DIY Network

Cleaning Cooking Surfaces From "Spruce It Up With the Queen of Clean Inside the Castle" episode SCI-102

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Figure A Figure B After applying a coat of Clean Shield to the surface of the stove, see how the water beads up, which helps to make cleanup a breeze. Figure C Figure D

There are several ways you can go about cleaning a stove top, the hood and fan, but here are some helpful tips and techniques -- including recipes -- from the Queen of Clean®, Linda Cobb.

Safety Alert: You only want to clean the surface of a stove when it's cool. Make sure all eyes have been turned off.

Materials and Ingredients:

Damp micro-fiber cloth
Paste made from baking soda and water
Spray bottle and water
Bon ami cleanser
Non-gel toothpaste and soft cloth

• Instead of using dishwater liquid for cleaning the surface of the stove, consider using a damp micro-fiber cloth (figure A) instead. It's a better alternative because it has thousands of scrubbing fingers that remove the dirt, and it doesn't smear the cooking surface.

• For tougher burned-on problems, spray the area with water and apply some baking soda to form a paste. Wipe clean.

  Remember: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that won't scratch the surface of your stove.

• If the baking soda and water didn't do the trick, you may want to pick up some Bon ami cleanser at the store.

• If your stove surface is in really bad shape, you can use non-gel toothpaste on a soft cloth (figure B) to clean the problem areas. The abrasive action will remove the stain, and the best part is that the toothpaste won't scratch the surface.

Preventive Cleaning Tip:

• Apply a coat of Clean Shield (non-toxic) to the surface of the stove. This is a polymer-based product that will protect the stovetop. Basically, the surface becomes non-stick and easier to clean. Apply according to the directions on the plastic bottle.

Cleaning the Stove Hood

Materials and Ingredients:

Bucket of warm water
1/2-cup white vinegar
1 Tbs. borax
Sponge
Two clean soft cloths

1. Pour the 1/2-cup of white vinegar and tablespoon of borax into the bucket of warm water.

2. Dip the soft cloth into the solution and ring it out.

3. Wash the surface of the stove hood well and make sure to get any sticky spots that may have formed. Be sure to clean on the inside of the hood (figure C) as well.

4. If you come across a sticky spot that won't come up, dip a damp sponge into a little dry borax and work it into the spot and wipe with the damp cloth.

5. Once the surface is clean, wipe with a dry, clean cloth.

Cleaning the Stove Hood Filter

• Take out the filter (most just pop right out) and soak in hot, soapy water (figure D), rinse well and let dry.

• An alternative would be to place the filter in your dishwasher.

The Queen's Dirty Little Secrets

• Place a small bowl of white vinegar next to the stove while frying foods to chase away odors. This even works on fried fish!

Next: Cleaning the Refrigerator and Washing Appliances

RESOURCES :

Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean
ISBN: 0743418301
Author: Linda Cobb
(1998) Simon & Schuster / Pocket Books
Website: www.simonsays.com

Talking Dirty Laundry With the Queen of Clean
ISBN: 0743418328
Author: Linda Cobb
(2001) Simon & Schuster / Pocket Books
Website: www.simonsays.com

The Queen of Clean: The Royal Guide to Spot and Stain Removal
ISBN: 0743437837
Author: Linda Cobb
(2001) Simon & Schuster / Pocket Books
Website: www.simonsays.com

A Queen for All Seasons: A Year of Tips, Tricks, and Picks for a Cleaner House and ...
ISBN: 0743428315
Author: Linda Cobb
(2001) Simon & Schuster / Pocket Books
Website: www.simonsays.com