How Can I Maintain my Stove?

When it comes to food preparation, the one appliance we simply cannot do without is our stove. Whether you want to prepare a quick dish or a hearty vegetable stew, you can be sure that your trusty stove will help you make it all come together. Like all the other appliances in your home, your stove experiences wear and tear. In order to keep your stove working and looking its best for years to come, follow these simple stove maintenance tips:

Clean up quickly

When cooking, you are bound to spill something at some stage. This is not the end of the world but it is not something that should be ignored. If the spill is significant, you may want to turn your stove off temporarily so that you can wipe up the mess without worrying about your paper towels catching on fire. It’s also good to clean up quickly because the spill would not have had time to harden yet and you can simply wipe it away.

Avoid abrasives

There are times when we simply cannot or do not wipe up spills immediately and this gives them the time they need to become particularly stubborn. Avoid the temptation to whip out all of those abrasive cleaning supplies. Instead, you can achieve the same results without scratching your stove by simply using vinegar, warm water and a sponge. Remember, if you scrub and scratch the surface, it will look clean when you are done. However, the next time you spill some food on your stove, the dirt will find its way into these fine scratches and it will be even tougher to clean.

Cleaning various stove parts

It’s not only the main stove area that needs to be cleaned. The burner drip plates and removable parts should be cleaned in order to prevent dirt and grime from building up. You can place them in your dishwasher or give them a good soak in the sink. If you do wash them in the dishwasher, you need to make sure that these parts are dishwasher safe first. Remove the control panel knobs too and clean them thoroughly. Wipe around the base where the knob meets the stove. Allow the knobs to dry thoroughly before you put them back.

Check under the hood

For stoves with a sealed cooktop, this is not necessary. If your stove does not have a sealed cooktop, then you should check under the hood for dirt and food. Make sure that you read the owner’s manual before you attempt to lift the hood. Once lifted, you can use a solution of vinegar and warm water (equal parts) to clean the area. Wipe thoroughly with clean water to rinse once you are done. Again, avoid harsh chemicals, abrasives and use a soft sponge to wipe this area.

Oven cleaning

While cleaning your stove, you should also take the time to clean your oven. This applies to the interior and exterior of the appliance. When cooking on your stove, food can spill and dirty the oven window on the outside. Similarly, when cooking food in your oven, the window and interior of the oven can become coated in a layer of grease and grime. Regular cleaning is an essential part of any appliance maintenance routine.

What to avoid

When cleaning your stove, remember to avoid the following common mistakes:

• Flooding the stove with water.
• Using a razor blade to scrape the stove clean.
• The use of a wire brush.
• Using cleaning products that are not suited for the specific type of surface.

When cleaning your stove, remember to inspect the various parts of the appliance. Should you notice any worn parts, contact a professional regarding the replacement of these parts. If your stove stops working or no longer works as it should, then contact Max Appliance Repair Barrie at (705) 481 1565 for a fast and dependable stove repair service.