Clean up with these stove care guidelines

Last week my wife returned from her exercise program at the SWAC pool. A lovely lady named Jan requested information and guidance in the proper care and cleaning of cooking stoves. Jan, this one is for you darling and anyone else who has the same concerns.

Years ago when I first started this business I specialized in stove cleaning. This arduous task takes lots of patience and sometimes lots of elbow grease.

Before I get into specifics, please read your owner’s manual for specific guide lines in cleaning and care of your individual cooking stoves. For those of us who have lost those manuals please review the following general instructions for the cleaning and care of electrical and gas powered cooking stoves.

Cleaning your gas stove:

A gas stove is broken down into several parts:

n Control knobs on control panel.

n Burner grates

n Surface burners

n Reflector or drip pans

n Broiler pan

n Cooking racks

n Stove drawer

n Casing or body of the stove

n Electrical wiring

To be honest, I hate scrubbing anything especially if I can use either a mechanical or chemical product that will do a better job than I can do after hours of scrubbing.

The first thing is to survey the stove to see all of the buildup areas which is usually underneath stove top and underneath the broiler pan. Grease, oil, and food particles will build up if not frequently cleaned. Next remove all removable parts, e.g. control knobs, burner grates, surface burners, drip pans, broiler pan, cooking rack and stove drawer. Note: leave one rack in the belly (oven) of the stove. Place all of those items in a heavy duty trash bag. Pour into the bag two cups of sudsy ammonia and place on your deck or in your garage and let it work for at least four hours. I usually let it work overnight.

Next, slide the stove out from the cabinet cavity so its exterior can be cleaned. Unplug the stove (shock prevention). The exterior can be cleaned by using a soft scrub product and nylon scrub pad. Both items can be bought in any of our local stores. Care must be taken so the glaze coating on the exterior of the stove is not scratched or marred during the cleaning process. After the exterior has been cleaned, insert a one quart bowl of sudsy ammonia into the oven portion of the stove and close the door. I usually let it sit and work overnight.

The next morning open the garbage bag and wash off with cold water of the loose debris and grease. Use a toothbrush to remove stuck material. Dry each item thoroughly. Dump the ammonia and throw away the garbage bag. Go to the stove and open the oven, remove the bowl and dump the remaining liquid. With a clean damp rag start wiping out the stove cavity. Once it’s clean re-install all of the parts you removed for cleaning.

Electrical stoves:  Electrical stove are cleaned the same way as a gas stove; however, be careful of the electrical heating coils. Sometimes they will fracture and will need to be replaced.

Continuous–clean oven cleaning:

The catalyst continually works to oxidize soil when the oven is hot. The rough porous surface spreads out greasy soil so the hot air oxidizes debris left behind after cooking. This usually happens at or above 475 F.

If large spills occur, it should be removed as soon as possible to prevent glazing which seals the surface preventing oxidation.

These types of ovens should be cleaned using “Fantastik” or “409.” There may be other cleaners like these that may be suitable. Do not use spray on/wipe off oven cleaners, scouring powders or metal abrasive pads. These items will damage your stove by clogging the pores and removing the coating that creates oxidation of the soils left behind from baking.

The exterior of the stove can be cleaned using the same process used for gas and electrical stoves.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (208-255-2266) or toll free at 1-877-311-NWES. E-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?  For more information about Ed’s company, check him out at www.nwesinc.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection & remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services (NWES, Inc.)