Stove Maintenance

 Maintenance Task:  Perform annual maintenance

Annual stove maintenance involves the following tasks:

1. Clean range hood, filter, and fan:  Range hoods and fans are designed to remove grease and moisture which rise in the steam produced by cooking.  Wash exposed metal surfaces using an ammonia and water solution.  Never use a scouring powders or abrasive pads as they can scratch the surface.  If your unit has a metal filter, remove it and let it soak in soapy water for a few minutes, wash and rinse it, then dry the filter.  Clean the area around where the filter fits with ammonia and water solution.  Dry, then put the filter back in.  Some hoods have charcoal filters, which should be replaced annually, as they cannot be washed.  Check your manufacturer's manual for the proper procedure for cleaning your fan.

2. Clean reflector bowls: Reflector bowls under the burners can be taken out, and should be washed in a detergent solution.  For stubborn spots on chrome bowls and rings, use a paste or baking soda and water with a plastic mesh scouring pad.  Rinse, dry, and replace back into stove.

3. Clean control knobs: Control knobs can be cleaned with a mild detergent solution.

4. Clean burners (gas models): Wash gas burners with hot soapy water to loosen grease and grime.  Clean with a brush.  Do not use any scouring powder, as this can clog the burner holes.  If any of the burner holes are clogged, then use a stiff wire to clean out.  Do not use breakable items such as a toothpick to clean out the burner ports, as they can break off inside.  Wipe burners dry thoroughly.  NOTE: If flames from the burner are yellow instead of blue, then call the gas company to adjust the air/gas mixture.

5. Clean gas grates (gas models): Gas grates, which go above the burners, can be removed for cleaning.  Soak grates in very hot water and detergent with a little ammonia, then scrub with a brush, rinse and dry.

Cleaning the stove range hood, filter, and fan helps to sustain its operating efficiency, and helps improve safety by reducing the possibility of grease fires.

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