What is an enamel stove top?

An enamel stove top is one of the most popular types of stovetops out there. Their glass-enamel surface provides a smooth, non-stick cooking surface that can also be cleaned easily. With this article, you’ll find all the best tips and tricks for cleaning your enamel stovetop. You’ll learn how to avoid scouring off the enamel coating with harsh abrasives, how to remove burned-on food particles, and more. 

SO how to clean an enamel stovetop?

When you’re trying to clean your enamel stovetop, it’s important to avoid scrubbing too hard or using abrasive sponges or scouring pads that might end up scratching the surface. It would be best to use a non-abrasive cloth and make sure to rinse it in warm water before each use. Here are some other tips for cleaning your stovetop:

1) Remove any spills as soon as possible. You can use a dry towel or if needed, a couple of tablespoons of baking soda mixed with enough water to turn the baking soda into a paste.

2) Cooking over high heat can lead to scorching that’s difficult to remove from your enamel cooktop.

3) Don’t use coarse, strong scourers or steel wool as these could scratch and damage your enamel surface.

4) Always use flat-based pots so they do not scratch your enamel surface.

5) Don’t slide pans or pots on your stovetop.

6) Don’t use metal utensils on the stovetop as they can scratch and damage your enamel surface.

7) Clean spills before they dry.

8) Remove any burnt-on food with a plastic spatula if possible. It will be less likely to scrape or mar your enamel surface.

9) Clean your enamel stovetop every day with a soft cloth and warm water and mild dishwashing liquid. You can also use baking soda or salt to absorb food stains and grease.

10) Always allow the surface of your stovetop to cool before you attempt any cleaning.

11) When putting away pots, put them on a towel to avoid scratching the surface.

12) Clean your enamel stove top regularly to keep it in tip-top condition and maintain a non-stick surface.

Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning your stovetop:

– Using strong acids, such as vinegar or lemon juice, on the stove top surface. These can dissolve the protective enamel coating and lead to a much rougher surface. So, when it comes time to clean your stove top, use milder soaps and cleaners instead.

– Scrubbing too hard with abrasive pads or sponges. Since enamel is a delicate surface, take care not to scrub too hard lest you wear away at it and change its smooth surface into a texture that scratches easily.

– Boil water in a pan on the burner. The burners on an electric range typically get hotter than gas ranges making this mistake more likely. When you boil water in one of these pans, the boiling liquid will seep down under the burner cap and loosen it up. Once this happens, the burner cap can become loose to the point where it falls off completely. The solution? Use a potholder or oven mitt when lifting stovetop lids by grabbing onto them underneath where they attach.

How to maintain the protective coating on your stove top

The first step in keeping your enamel clean is avoiding abrasive cleaners like Comet or Ajax which will wear down the protective coating on your stove top and cause it to crack. Even if you don’t use these products yourself, make sure they’re not left lying around where kids might get at them. This will prevent accidental damage to your stovetop.

Another important thing to remember is that it’s important not to use harsh chemicals on your enamel stovetop while cleaning, especially bleach-based cleaners. These products are very strong and can eat through the protective coating of your stovetop if they are left on for an extended period of time. You also don’t want to use commercial oven cleaners since these will also eat through the enamel surface.

The best way to clean your enamel stovetop is with warm water and a mild dish soap solution, along with a soft cloth or sponge. It’s important to remember not to apply too much pressure when scrubbing this type of surface since it can cause the enamel to crack.

It’s also a good idea to keep a pot of water boiling on your stovetop while it’s turned off, or fill a pan with just enough water so that the bottom isn’t touching the surface. This will help prevent burned-on food from being cooked onto the surface.

Finally, remember to never put your stovetop into the dishwasher. While this is normal for most smooth surfaces like glass or porcelain, putting your stovetop through a dishwasher cycle will actually remove the protective coating and cause it to etch over time. 

Tips for avoiding scouring off the surface with harsh abrasives

1) Use a metal spatula designed for non-stick cookware to gently scrape off large pieces of food particles.

2) Spray the area with water, then cover with salt or baking soda. Let this sit until it forms a paste, then scrub away at the grime for between 5-10 minutes to release hardened stains. Rinse the area with water until all of the salt or baking soda has been removed.

3) Apply a paste of lemon-infused oil and baking soda, scrub it in and let this sit for 5 minutes before rinsing off. This mixture will penetrate into surfaces that are extra greasy without doing any damage to your stove top enamel.

4) Apply a paste of baking soda, water and liquid dish soap. Scrub this in thoroughly to get all areas, then rinse off with warm water. Be sure not to let the stove top air dry completely since this can lead to streaking or spotting on the surface. Instead, use a soft cloth or paper towel to gently pat the surface dry. 

Tips for removing burnt-on food from the stovetop:

1) Add a little baking soda and water to a paste and apply it over the grime, then leave it on for 10 minutes before scrubbing away with a soft cloth or sponge. If this doesn’t work, try pouring boiling water directly onto the stains and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

2) Use a metal spatula to gently scrape off the large pieces of food particles, then turn on the broiler element in your oven to 450 degrees. Once it’s hot, place aluminum foil over the mess on the stove top and leave it until all of the particles are burnt on. This will burn off the grease on top, making it easy to remove with a soft cloth or sponge.

3) Place some ice cubes in a pot of water, then bring this to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling, turn off the stove and hold your hand above the surface to feel for any hot spots. If you feel any spots that are still warm, then transfer this water to a sink or bucket and let it sit until all of the steam has lifted away the particles.

4) Put on some heavy-duty rubber gloves and pour either lime juice or oven cleaner onto the mess, then allow it to sit for at least 24 hours. Once this has had time to work, use a soft cloth or sponge and some warm water to scrub away the particles.

5) If you have any fine steel wool pads you prefer not to use then these can also be used on your stovetop enamel surface. For added protection during the cleaning process, cover the pad with a thick layer of baking soda and pour on some white vinegar. Let this mix sit for 5 minutes, then scrub the mess away with the pad. 

Tips for avoiding chips and scratches to your enamel stove top and other stove tops 

1) Use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface after cooking on it to remove any grease or food particles. Doing so will help prevent these from being baked onto by high-heat cooking elements.

2) If you have a gas stove, wait until the pilot light has been extinguished before cleaning the surface of your stovetop. When lighting a new burner, hold a match below the knob to allow any residue buildup on top to burn away. This will prevent it from entering into the knob and causing damage.

3) When cutting raw meat on your stovetop, be sure to use a piece of wood or plastic as a cutting board so that you don’t scratch the surface with metal objects.

4) While cooking, place pot holders over burners once they’ve been turned off so that you don’t accidentally turn them on without realizing it.

5) Always be careful when transporting pots and pans with handles since these can easily scratch or chip the surface.

6) Never use metal utensils in your enamel stove top since this will leave scratches behind that are very difficult to remove. Wooden spoons, rubber scrapers, and plastic spatulas are much better for this type of surface.

7) Avoid cleaning your stove top with abrasive cleaners, steel wool pads or scouring powders that are too harsh on the surface. This can lead to scuffs, chips and scratches over time.

8) Only use a glass cleaner on your glass stovetop since you should never use products containing ammonia on any enamel or ceramic surface. 

We have some more tips for you.

9) If you do notice any small chips on your stovetop enamel, fill the area with a little baking soda and water to form a paste. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing away with a soft cloth or sponge.

10) Be sure that you properly ventilate your kitchen whenever you use an oven cleaner or stove top cleaner.

11) Try not to leave your stove on for long periods of time since this will cause heat and moisture buildup that can lead to spots, stains and damage. If you need to keep it on overnight or while you’re away then turn on the fan and open any nearby windows and doors that lead outside.

12) Place a fireproof mat under any gas burners since they can get very hot and damage surfaces underneath them if you’re not careful.

13) If you have a glass heat stovetop, then never use cold water in your sink when cleaning it with the built-in sprayer. Doing so can cause cracks to form in the glass. Instead, use warm water to rinse it down.

14) To prevent a buildup of baked-on foods on your stovetop enamel, be sure to fill a small bowl with some dish soap and water. Let this foam up for a couple seconds before wiping away any grime with a sponge or cloth. This will ensure that there’s a barrier between the cleaner and your enamel.

15) Never leave any of your stovetop cooking elements on for long periods of time since this can damage them over time. Always turn them off when they’re not in use. If you have a glass heat stove top surface, then be sure to place pot holders over any burners that you’ve turned off to avoid burns.

16) To clean your enamel stove top after a big cooking mess, cover the entire surface with a thick layer of baking soda and then pour on some white vinegar. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes before scrubbing away all residue with a sponge or cloth. This will help break down any baked on food particles and will also cut through any grease stains. You may want to use a sponge with a scrubbing pad if the residue is particularly stubborn.

17) If you do notice some scuffing or chipping, then fill it in with a good quality auto enamel paint that matches your stovetop color as closely as possible. You’ll have to apply several coats until you can’t see the old chips anymore. Let each coat dry for 24 hours before applying the next one.

18) If your stovetop has sealed burners, then never try to lift or remove them since doing so may cause permanent damage. Always replace them with new ones if they become damaged or broken.

19) To clean the bottom of your stove, place a mixture of water and dish soap in a spray bottle and then shake it well. Spray down the area that you need to clean and then wipe away any dirt with a sponge or cloth. You can also use this method for cleaning off your oven floor.

None of those worked? Don’t be disheartened, there’s lots more to try and take care of

20) Never use abrasive scouring pads on your stovetop enamel since they can lead to permanent scratches. This goes for any non-abrasive cleaners as well.

21) You can also use steel wool or aluminum foil in place of a scrubbing sponge when cleaning your ceramic glass stove top surface. However, avoid using them around the burners and on any other enameled areas, as they can lead to permanent scratches.

22) If you do notice some sticky messes or baked-on foods on your stovetop enamel, simply fill the area with baking soda and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then scrub away any residue using a sponge or cloth soaked in warm water. If the area is really stubborn, then you may want to try using an old toothbrush to get in between seal lines.

23) To prevent rust from forming on your stovetop enamel over time, place some protective stove top pads or trivets underneath any cooking elements that are left on overnight. Also be sure to check the tops of these appliances for any debris or splatters that may damage them.

24) Look for scrubbing pads, sponges and cloths that are labeled as safe to use on glass stove top surfaces if you need to clean your ceramic glass stovetop surface. Keep in mind that steel wool is not safe to use with glass stove tops since it can lead to permanent scratches.

Well cleaning your enamel stove top is hard work and we want to make sure you have all the tips and tricks you can to keep it clean and make sure it stays clean. Continue reading if you want to learn about some more options

25) To clean your stovetop enamel without causing any damage, it’s best to use two different sponges—one for the top of the stove and one for the bottom. These should have a textured side that can scrub away tough residue, while its other side should be smooth so that it doesn’t scratch your enamel.

26) To keep your stovetop enamel looking like new, apply a thin coat of paste wax every few months using a soft cloth or old cotton T-shirt. This will also help it resist stains and heat up more quickly. However, be sure to remove the wax before turning on any burners since it can catch fire and cause damage.

27) If you need to store or move your stove, then be sure to first remove its knobs and handles. Once it’s ready to go, simply lay a towel down and rest your range top on it before sliding it wherever you want. Never try picking up an enamel stove top using the controls since it can break off.

28) If you have a smooth-top range without visible knobs, then use a damp sponge to wipe away any dust and debris particles that might collect over time. Be sure to avoid using soap or other cleaning products on its surface since they can leave stains or damage the enamel finish.

29) To quickly clean away any grime from your stovetop, try microwaving a bowl filled with water and dish detergent for 1 to 2 minutes. Then simply wipe up the gunk using a damp sponge or cloth.

30) If you’re looking for a natural way to clean your range top, then try using ammonia and water instead of dish detergent and water. Since ammonia has natural grease-cutting properties, it’s often used on range tops that need some extra cleaning power.

31) If you have an electric stovetop, then be sure to clean it around once a month so that rust or other dirt doesn’t damage its coils. If your stovetop has sealed burners, then you don’t need to clean underneath them like with freestanding stoves.

32) Be sure to also avoid using abrasive cleaning pads since they can scratch the surface of your range top and make it less durable.  If you need to scrub away tough stains, then try using a natural pumice stone instead.

Final thoughts

A stovetop is a central part of any kitchen, but many people don’t know how to clean one. Fortunately, this article contains all the necessary information you need for cleaning your enamel stovetop without damaging it! You would have learnt what materials are best for various tasks—from removing tough stains with vinegar or pumice stones to avoiding scratches by using sponges instead of cloths. With these helpful tips and tricks, there’s no reason why anyone should have an unclean stovetop again! If you’re looking for more great articles on anything to do with the kitchen check out more of our blog. And don’t forget to have a read through our article on how to clean a black enamel stovetop