help from self-cleaning ovens you can find right here at Metro Appliances & More, you can have your kitchen sparkling and smelling fresh in no time.

 

 

Why Clean Your Oven and Stove Top Regularly?

Besides the obvious (no one likes burnt-on cheese smoke setting off the alarm during dinner), regular cleaning can actually help your appliances work better and last longer. Grease buildup can affect how evenly your oven heats. Debris on burners can block flame flow or scratch surfaces. Cleaning often also gives you the chance to spot issues early, like worn-down seals or corrosion around burner caps.

 

How to Clean a Glass Cooktop Without Scratching

If your cooktop is black glass or ceramic, you’ll want to treat it like the fancy surface it is.

What to do:

1. Wait until the surface is completely cool.
   

2. Gently wipe away loose debris with a soft cloth or sponge.
   

3. Apply a few drops of cooktop cleaner or a homemade mix of vinegar and water.
   

4. Use a non-abrasive scraper (like a plastic razor blade) to lift off stuck-on residue.
   

5. Buff it dry with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.

What not to do: Avoid steel wool, harsh scrubbers, or baking soda paste on its own. Those can leave scratches that never quite buff out.

 

 

What’s the Best Way to Clean the Inside of Your Oven?

If you haven’t peeked in your oven since last Thanksgiving… you’re not alone.

There are two main options here:

1. Self-Cleaning Cycle

Most modern ovens, like the KitchenAid 30" Smart Single Wall Oven (Model: KOSE900HSS), have a self-cleaning feature that uses high heat to burn off grime. Just:

• Remove the racks (unless your model says they’re “self-clean safe”).
  

• Start the cycle.
  

• After it cools, wipe out the ash with a damp cloth.

Pro tip: Do this when you can open windows, as this process emits a faint metallic smell.

2. Manual Clean (aka elbow grease)

If your oven doesn’t have a self-clean setting or you prefer a natural method:

• Mix baking soda with water into a paste and coat the interior.
  

• Let it sit overnight.
  

• Spray with vinegar and watch the fizz.
  

• Wipe everything down with a warm, damp cloth.

 

 

How to Remove Baked-On Grease From a Stovetop

Gas burners and grates on ranges are grease magnets, especially after big meals or a few rounds of pasta night. Here’s what works:

1. Remove the grates and burner caps.
   

2. Soak them in hot, soapy water for at least 20 minutes.
   

3. For stubborn spots, sprinkle baking soda and spray vinegar.
   

4. Scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge.
   

5. Dry thoroughly before putting everything back together.

⚠️ Skip ammonia or oven cleaner unless the manufacturer says it’s safe.

 

How to Clean a Burnt Stove Top and Cooktop Without Damaging It

Accidentally left a pot to boil over? We’ve all been there. If your stovetop looks scorched:

• Sprinkle baking soda over the burnt area.
  

• Pour a little hydrogen peroxide on top (or use white vinegar).
  

• Let it sit and bubble for 10–15 minutes.
  

• Wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Repeat if needed, but don’t go hard with a metal scrubber or razor blade, especially on delicate finishes.

 

 

Upgrade Your Oven at Metro Appliances & More

You don’t need to wait for a deep spring clean to give your oven and cooktop some love. A quick wipe here and a baking soda scrub there can go a long way toward keeping your appliances looking new and working their best.

Is it time to upgrade to a cleaner, smarter oven? Contact us or visit us in person at one of our appliance store locations across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. From ovens to cooktops, we’re here to help you choose the best cooking appliance for your kitchen.

Browse our appliances online, including refrigerators, laundry appliances, dishwashers, and more. We also offer flexible financing options to make your purchase more affordable.

Related readings from our blog:

• Can I Air Fry In My Oven?

• Why Induction Cooktops Are A Game-Changer

• How To Clean A Smelly Dishwasher And Keep It Fresh

 

FAQ: Common Oven & Cooktop Cleaning Questions

1. Do baking soda and vinegar really clean ovens?

Yes! Baking soda lifts grime, and vinegar cuts through grease while reacting with the soda to help you scrub less.

2. What’s the best thing to clean a black glass cooktop?

Use a vinegar-water spray, a soft sponge, and a plastic scraper if needed. Avoid abrasives to keep the surface scratch-free.

3. How do you clean a burnt stove top?

Use baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar. Let it bubble, then gently wipe. Repeat as needed without harsh scrubbing.

4. How do you deep clean a cooking range?

Remove burner parts, soak and scrub them, clean under the grates, and wipe down the control panel and knobs.

5. Can vinegar be used to clean a stove?

Absolutely. Vinegar cuts grease and deodorizes. Just don’t use it on stone or marble surfaces, as it can etch them.

6. How often should I clean my oven and stove top?

For everyday cooking, a quick wipe-down after each use is ideal to prevent buildup. Deep clean your oven every 3–6 months, or sooner if you notice smoke or smells. Cooktops should get a more thorough clean weekly or after any major spill.