Stainless steel cooktop knobs

HOW TO CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL STOVETOPS OR COOKTOPS

Your cooktop is an important part of your cooking process. You rely on it for daily meals and to keep your family fed. Frequent use of your cooktop can result in splatters and spills and a dirty stainless steel surface. The good news is that cleaning stainless steel doesn’t have to be challenging if you use the proper tools and techniques.

This guide explores how to clean stainless steel cooktops and stovetops and the answers to relevant frequently asked questions

HOW TO PROPERLY CLEAN A STAINLESS STEEL COOKTOP

Typically, the most effective way to clean your stainless steel cooktop is with warm, soapy water and a non-scratch sponge or soft cloth. You can also use specialized stainless steel cleaners or brighteners, including affresh® stainless steel brightener1. This product can help remove rust, heat discolouration and yellowing.

You should exclusively use cleaners and tools designed for stainless steel and approved or recommended for your specific model. Cleaning stainless steel incorrectly or with the wrong supplies can harm the surface or leave unsightly streaks. It is recommended to follow the proper cleaning practices provided in your owner’s manual.

Select Maytag® Stainless Steel Cooktops with an easy-clean DuraGuard™ finish can help keep your cooktop looking clean and new. DuraGuard™ finish maintains the shine of stainless steel by preventing staining, yellowing and discolouration while ensuring even tough baked-on soils can be cleaned easily. Clean stainless steel with DuraGuard™ finish similar to traditional stainless steel.

Stainless steel cooktop surface Stainless steel cooktop surface

HOW TO PROPERLY CLEAN STAINLESS STEEL STOVETOPS

In addition to cleaning daily with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, it’s recommended to deep clean your stainless steel cooktop using these four steps:

  1. Remove the grates

  2. Apply the stainless steel cleaner

  3. Wipe away the cleaner

  4. Buff the surface

Review the in-depth steps below that outline how to clean a stainless steel stovetop. This process can help remove rust, heat discolouration and yellowing. You should always refer to your product’s owner’s manual and the package instructions on your cleaner before starting.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Cooktop grates icon

STEP 1: REMOVE AND CLEAN THE GRATES

Remove the cooktop grates so you can easily access the surface. Next, scrub the grates with a sponge and a mildly abrasive cleaner. Never wash your grates in the dishwasher unless explicitly recommended in your appliance’s owner’s manual.

Cleaning spray icon

STEP 2: APPLY A CLEANER

Your cleaner or brightener of choice will determine how you apply it to a stainless steel surface. If you opt for a spray, shake the bottle and then spray the surface in an S shape. If you’re using a paste or cream, use a dry cloth and gently apply it along the grain. Let the cleaner or brightener rest for several minutes before wiping it away.

Hand wiping with towel icon

STEP 3: WIPE AWAY CLEANING PRODUCT

Determine the direction of the grain before you wipe clean the solution. Search for vertical or horizontal lines running along the stainless steel. If you spot horizontal lines, wipe from left to right. If you spot vertical lines, wipe downward.

Buffing icon

STEP 4: BUFF THE STAINLESS STEEL SURFACE

Using a dry microfiber cloth, buff the stainless steel surface along the direction of the grain to help polish it and deliver a nice shine.

SHOP AFFRESH® KITCHEN APPLIANCE CLEANERS

Affresh brand offers a line of cleaners designed to clean and polish your kitchen appliances. Explore affresh® kitchen cleaners, including stainless steel brighteners, to find the right one for your treasured appliances.

HOW DO YOU GET RID OF BURNT-ON GREASE FROM STAINLESS STEEL SURFACES?

To remove burnt-on grease from your cooktop, use a paste made of baking soda and liquid dish soap. Then, apply the paste on the greasy spots and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before gently scrubbing the area with a soft nylon brush or sponge.

Lastly, use a clean cloth to wipe clean any remaining paste or grease along the direction of the grain. If any discolouration remains, use a stainless steel brighter to help return the surface’s shine.

CAN VINEGAR DAMAGE A STAINLESS STEEL SURFACE?

Typically, vinegar will not harm or damage a stainless steel surface and can be used as an effective cleaning solution. Add a mixture of vinegar and mineral oil to a spray bottle for easy application. Next, use a clean cloth to wipe away the residue using short strokes along the surface’s grain.

Maytag® stainless steel cooktop burner knobs Maytag® stainless steel cooktop burner knobs

CAN BAKING SODA HARM A STAINLESS STEEL SURFACE?

Baking soda is a safe cleaning alternative for stainless steel. You can create a paste by combining baking soda and water. Then, apply the paste in the direction of the grain before wiping it clean with a dry cloth.

HOW DO YOU AVOID SCRATCHING A STAINLESS STEEL STOVETOP DURING CLEANING?

You can clean your stainless steel cooktops and keep it scratch-free by using these tips:

  • Only scrub with a sponge, nylon brush or non-abrasive item 

  • Only scrub or wipe in the direction of the grain

  • Only use cleaning products specifically approved for stainless steel

EXPLORE MAYTAG® GAS COOKTOPS

Maytag® Gas Cooktops provide you with the control and power to tackle just about any meal. Browse four- and five-burner cooktops and explore their impressive features on select models like the Power™ Burner, which allows you to simmer gently or boil rapidly, or the Simmer Burner with Melt Cap designed to help maintain the low temperatures needed for simmering.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEANING KITCHEN APPLIANCES WITH MAYTAG BRAND

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1. affresh® brand products and recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation