How to Clean Gas Stove Burners with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Gas stoves are a top choice for chefs and home cooks alike. The flames heat up quickly and cool down just as fast, making it easy to adjust the heat. However, over time, the precision and control of a gas stove can diminish as the gas ports get clogged with grease and grime. Not to mention, too many grease splatters can leave unsightly residue behind. This simple method, using common household items and a bit of elbow grease, will help bring your burners back to life. Read on to learn how to clean your gas stove burners.

How Often Should You Clean Gas Stove Burners?

The frequency of cleaning your burners depends on how often you use them (and how often spills happen). A good rule of thumb is that if the flame starts to flicker or turns yellow, it’s time for a deep clean. Otherwise, a thorough cleaning once a month should be sufficient, with regular maintenance — like wiping up spills — making the deep clean much easier.

This method relies on vinegar and baking soda, two natural cleaning agents you probably already have in your kitchen. Vinegar helps to break down grease, while baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to scrub away stubborn food and residue.

What You’ll Need:

• Pot holder (optional)
• Shallow pan
• White vinegar
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Baking soda
• Scrub brush or toothbrush

How to Clean the Grates

1. Let the burners cool completely. Remove the grates, burner caps, and heads. Use a pot holder if necessary to handle any parts that might still be warm.
2. Fill a shallow pan with a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar. Submerge the grates in the solution until they are fully covered.
3. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
4. Afterward, remove the grates and rinse them thoroughly.
5. Mix water and baking soda to form a paste.
6. Spread the paste over the grates and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
7. Scrub away any tough residue using a brush or toothbrush.
8. Rinse, dry, and clean the burner heads and caps before reassembling the stove.

How to Clean the Burner Heads and Caps

1. Combine equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the burner heads and caps generously with the solution.
3. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to loosen grease and grime.
4. Make a paste with water and baking soda.
5. Spread a thin layer of the paste over the burner heads and caps. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
6. Scrub away any baked-on food with a toothbrush or scrub brush.
7. Rinse, dry, and reassemble the parts.