How to Clean Gas Stove Burner Caps
Stove burner caps are made of cast iron and can easily be covered in dirt and grease from regular use. Cleaning stove burner caps and grates by yourself can be a rather difficult task and more so if not done using proper methods.
Stove burner caps are difficult to clean and are present in an area where they have a high contact with dirt and grime. If the dirt is ignored and left on the cap, it may then become burnt and thereby more difficult to remove. Although cleaning gas stove burner caps can be a messy task, it’s still doable if done using the right methods.
How Often Should Gas Stove Burners be Cleaned?
The stove burner caps and grates can easily be covered in the greasy spills and dropped oils from regular use. For an optimal performance you should make a weekly ritual to thoroughly clean your gas cooktop and range burners. It’s also important to clean the burners when the flow of gas becomes hindered due to food residue being spilled over from pots and pans.
Food residue can clog the holes around the burners and thereby prevent the flow of gas. If left unattended, these residues will become harder to remove over time. Failing to clean them regularly may cause the stains to gradually get harder to remove, even compelling you to replace the burners altogether. Hence, clean your burners whenever they work irregularly or exhibit a yellow colored flame. Consistency is crucial when deciding how often to clean the burner caps.
Cleaning Gas Stove Burner Caps | 3 Ways
Cleaning gas burner caps can help eliminate any build-up of grime on the inside of stove ports. This in turn helps you to avoid potential hazards, orange and yellow flames and other gas cooktop inefficiencies. But before beginning to clean, you should be sure to remove the burner caps, grates and heads.
1. How to Clean Gas Stove Burner Caps Using Vinegar and Baking Soda
Cleaning the gas burner caps can be done as effectively with baking soda and vinegar as with any other commercial chemicals. Both, natural gas and propane burners can be cleaned using the following DIY methods. Using natural products like baking soda and vinegar can also prevent any chemical contamination of our food and prevent the risks of fire hazards. After removing all the components of the stove, spray vinegar on all of the pieces.
- If the stove is particularly dirty soak each part in vinegar overnight
- Thereafter, Rinse each component with water
- Apply a thick paste of baking soda and water on the metal pieces and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Scrub all the pieces with an old toothbrush
- Use the tougher scourer to get the grime
- Do a final rinse using the dish soap and put all the pieces back together.
2. How to Clean Gas Stove Burner Caps Using Ammonia
Ammonia reacts when it comes in contact with something and works by creating fumes. These fumes can loosen the grime and dirt on the burner caps and remove them.
- Using rubber gloves and a zip bag, pour some ammonia and then add all your stove components such that they are fully covered in it
- Leave the bag for 3-10 hours depending on how dirty the components are
- Rinse each piece with water as soon as you take them out of the bag
- Wash them further with a soapy sponge
- Rinse them and make sure that each piece is completely dry before you put them back
3. How to Clean Gas Stove Burner Caps Using Oven Cleaners?
Oven cleaners aren’t specifically designed for cleaning burner caps but they are still able to remove the dirt and grime. They work well in case of ovens and will work equally good in burner caps as well. The recommended options are Carbona 2in1 Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner or The Pink Stuff – The Miracle Cleaning Paste and Multi-Purpose Spray 2-pack Bundle.
- Spray the oven cleaner on each component and leave it for around 10 to 20 minutes
- Wipe the components with a brush or scrubber to remove the dirt and grease
- Rinse them with water and dry thoroughly before putting them back
Common Safety Precautions to take While Cleaning Stove Burner Caps
- Ensure that everything is cold and the stove is cooled off before you attempt to clean the burner caps or stove.
- Clean only when the cooktop, grates and caps are all cool
- Make sure to shut off the valve before starting the cleaning
- Turn off the gas and electricity connection
- If the condition of the caps is very bad, then at first remove the loose dirt using a dry brush or towel
- Make sure that you take requisite precaution while using ammonia as a household cleanser, since inhaling ammonia can cause lung problems
- Before reassembling the components and the burner caps make sure that they are completely dry
- Use rubber gloves and safety glasses to avoid injuring the surface
Other Useful Guides for Electric and Induction based Smoothtops
- How to Prevent Scratches on Induction Cooktops
- How to Use Non-Induction Cooktop on Induction Cooktops
- Does Cast Iron Work on Induction Cooktops
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There are a range of different methods and cleaning products available and you can choose the one which is best suited for your household. Make sure that you shut off the gas valve and remove the burner caps as you begin cleaning.
Take your time cleaning the stove and burner caps but be thorough with the process.
Before you begin with the cleaning process, it’s good to refer to the owner’s manual. This while acting as a safety insurer may also reveal some good tips on cleaning the burner caps. A clean burner cap helps in avoiding a poor ignition and uneven flames.
