Cleaning grease from gas and IH stovetops

Gas stoves

Remove the grates and burner caps, soak in warm water with a kitchen degreaser for 15 minutes, scrub with a soft brush and dry fully. Clean the spill tray and wipe around the burners. Do not wet electronic igniters.

IH and glass-ceramic tops

Wait until cool. Wipe with a damp cloth and a few drops of neutral detergent. For burnt-on marks use a cooktop cleaner and a soft or non-scratch pad. Avoid steel wool.

Range hood exterior

Spray degreaser on a cloth rather than the hood, wipe along the metal grain, and then wipe again with a clean damp cloth. Filters should be washed according to the maker's instructions.

Why it matters

Grease traps dust and can become a fire risk. Wipe the stove after each use when cool to keep build-up from hardening.

Why grease is harder than other dirt

Grease behaves differently from dust or food residue. Cooking oil becomes vapour, settles in a thin layer and then oxidises, becoming sticky and darker over time. A fresh film wipes off with warm water and a little detergent, but an old layer needs a degreaser and contact time. Dust sticks to it and builds a thicker coat, which is why the top of the range hood and the wall behind the stove become the worst areas.

Gas stovetops: burners, grates and surround

Remove the grates and burner caps when they are cool, and soak them in hot water with a degreasing detergent. Clean the surface and the surround with a non-scratch sponge. Check that the burner ports are free of food debris, since blocked ports cause uneven flames. Dry everything before putting it back. Do not soak parts that the manufacturer says should not be wet. A quick wipe after cooking takes seconds and prevents most of the build-up.

IH cooktops: what is different

An IH cooktop has a glass-ceramic surface that is easy to wipe but easy to scratch. Let it cool, wipe with a soft cloth and a mild detergent, and use a cleaner made for glass-ceramic on stubborn spots. Avoid scouring powder and hard pads. Spills that burn on should be softened with a damp cloth first. Check the air intake and exhaust area, where dust and oil collect. If the manual specifies a cleaning method, follow it, because it protects the warranty.

Range hood and the wall behind the stove

Remove and wash the filter regularly, as the manufacturer advises, since a clogged filter reduces suction and lets grease settle elsewhere. Wipe the exterior of the hood with a degreaser and a cloth, working from top to bottom so that drips do not fall on cleaned areas. The deep interior of the fan is best left to a professional, as it involves removal and re-fitting. A kitchen deep clean from us covers the hood exterior, stove surround and fittings, quoted from photos.

Quick answers

How often should I clean the stove? Wipe after cooking and degrease weekly. How often should I wash the hood filter? Every month or two, depending on how much you fry. Can I use a magic sponge on IH? Use only if the manufacturer allows it, as some sponges can dull the surface. What if grease is baked on? Soften it with warm detergent and wait before scraping gently with a plastic tool.

Safety and the things not to do

Do not clean a hot stove, because steam and hot surfaces can burn you. Turn off the gas supply and unplug appliances before removing parts. Do not use steel wool on any cooktop. Never mix cleaning products. Keep water away from electrical parts and the IH sensor area. If you smell gas, stop, ventilate and contact your gas company. When the job involves the inside of the hood or fan, a professional is safer.