Gas stoves are becoming a popular appliance in modern homes for their many benefits. They heat up quickly and cook food faster, they’re more versatile for grilling and searing, and the temperature is easier to control. Unlike electric stoves, however, gas applianced require some extra attention to maintain. Cleaning and properly maintaining a gas stove will help you avoid a stove appliance repair in Calgary and help keep it working efficiently. Here are some of our top maintenance tips for gas stoves.
Clean your gas stove regularly
If you use your stove daily, be sure to give the surface a quick wipe at the end of the day every day once the burners have cooled down. Take the grate off and wipe the surface down with a mild cleaning solution. While you don’t need to do a deep clean every day, it’s important to wipe up any spills or messes immediately, so it doesn’t harden up. Reducing the amount of hard scrubbing will help prevent scratches and abrasive cleaning on the surface later on. Do a deep clean once a month where you clean every piece (more on this below).
Use gentle cleaning products
Harsh chemicals can etch the surface of the stove and damage gas elements. We recommend using a simple solution of hot water, dish soap, and a cloth or gentle scrubber. Be sure not to completely soak the cloth as you don’t want puddles of water on your gas stove that can seep into the components.
Soak burners and burner caps
A common issue with gas stoves not working is that burner channels have accumulated debris. This is one of the top reasons homeowners call for gas stove service in Calgary. You must keep the burner channels clean, as a clog will prevent gas from distributing evenly. To do this, take the burner cap, and burner heads off and soak them in a mixture of warm water and vinegar. Never use a toothpick or any wooden stick to clean the burner channels. If stubborn debris is stuck in the burner head, take a straw cleaner or toothbrush to scrub into the small metal channels.
Soak the burner components for 20 minutes, scrub, and let dry before placing them back onto the stove. We recommend doing this at least once a month.
Keep the grate clean
Most gas stoves have a large enamelled grate over the stovetop, while some have smaller individual grates. These grates typically catch a lot of spills and oil, and it’s important to give them a good scrub at least once a week to prevent a build-up. Soak the grates in hot, soapy water for about 30 minutes before using a sponge or scrubber to remove all of the built-up debris. Let the grates sit and dry before placing them back onto the stovetop.
Last but certainly not least, if you notice any issues with your gas stove, such as one burner not turning on, schedule a glass stove appliance repair in Calgary right away. You’ll want to correct this issue as soon as possible to prevent a more costly replacement down the road.
