Cleaning an electric coil stove includes scrubbing off burnt food from the coils, wiping the drip pan, and cleaning the stove lid. It’s a bit more involved than cleaning a glass-top or induction stove, but similar to cleaning a gas cooktop.
Tips for Maintaining Your Electric Coil Cooktop
Like any appliance, it’s crucial to stay proactive. A cooktop that’s well-cared for will last many years if you consistently keep up with maintenance tasks.
- Clean the cooktop daily to lessen the need for deep cleaning.
- Prolong your burners’ life by switching their positions on the stove.
- Cover the drip pans with aluminum foil. While it might not look like a professional kitchen, it’s very useful for messy meals.
Here are the top tips for maintaining and cleaning your electric coil stove.
Materials You’ll Need
- dish soap
- clean cloths
- water
- toothbrush
- white vinegar
- spray bottle
- baking soda
Remove the Stove Burners
Before cleaning, make sure to remove the electric coils from the stove once they are cool to the touch. This ensures a thorough clean without risking damage from moisture to the electronics.
If you’re not sure how to remove the electric coils, check the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, you can unplug the coils just like an electrical cord from a wall socket. However, some stovetops might need you to squeeze the prongs or gently disconnect the coils.
Clean Residue on the Burners
For regular cleaning, just wash and dry the electric coil by hand. Remember never to submerge or soak the electrical parts. If your burners are in decent condition, a light cleaning should be enough.
- Apply a little dish soap to a wet cloth and rub it until it gets bubbly.
- Hold the burner with one hand and gently apply the soapy cloth to the coil, being careful not to soak the electric components.
- Use an old toothbrush to clean between the coils if needed.
- Rinse the cloth until it’s clean and wring it out.
- Use the damp cloth to wipe off the soap from the coils.
- Let the burner air dry.
For stubborn build-up, intensify your cleaning efforts. If there’s baked-on food or your coil smokes when heating, it’s time for a deep clean.
- Use a plastic razor blade or a credit card edge to scrape off any burnt food.
- Make a baking soda paste by mixing 1/4 cup of baking soda with 3 tablespoons of water.
- Rub the paste onto the electric coil, using a toothbrush for better reach between the coils.
- Lay the electric coil flat on your work surface and cover the electrical parts with a dry cloth for protection.
- Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and lightly spray the areas covered in baking soda. The vinegar will react with the baking soda to help break down the build-up.
- Let the coil sit for 5 minutes.
- Clean off the mixture with a damp cloth.
- Let the burner air dry.
Clean the Drip Pans
While the burners dry, clean the drip pans. If you haven’t lined the pans with foil, you’ll likely find bits of food and oil splashes under the burner.
Drip pans are usually removable, so you can easily wash them in the sink with soapy water. If you have time, chrome and porcelain pans can also be cleaned in the dishwasher. For stovetops with drip pans molded into the cooking surface, wipe them down with soapy water. You can use white vinegar as well, but dilute it with an equal amount of water to lessen its strength.
Clean Beneath the Burners
Raise the stovetop. If oils and moisture have accumulated in your drip pans, they might have seeped under the burners. Use a damp cloth with dish soap to loosen any buildup and clean the area. Then, dry the surface with a clean cloth before closing the stovetop lid.
Reassemble the Stove Burners
Once the stovetop is closed and the drip pans are back in place, reinsert the electric coils into their designated spots. Be careful to avoid twisting or bending the connections when reconnecting the cooktop components.