Step-by-Step Instructions: Nana’s Simple Trick for Cleaning Electric Burners
1. Turn Off and Remove the Burners
- Important: Before starting, make sure your stove is turned off and fully cool. Most electric burners can be unplugged or gently lifted out of their socket, so remove them for easier cleaning.
2. Prepare the Cleaning Paste
- In a small bowl, mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a thick paste. Baking soda is a natural abrasive that helps break down grease and grime without scratching your burners.
3. Apply the Paste
- Using your fingers or a sponge, apply a generous layer of the baking soda paste to the surface of the burners, especially focusing on the areas with the most buildup. The paste will stick to the grime, making it easier to lift.
4. Let It Sit
- Now for the « zero effort » part! Let the baking soda paste sit for 15-30 minutes. This gives it time to break down the grease and food residue. While the paste works, you can take care of other stove areas like the drip pans or the stove base.
5. Wipe Away the Grime
- After the paste has had time to sit, take a damp microfiber cloth or sponge and begin wiping away the baking soda. You should notice that most of the grime comes off easily without much scrubbing.
- For tougher spots, use a plastic scrub brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub away stubborn grime.
6. Tackle Stubborn Stains with Vinegar
- If there are still some stubborn stains left, pour a small amount of white vinegar onto a cloth or spray directly onto the burner. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, fizzing and helping lift off any remaining grime. Wipe it all down again.
7. Rinse and Dry
- Once the burners are clean, rinse them with a clean damp cloth to remove any leftover cleaning solution. Dry them thoroughly with a towel before plugging them back into the stove.
Bonus Tip: Protect Your Burners from Future Messes!
- After cleaning, my Nana had a simple trick to keep the burners cleaner for longer: she would cover the base of each burner with a piece of aluminum foil. This catches spills and drips. When the foil gets dirty, you can easily replace it—no need to clean the burners again. This is a fantastic way to extend the time between deep cleanings.
Why This Trick Works So Well:
- Baking Soda’s Natural Power: It’s a mild abrasive that helps break up tough stains without scratching the burner’s surface. Plus, it’s non-toxic and safe for kitchen use.
- Vinegar’s Magic: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and degreaser, and the fizzing reaction between baking soda and vinegar helps lift off stubborn grime without hard scrubbing.
- Gentle Yet Effective: This method is gentle on your stove but incredibly effective at removing even the toughest messes.
- Cost-Effective: No need for pricey cleaners—these everyday kitchen staples are affordable and do the job just as well, if not better.
What About Other Parts of the Stove?
- Drip Pans: If your stove has drip pans, soak them in hot water and dish soap for 30 minutes, then scrub with a bit of baking soda for extra clean.
- Glass-Top Stoves: Use the baking soda and vinegar combo here as well, but avoid abrasive brushes that could scratch the surface.
Thanks to Nana’s easy trick, cleaning electric burners is no longer a dreaded chore! With just a few simple ingredients, you can get rid of even the toughest grime with almost no effort. Try this method next time your burners need a little TLC, and enjoy a clean, sparkling stovetop without the hassle!
Feel free to let me know if you need any more tips for cleaning or kitchen tricks—Nana would be proud!
