CLEANING STAINLESS STEEL COOKTOPS OR STOVETOPS PROPERLY
You rely on your cooktop to get the job done in the kitchen, and frequent use can lead to spills and splatters on the stainless steel surface. Cleaning stainless steel may seem daunting, but with the right tools and technique, you can get your cooktop clean and ready to prepare your next meal.
Use this guide to learn how to clean stainless steel stovetops and explore frequently asked cleaning questions.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN A STAINLESS STEEL COOKTOP?
The best way to clean your stainless steel cooktop is usually a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge and warm soapy water which should remove most food soils. You can also use special stainless steel cleaners or brighteners such as affresh® stainless steel brightener1 which can help clear away rust and remove heat discoloration and yellowing from stainless steel surfaces.
Always make sure to use tools and cleaners that are designed for the job, and approved for use with your specific model. Improperly cleaning stainless steel can damage the surface or leave visible streaks, so it is important to follow proper cleaning practices outlined in your owner’s manual.
Select Maytag® stainless steel cooktops feature a DuraGuard™ Finish that is easy to clean and helps keep your cooktop looking new and bright. DuraGuard™ finish preserves stainless steel by avoiding staining, discoloration and yellowing, while making even baked-on soils easier to clean. Stainless steel with DuraGuard™ finish should be cleaned the same way as traditional stainless steel.
HOW TO CLEAN A STAINLESS STEEL STOVETOP
Beyond daily cleaning with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water, you can deep clean your stainless steel cooktop in four easy steps: remove the grates, apply stainless steel cleaner, wipe the cleaner away and buff the surface. Read on below for more details about cleaning a stainless steel stovetop to help remove rust, yellowing and heat discoloration.
Always consult your product manual and the instructions on your surface cleaner before you begin cleaning any stainless steel appliance.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Stainless steel cleaner or brightener, like affresh® stainless steel brightener
Two clean microfiber towels
STEP 1: REMOVE AND CLEAN THE GRATES
Remove the grates from your cooktop so you can easily access the stainless steel surface. Clean your cooktop grates by scrubbing them with a sponge and a mildly abrasive cleaner. Some cooktop grates can be washed in the dishwasher, consult your oven’s owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.
STEP 2: APPLY CLEANER
How you apply your cleaner or brightener to stainless steel varies depending on the type of cleaner you use. If you’re using a spray, shake the bottle before spraying the surface in an S-shaped pattern. If you’re cleaning with a cream or paste, gently apply the product with a dry cloth in the direction of the grain. Allow the cleaner or brightener to sit for a few minutes.
STEP 3: WIPE AWAY CLEANING PRODUCT
Before you wipe away the cleaning solution, determine the direction of the grain. Look for vertical or horizontal lines in the stainless steel. If you see horizontal lines, wipe the cleaning product away from left to right. For a vertical grain, wipe in a downward motion.
STEP 4: BUFF THE SURFACE
Use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the surface of your stainless steel cooktop following the grain. This helps the stainless steel look polished and shiny.
SHOP AFFRESH® KITCHEN APPLIANCE CLEANERS
Affresh brand offers kitchen cleaners designed to keep your kitchen appliances clean and polished. Explore affresh® kitchen cleaners, including stainless steel brightener, to find the right option for your appliances.
DOES VINEGAR DAMAGE STAINLESS STEEL?
No, vinegar does not typically damage stainless steel and may be an effective cleaning solution. Combine vinegar and mineral oil into a spray bottle to easily apply to your stainless steel surfaces, then use a clean cloth to wipe the residue away in short strokes going with the grain of the steel.
DOES BAKING SODA DAMAGE STAINLESS STEEL?
Like vinegar, baking soda is another cleaning alternative that is typically safe to use on stainless steel. You can use a paste made of baking soda and water to gently clean stainless steel surfaces. Apply the paste in the direction of the steel grain, then wipe away with a dry cloth.
HOW DO YOU REMOVE BURNT-ON GREASE FROM STAINLESS STEEL STOVETOPS?
The best way to remove burnt-on grease from your cooktop is to use a paste made with liquid dish soap and baking soda. Apply the paste on the grease and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then use a sponge or soft nylon brush to scrub the spot gently.
Wipe away any remaining cleaning paste or grease with a clean cloth, following the direction of the grain. If there is any discoloration left behind, use a stainless steel brighter to help restore your stainless steel to a bright shine.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL STOVETOPS WITHOUT SCRATCHING?
You can keep your stainless steel cooktops clean and help prevent scratches with the following tips.
Only use cleaning products approved for cleaning stainless steel
Scrub with non-abrasive items like a sponge or nylon brush
Only scrub or wipe in the direction of the stainless steel grain
EXPLORE MAYTAG® GAS COOKTOPS
Maytag® gas cooktops offer you power and control in your kitchen. Explore four- and five-burner cooktops with features on select models like the Power™ Burner that lets you boil rapidly or gently simmer, or the Simmer Burner with Melt Cap that diffuses the flame and helps maintain low temperatures for simmering.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEANING KITCHEN APPLIANCES WITH MAYTAG BRAND
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How to Easily Clean Your Oven Find out how to clean your oven in a few quick steps with this guide. Learn how to clean different parts of the oven, and how often you should clean your oven.
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1. affresh® brand products and recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation
