Even if you only cook occasionally, your stovetops can suffer splashes, stains, and spills. And the more you cook on the stovetop, the messier it gets. With the seemingly endless task of cleaning a stovetop, even the most diligent housekeepers will feel exhausted and unmotivated to clean the kitchen. So what is an efficient natural cleaning solution for making this task easier? Does baking soda clean stovetops?
Fortunately, baking soda can make the task easier. Baking soda does many things in the kitchen, including safely tackling dirt on stovetops. This ingredient works better than a typical soap. It is abrasive, helping to remove stains and dirt from several surfaces.
So, worry not and say goodbye to sauce stains and splattered grease. Here are the many ways you can clean your stovetops with baking soda.
How Often Should You Clean Your Stovetop?
Before we tackle how baking soda cleans the stove, it’s essential to know how often you should clean your stovetops. Well, the best way to make your stovetop sparkling clean is after you use it. This way, the dirt or stain is easy to clean, and you can remove it by wiping down the surfaces with a cloth or a soapy sponge.
If you do a “small clean” often on your stove tops, the less often you would do the “big clean.” But even if a “big clean” is needed, don’t fret because baking soda got your back.
Is Baking Soda Effective for Cleaning Stovetops?
Baking soda is a mainstay ingredient in baking recipes. However, not many people know about its cleaning magic. Baking soda is a salt, aka sodium bicarbonate. It is slightly basic (opposite of acidic), which is why it is an effective cleaner for stovetops and all other kitchen surfaces.
Factors to Keep in Mind Before Cleaning Your Stovetop with Baking Soda
Before you start the mission of removing stains from your stovetop, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Clean While Cool
This is a no-brainer. But just in case you are excited to keep the entire kitchen clean, don’t dare clean the stovetop while hot. Wait for the stovetop to cool down before you start the cleaning process.
Check Manufacturer’s Instructions
Stove tops are made from glass, ceramic, stainless steel, and other materials. Each stovetop type may require specific tools or products to clean them. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to clean your stovetop safely and avoid warranty violations.
Less is More
You can use chemical and other commercial cleaning products to remove stains from your stove tops. However, we believe less is more and baking soda and other household ingredients are enough to keep the stovetop clean.
Only Use Gentler Tools
While stove tops are resilient, it’s vulnerable to scratches, mainly if you use steel wool, scouring pads, or scrub brushes. You should use sponges or a microfiber towel instead.
How Does Baking Soda Clean Stovetops?
If it is not a stubborn stain, you can make your stovetops sparkling clean with baking soda alone. Please utilize this method once a week. After all, a tidy stovetop creates an inviting kitchen.
Here are a few steps to make your stovetops look neat through baking soda.
Things you’ll need:
- 3 Parts Baking Soda
- 1 Part Water
- Spray Bottle with water
- Wall Paint Brush
- Towels
Instructions:
- Create a baking soda paste by combining baking soda and water. You may only need one or two cups of this mixture, depending on the size of your stovetops.
- Use a brush to apply the baking soda paste to the stovetop. Make sure that voids in the stovetop are well-covered to ensure that they will not be damaged during the cleaning process. Allow the baking soda to set for about two hours.
- Spray some water on the stovetop and wait until the dirt breaks down. Then, wipe off the stovetop with a towel. If the stains are not completely dissolved, repeat this process.
- To finish, dry off the stovetop using a clean towel.
Can Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Clean Stovetops?
For tougher stains, you will need baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Combine this mixture and be ready for a fantastic result. Follow these steps to make your stovetop clean and fresh.
Things you’ll need:
- 3 Parts Baking Soda
- 1 Part Hydrogen Peroxide
- Scrub brush or sponge
- Towels
Instructions:
- Combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Make sure the paste is thick before spreading it on the stovetop.
- Using a scrub brush or sponge, put the paste on the stovetop. If it’s easier, you can also sprinkle baking soda, then pour hydrogen peroxide over it.
- Once you think the mixture has done its job, wipe it with a towel until all the baking soda is removed.
Can Baking Soda and Vinegar Clean the Stovetop?
A glass-type stovetop may be vulnerable to scratches and nicks. It’s advisable to clean this kind of stovetop with baking soda and vinegar. This mixture is safe, and vinegar will effectively remove residue and keep the stovetop looking brand new.
Follow these simple steps if you wish to try this method.
Things you’ll need:
- Baking Soda
- White Vinegar in a spray bottle
- A bowl of soapy hot water
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber towel
Instructions:
- Before starting the cleaning process, ensure the stove top is not hot. Wipe the stove top with a microfiber towel to remove residue from leftover food.
- Sprinkle the baking soda on the stovetops. Make sure that this ingredient is well spread-out.
- Get the spray bottle with white vinegar and spray it on the stovetop. As the solution mixes with baking soda, you will notice fizzing. This natural reaction causes food particles to loosen from the stovetop.
- Dampen the towel in the bowl of soapy hot water and put it over the stovetop. Keep the stovetop covered with the towel for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, wipe the baking soda residue using the same towel. You can moisten the cloth again if needed.
Can Baking Soda and Dish Soap Clean Stovetops?
Do you still want to know other ways baking soda cleans stovetops? Mixing baking soda with dish soap can make it a more powerful cleaning agent. Follow this guide if your stovetop has a lot of debris to clean.
Things you’ll need:
- Baking Soda
- Liquid Dish Soap
- Hot water
- Dish soap
- Bowl
- A dry cloth or small towel
Instructions:
- Remove debris with a dry cloth or small towel. If the dirt is stuck firmly on, use your fingernails or soft spatula.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the stovetop. Make sure that the stovetop is well-coated with baking soda.
- In a bowl, mix hot water and dish soap. Moisten the towel into this mixture.
- Spread out the wet towel over the baking soda. Make sure that the towel covers the entire stovetop. Leave the towel over the baking soda for about 30 minutes and wait as the magic happens.
- After the lapse of time, use the towel to wipe off the baking soda residue. Underneath, expect to see a sparkling stove top. For best results, repeat the process.
What Kind of Stovetop Should You Never Clean with Baking Soda?
Baking soda does clean stovetops effectively. However, there are materials or stovetops where baking soda harms them. Take a look at whether or not your stovetop is included in the list.
Marble
If your stovetop is made from marble, never use baking soda to clean it. While some sources may tell you that baking soda does well with marble, the truth is, it does not. Stone manufacturers will never allow you to use baking soda because it can affect the protective finish of the stovetop. It may also cause scratches once you use it on your marble-type stovetop.
Antique Silver
While baking soda can quickly eliminate tarnish and stains on silverware, it is not recommended for antique silver. Baking soda is too abrasive and may cause the stovetop to lose its shine.
Ceramic
Occasionally using baking soda to clean ceramic is fine. However, using it often may damage the material because of its abrasive effects. Should there be stubborn white film after you use baking soda, remove it with vinegar.
Conclusion
Stovetops can be easy to clean, but you need the right household products to maintain them. Fortunately, baking soda and other household items like vinegar, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide are available in most homes. When baking soda is mixed with other ingredients, the result is always adequate.
However, baking soda is not always safe for all stovetops. If this is the case, use a stovetop cleaner that is less abrasive and without harmful chemicals. That way, you can happily sleep at night knowing that no scratches or damage has been done to your stovetop.
If you’re interested in learning what else baking soda cleans, check out our post – Does Baking Soda Clean Gold?