Q.
Our stove has really bad stains on it. We’ve used the cleaning solution that came with it, but there are still stains! Do you have any secrets for getting it clean again?
A.
We completely understand your frustration on this one. No one wants stove stains crusties ruining a sparkling-clean kitchen. You started by doing the right thing, though. We hear that specialized stove cleaners really work best, so you should always try using them first. Make sure to follow the directions exactly as they are on the back of the bottle. For example, it does make a difference whether you wipe down with a wet or dry cloth. If you’re using a regular cloth and the crud won’t budge, try using a scouring pad, which is good on tougher stains.
If your cleaner still isn’t working, try using a straight-edged razor to lift the caked-on food. Hold the razor at a 45-degree angle so you don’t scratch the stove’s surface, and scrape away at the grit.
One last suggestion: Don’t let stains set. If you spill something on the stove, wipe it up right away. And try to make a habit of wiping down your stove and countertop with a wet sponge or dishcloth after you’re finished cooking. This way, residue will never have the chance to build up and stain your kitchen surfaces.
For more great kitchen tips, check out 18 Tricks to Cleaning Your Kitchen.
[Nest-pert] Donna Smallin, author of Cleaning Plain & Simple and founder of www.unclutter.com.
-- The Nest Editors
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