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How to clean your hob
A clean hob does more than keep your kitchen looking its best. It helps it stay in great shape for longer and lowers the risk of smoke and fire. Whether you've got a gas, ceramic or induction hob, keeping on top of grease, spills and burnt-on food is a must. We've put together some handy instructions and tips to get your hob spotless.
How to clean a gas hob
To keep your gas hob performing at its best, it's important to clean each part properly. Burners can collect food debris that affects the flame, pan supports often pick up grease and grime, and the hob surface can quickly become covered in spills and splatters
How to safely clean the burners
Before you get started, make sure the hob is switched off and has cooled down completely. Then, carefully lift out the burners, taking care not to knock or damage any surrounding parts. Use a soft cloth or brush to sweep away crumbs and other loose bits of food on the hob surface.
Next, place the burners in warm, soapy water and leave them to soak for a few minutes. Then use a non-scratch sponge to remove stubborn grease marks and give them a quick rinse if needed. Before putting everything back together, check the burner holes are clear of any residue and make sure each piece is completely dry. Then refit them and you're ready to get cooking again.
If you notice the smell of gas or spot any smoke, stop what you're doing and open a window to air out the room.
How to effectively clean your pan supports
Pan supports can take a real battering from everyday cooking, so it's no surprise grease and grime start to build up over time.
If they're dishwasher safe, simply pop them in and let the machine do the hard work. If not, soak them in a bowl of warm, soapy water for a little while, then use a soft sponge to lift away any stuck-on residue.
When they're clean, give them a good rinse and leave them to dry completely before putting them back on the hob.
Tips for wiping down your hob surface
With the burners and pan supports still removed, wipe away any spills or splashes using a damp cloth or soft sponge. Stubborn marks? A specialist hob cleaner or a simple paste made from baking soda and water can do the trick, especially on glass surfaces.
Steer clear of harsh or abrasive cleaning products, as these can leave scratches behind. It's also worth making sure no oily residue is left on the surface, as it can produce smoke when heated and become a potential fire hazard.
Once everything's sparkling, buff the hob dry with a clean cloth to prevent streaks and water marks. Before firing it back up, check the surface is completely dry and free from any cleaning product residue, then you're good to get cooking.
How to clean a ceramic or induction hob
Ceramic and induction hobs have a flat, smooth surface, making them really easy to clean. Follow these tips to keep yours spotless.
Choosing the right cleaner
Make sure to use a cleaning product that's suitable for your hob. Check the manual and look for non-scratch solution that's designed for ceramic and induction surfaces. And when it comes to applying it, choose a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scourers as they can damage the surface.
Safe cleaning method
Before you start, make sure the hob is switched off and fully cooled. You can even turn off at the wall for extra peace of mind.
Clear away crumbs with a soft cloth or sponge, then apply a small amount of hob cleaner and leave it for a few minutes. Just don't let it dry on the surface as this can leave streaks behind.
Gently work away any marks. For stubborn burnt-on food, a glass hob scraper can lift residue without damaging the finish. Finally, wipe away any cleaner with a damp cloth and dry the surface thoroughly, paying particular attention to controls and edges before using it again.
How to prevent stains
A quick wipe with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water after cooking can stop splashes and food residue from becoming stubborn marks later on.
Hob protectors can also be a handy way to catch cooking splatters before they become a problem. While you're cooking, try to deal with splashes as they happen.
Extra tips for keeping your hob clean
Whether you’ve got a gas, ceramic, or induction hob there are some general rule of thumb tips that’ll keep yours performing as good as day one.
Daily maintenance
Keeping up with daily maintenance goes a long way to keeping your hob in good condition. Whether you’re whipping up noodles for a quick lunch, or a Bolognese for dinner, it’s easy to put off wiping up those little spills. But taking a damp cloth and some light detergent to these small accidents will stop you needing to scrub away at stains later.
Hard to shift dirt
Sometimes, food gets burnt-on creating a stubborn residue that’s hard to shift. Just mix baking soda and water into a paste, apply to the affected area, and let it sit. Then, gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge and, hey presto, the dirt is gone.
