How to Clean and Degrease a Stovetop

A stovetop collects more grease and burnt food than almost any other kitchen surface, yet most people avoid cleaning it regularly because it feels like a battle. The truth is that stovetops stay easier to manage if you stay ahead of the buildup—grease hardens, food bonds to the surface, and what should take 10 minutes turns into 30. The good news is that a stovetop cleaned well looks almost new again, and you don't need harsh chemicals or elbow grease that leaves you exhausted. What matters is using the right sequence: cool the surface, remove the obvious debris, apply the right degreaser, wait for it to work, then wipe methodically. Done this way, you're not fighting the stove—you're letting chemistry do the work.

1. Let the Heat Escape First. Turn off all burners and turn off the oven. Open a window for ventilation. Wait 15–20 minutes until the stovetop is cool enough to touch comfortably. Do not attempt to clean a hot surface—you risk burns and will push grease around instead of lifting it.
2. Sweep Away the Loose Stuff. Use a rubber scraper or plastic putty knife to scrape away any loose burnt food, crumbs, or dried spills. Work from the center outward toward the edges. Do this over a trash can or sink to catch debris. Don't dig at stuck-on food yet—just remove what comes up easily.
3. Pick Your Weapon. Select one of three options: a commercial degreaser (follow label instructions for dilution and dwell time), baking soda mixed with a small amount of water into a paste, or a 1:1 mix of dish soap and water in a spray bottle. All three work; choose based on how heavy the buildup is. Commercial degreasers work fastest on thick grease. Baking soda is gentler and works well for moderate grime. Dish soap is best for daily light cleaning.
4. Coat Every Surface Evenly. If using spray, hold the bottle 6–8 inches away and spray the entire stovetop surface in a light, even coat. Avoid oversaturating any one spot. If using a paste, apply with a damp sponge or brush, spreading it in a thin, even layer. If using dish soap spray, apply the same way as commercial degreaser. Make sure every greasy area is covered.
5. Wait—This Is Where Magic Happens. Set a timer for 10–15 minutes. This dwell time is critical—it lets the degreaser break down grease chemically, not just coat the surface. If the stovetop starts to look dry, spray or wipe it again lightly to keep it moist. Do not skip this step; the product needs contact time to work.
6. Tackle the Stubborn Bits. For burnt-on food or thick grease that's still stuck, use a soft plastic scrubber, non-scratch sponge, or an old toothbrush to gently work at the spot. Apply light pressure and use circular motions. If you have a glass cooktop, never use a hard brush—stick to soft sponges or plastic scrapers. Repeat the spray-and-sit cycle for really stubborn areas.
7. Wipe Clean Methodically. Starting from one corner, wipe the stovetop with a damp cloth, using long, deliberate strokes. Change the cloth or rinse and wring it out frequently so you're not spreading grease around. Work systematically across the entire surface, including the areas around the burners and the edges. Make multiple passes if needed until the cloth comes away clean.
8. Rinse Out All the Residue. Spray the entire stovetop lightly with plain water or wipe it down once more with a cloth dampened in clean water only. This removes any leftover degreaser residue, which can leave a film or attract dust if left behind. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
9. Soak and Scrub the Grates. If your stove has removable metal grates, soak them in hot soapy water for 10 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse. If you have coil burners that don't lift out, wipe each coil carefully with a damp cloth. For gas burners, wipe the grates with a soapy cloth and dry them. Do not soak electric coils.
10. Dry Every Last Drop. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the entire surface one final time. Make sure no water sits in the corners, around the burners, or along the edges. A completely dry surface prevents water spots and looks polished.
11. Expand to the Surroundings. While you're in cleaning mode, use the same degreaser on the wall or backsplash above the stove and the counter around it. Grease splatters from cooking end up on these surfaces too. A quick pass with the same cloth and degreaser keeps the whole cooking zone looking cohesive.