If you’ve ever looked at your greasy cooktop and wondered how to clean the cooktop without spending an hour scrubbing—don’t worry, I’ve been there too. I used to just wipe it down quickly and hope for the best. But over time, the stains and burnt spots got worse. So I figured out a simple routine using things I already had at home—and it actually works!
In this post, I’ll walk you through how I clean my gas cooktop step by step, share some useful tips, and show you how to keep it looking fresh every day.
Why It’s Important to Know How to Clean the Cooktop
Your cooktop goes through a lot—boiling pots, frying pans, and the occasional messy spill. Cleaning it regularly isn’t just about making it look nice. It also helps your burners work better, keeps your kitchen safe, and extends the life of your cooktop.
Whether you have a gas, electric, or glass surface, a weekly clean can make a huge difference.
What I Use to Clean My Cooktop
No expensive products needed. I use these simple items:
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- A soft sponge or cloth
- Old toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth or paper towels
Step-by-Step: How to Clean the Cooktop
1. Make Sure It’s Cool
First things first—never clean a hot cooktop. Let it cool completely so it’s safe and easier to clean.
2. Remove Grates and Burner Caps
Take off the grates and burner covers and soak them in warm, soapy water. This helps loosen grease and food bits.
3. Wipe Away Loose Crumbs
Use a dry paper towel or cloth to remove crumbs, dust, or food that’s sitting on the surface.
4. Spray with Vinegar Mix
I spray a mix of half vinegar and half water over the cooktop and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This helps loosen grime and cuts through grease.
5. Scrub Gently
I use a soft sponge for regular spots and a mix of baking soda + vinegar for the burnt ones. The fizz does most of the work! An old toothbrush is perfect for cleaning around the burners.
6. Wipe and Dry
After scrubbing, I wipe everything down with a damp cloth, then dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.
7. Clean and Reattach the Grates
By now, the grates and burner caps are ready to be scrubbed, rinsed, dried, and placed back. Everything looks clean and fresh!
Keeping the Cooktop Clean Longer
These small daily habits help me avoid deep cleaning too often:
- Wipe the cooktop after cooking
- Clean up spills right away
- Use splatter guards when frying
- Do a weekly deep clean—it only takes 15 minutes
Choosing the Right Cooktop Makes Cleaning Easier
If you’re shopping for a new cooktop, look for one that’s easy to maintain. I personally use a gas cooktop from one of our Best Gas Cooktops picks—and I couldn’t be happier. It performs well and cleaning it is super manageable with this routine.
Final Thoughts on How to Clean the Cooktop
Now that you know how to clean the cooktop the easy way, it doesn’t have to feel like such a big task. With a few simple tools and a regular routine, your cooktop can stay clean, safe, and ready to use every day.
Have a cleaning trick that works for you? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to try it out and maybe feature it in a future post!