Introduction:

Cleaning a stove, especially one that has been exposed to soot from cooking or burning, can feel like an impossible task. Fortunately, I learned a simple yet effective technique from my aunt that brings even the dirtiest stoves back to life. This method requires only a few basic household ingredients and a little elbow grease. Not only does it remove soot, but it also leaves the stove looking as if it were brand new! Let’s dive into this foolproof cleaning process that I swear by.

Ingredients:

Baking Soda (1 cup)

White Vinegar (1/2 cup)

Dish Soap (2-3 drops)

Warm Water (2 cups)

Microfiber Cloth (or any soft cloth)

Scrubbing Brush (optional)

Preparation:

Initial Prep: Begin by removing any pots, pans, and other items from the stove. Wipe down the surface with a dry cloth to remove any loose dirt or food debris. This is important because you don’t want to push the dirt around while cleaning.

Make the Cleaning Solution: In a bowl, mix the baking soda, dish soap, and warm water. Stir the mixture well to create a foamy, paste-like substance. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and works wonders at scrubbing away grime and soot without damaging surfaces.

Add Vinegar: Now, pour the vinegar directly onto the stove’s surface, especially where the soot buildup is noticeable. You’ll see a little fizzing action, which is the vinegar reacting with the baking soda. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes so the fizzing can lift the dirt and grime.

Scrub the Surface: After the mixture has had time to sit, take your microfiber cloth (or a scrubbing brush) and gently scrub the soot-stained areas. Focus on stubborn spots, and apply a bit more pressure for tough soot marks. The mild abrasiveness of the baking soda should help remove the soot, while the vinegar works to dissolve grease and grime.

Rinse and Wipe: Once the stove surface is scrubbed clean, use a damp cloth to wipe away the baking soda paste and vinegar residue. Follow with a dry microfiber cloth to buff the stove, ensuring it has a shiny, polished finish.

Presentation and Storage Tips:

Once your stove is gleaming, it’s time to admire your work! To keep it clean for longer:

Clean Regularly: Give your stove a quick wipe-down after every use to prevent buildup.

Cover Burners: Use stove burner covers to avoid excessive soot buildup from splatters and spills.

You can store any leftover cleaning paste in a sealed container for future use. However, it’s always best to make a fresh batch when you need it.

Variation:

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