Are you one of those people who, every time you look at your stovetop, says to yourself, “Tomorrow. I’ll really clean this tomorrow…” Rest assured, you’re not alone. But the good news is that cleaning your stove doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little bit of good will, the right mix of natural ingredients, and maybe a pinch of self-deception, your stovetop can be sparkling faster than you can say “baking soda.”
With this simple trick and homemade cleaning paste your hob will be (almost) ready for the cover Elle Decor. No drama, no gloves, no tears.
As we strive to reduce our use of harsh chemicals and seek more natural solutions for everyday tasks, here’s a simple trick that not only works, but is also so easy that even the busiest of individuals—yes, even those who swear they have “too many cleaning meetings”—can do it. With a little homemade cleaning magic, you can say goodbye to baked-on stains, stubborn grease, and leftovers from previous cooking adventures. And no, you won’t need any special tools or safety glasses—just a few ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Why is regular cleaning of the hob important?
Besides not being an aesthetic nuisance (read: an embarrassment to any Instagram-worthy guest), stubborn grease and baked-on food residue can seriously affect the performance of your kitchen equipment. Regular cleaning means:
- longer lifespan of the hob (and consequently less chance of a strange “what’s burning?” smell),
- less unpleasant odors (which even the best air freshener won't hide),
- higher hygiene standard (because hey, the kitchen is not a laboratory for growing microorganisms).
How to clean a hob – step by step
Whether you swear by gas, electric, or elegant glass ceramic, this guide will help you make your stove shine like a kitchen diamond.
1. Turn off the stove and let it cool down.
This isn't a 'survivor challenge' - cleaning a hot stovetop can leave more than just a lasting impression. Wait until it cools completely and make yourself a cup of coffee in the meantime. Or watch that TikTok that's been waiting for three days.
2. Remove moving parts
If you have a gas stove, that means grates and burner covers. With electric or induction models, you'll have less to disassemble—and that's the one thing you're exempt from.
3. Prepare a natural cleaning paste
A simple but miraculous recipe:
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon alkaline vinegar (you can also use apple cider if you want the hob to smell like autumn)
- a little hot water
Mix everything together into a thick paste. If you feel like you're making a homemade volcano for a school project – you're on the right track.
4. Apply and leave on
Apply the paste directly to the stained areas. Leave it for 15-20 minutes to do its magic (well, chemical) work. The baking soda and vinegar will bravely tackle grease and dried-on stains—no chemistry PhD required.
5. Clean with a sponge or brush
Use it non-abrasive side of the sponge – your countertop is a gentle diva, not a concrete wall. For more stubborn stains, grab an old toothbrush – because why throw it away when you can use it for another life mission?
6. Wipe and dry
Wipe off any remaining paste with a damp cloth, then polish the surface with a dry cloth. If there is still any residue, repeat the process – your hob will be grateful, and you will be pleased to see your reflection in it.
Bonus tip: Regularity is your superpower
Make cleaning part of your weekly routine (maybe even on Sunday morning) “meal prep”?). This way you save yourself the battle with burnt grease and unexpected chemical experiments.
