Cleaning the hob is one of those tasks that most people simply put off. And for good reason – grease stains, burnt sauce residue and traces of boiling pots are often so stubborn that it seems as if only a construction machine could remove them. Even if we clean the stove regularly, over time, dirt accumulates around the burners that refuses to go away. Classic cleaners help – but often only if we are prepared to do some vigorous physical exercise with a cloth in hand.
But there's a trick for a clean stove that's become a social media sensation—and for good reason. It's a simple yet incredibly effective process that doesn't require any special tools or aggressive scrubbing. All you need is oven cleaner, transparent food foil and – a little patience. With it, you will restore the shine to your hob without losing your nerve or sense of aesthetics.
How to clean the stove – How does the cling film trick work?
This method for a clean stove is based on a simple physical principle: oven cleaner needs time to break down baked-on grease and dirt – but it dries too quickly when exposed to air. Using cling film, we create an airtight layer that prevents the cleaner from evaporating and allows for a longer, deeper effect.
You need:
- oven cleaner in spray form (you can use a classic one, designed to remove baked-on residue),
- cling film (transparent plastic film for food),
- a soft sponge or a gentle abrasive cloth,
- a clean, damp cloth for a final wipe.
Step-by-step procedure:
- Clean the surface thoroughly. hobs with a dry cloth to remove loose food residue or dust.
- For stains and burnt-on parts (usually around the burners) apply an even layer of oven cleaner. Don't skimp - the goal is to saturate the surface well with dirt.
- Cover the entire surface with foil., which is lightly pressed against the cleaner. The foil should lie tightly against the surface to prevent the agent from drying out.
- Let the cleaner work. It is ideal to leave the foil on the surface for several hours – even overnight. During this time, the baked-on fats will soften and lift off the surface.
- Remove the foil. and gently scrub the residue with a soft sponge. Most of the dirt should come off on its own.
- Wipe the surface with a damp cloth.until all traces of cleaner are removed.
- (Optional): If desired, you can also use a hob polish to achieve a perfect shine.
@aurikatariina THE BEST CLEANING HACK!! 😎👊 Byebye burnt stains 👋🏻🔥 #cleantok #cleaningtiktok #satisfying #cleaninghack #cleaninghacksforyou ♬ Paradise – TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson™
Effective, simple and accessible to everyone
This method has become popular precisely because it doesn't require expensive equipment or excessive precision. You can buy oven cleaner for just a few euros, as well as foil, sponges, and other supplies. In most cases, you'll already have all of this in your kitchen.
The result is almost astonishing: even the most stubborn stains and baked-on residues soften and come off without aggressive scrubbing. The stove surface regains its shine, without scratches or damage that can be caused by rough sponges or overly rough cleaning.
A final tip for regular cooks
If you cook often (and enjoy it), you probably deal with stubborn stains on a regular basis. This method is a great solution for a deep clean once every few weeks. However, for your daily routine, we recommend giving your hob a quick wipe with a damp cloth after each use – because prevention is always better than cure.
