Although it is not the first thing people think about when cleaning their stove, it is important to clean the knobs on your gas stove. This helps keep everything clean and functional and prevents bigger problems in the future.
Regularly cleaning gas stove knobs prevents build-up and rust that will cause them to break and malfunction. The best way to clean gas stove knobs is to remove them from the stove, soak them in vinegar, and then scrub them down with a cleaning detergent, such as dish soap.
So how do you properly clean the knobs? Why is cleaning the knobs so important? Here is everything that you need to know about gas stove knobs and how/why to clean them.
Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning Stove Knobs:
Cleaning stove knobs is not something that people automatically think about when it comes to kitchen cleaning. However, those stove knobs need just as much attention as other parts of the kitchen. These stove knobs collect dirt from the food on the stove, as well as from everyone’s hands touching them.
Luckily, cleaning stove knobs is super easy and can be done in less than ten minutes. Here is a step-by-step process of how to clean your gas stove knobs:
- Remove the knobs from the stove: You will be able to clean the stove knobs more easily when you remove them from the stovetop.
- Soak the knobs in vinegar: After you have removed the knobs from the stovetop, you should take them and soak them in vinegar. Allow the knobs to soak for about 5 minutes. If you cannot remove the knobs to soak them, spray them with vinegar and let the vinegar set for a while.
- Scrub the knobs: Take a gentle brush (a toothbrush works well) and scrub the knobs to remove excess grime. Use a gentle detergent to cut through any grime or buildup.
- Thoroughly dry the knobs: Make sure the knobs are fully dried before returning them to the oven. Once each one is back in its place, make sure they spin and function the way that they need to.
Cleaning Area Around the Knobs
Remember to clean underneath your stove knobs when you go to clean them. This includes the stick attachment that allows the knobs to smoothly turn. Cleaning underneath the knobs helps them from developing any rust or food buildup that will prevent them from turning smoothly. Usually, you will see how bad the grime and dirt build-up gets when you remove the knobs.
Cleaning underneath the knobs requires a spray vinegar solution, a sponge, and (if the grime is stubborn) baking soda. You can try sprinkling baking soda on the grime and then spraying it with vinegar to create a chemical reaction that will remove the tough stains and the dirt.
After you have cleaned both the knobs and the area underneath the knobs, you can put them back on the stove. When you replace the knobs on their stove, make sure to put them back in their proper places. Sometimes these knobs can be interchangeable, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Why You Need to Clean Stove Knobs:
If you think about it, stove knobs are the thing on stoves that gets the dirtiest. While you are cooking, after your hands have touched all the other food ingredients, you then turn the knobs on the stove to cook them. Furthermore, just like any other surface, the knobs on the gas stove can get coated with oil, or with other food bits as your food cooks. They need to be cleaned just as badly, if not more, than the rest of the stove.
Cleaning your stove knobs can also prevent cross-contamination. If you are cooking food and you go to turn the heat on, you could very well get some other food germs onto your hand. You can prevent this by regularly washing your knobs. Taking care of the knobs regularly will also prevent rust and other types of buildup. These types of grime will cause your knobs to not work properly, and they will eventually need to get replaced or repaired if they aren’t cared for regularly.
Cleaning stove knobs includes cleaning underneath them and cleaning the knob attachments so that they work well. If you fail to clean and take care of them, you may end up having to replace your knobs, which can be costly.
How Often Should I Clean my Stove Knobs?
For the best results, you should clean your stove knobs once a month. Cleaning once a month will prevent too much buildup from forming, and it will keep your hands clean when cooking.
According to an online forum, most people only clean their knobs once a year, if that. Cleaning them infrequently is very dangerous because not only can the knobs get dirty and rusty, but mold can also form underneath if you are not careful.
It can seem more convenient to toss the knobs in your dishwasher. However, they will get cleaner by manually cleaning them, plus paint or painted labels can wear off in the dishwasher.
Repairing is Better than Replacing
When it comes to stove knobs that are not in good shape, it is usually better to repair them instead of replacing them. Refurbishing them can be as easy as cleaning them so they are in better condition, or as difficult as trying to mend a knob that has broken.
Repairing is cheap
When your stove knobs get to be dirty and stiff, it is cheaper to go through and do a deep clean rather than to seek out a new knob that will be shinier, but way more expensive.
Repairing helps keep the original product together
It can be hard to find replacements for your product that will work just as well. However, by repairing your product, you know that it will work with your stove, and it will keep the parts together without much difficulty.
Repairs can be done on your own
Although you may occasionally have to call someone in to help repair your appliance, generally, you can manage stove knob repairs on your own. Repairing on your own saves money and time. Doing repairs by yourself can help you understand your appliance better and to work on it in the future if problems arise.
For repairing stove knobs that have become cracked or broken, the following video provides a guide: