Natural gas stoves have long been heralded as the most efficient, best quality, and best tasting when it comes to cooking food. From Michelin Star restaurants to home chefs, cooks enjoy these benefits when they employ natural gas. Are you one of the millions of people in the United States who use a natural gas stove? Are you on track with the upkeep? We will answer all the key questions to make natural gas stove care easy and safe.

Daily Cleaning

Daily cleaning is important for removing dust, grease, and food residue that may build up — especially if you are an enthusiastic home cook and your stove gets heavy use. When cleaning the surface of your stove, it is important to use non-toxic chemicals like cleaning vinegar, dish soap, or baking soda. This is because you wouldn't want chemicals to react with an open flame and create a safety hazard. An everyday habit should be wiping down the surfaces of the stove. Treating small spills right away leaves less to become hardened and means less grunt work later. Be sure not to pour water directly onto the surface — you do not want liquid seeping into the flame.

Weekly Cleaning

If you are cleaning a stove with a pilot light, you will need to shut off the gas valve first. Once a week you should give your stove a more thorough once-over, including scrubbing the grate and the surface below to make sure there is no toxic grease buildup.

Monthly Cleaning

Taking apart the entire stove every month will keep the flames burning brightly and efficiently. If you notice that your flame is beginning to change color — more yellow or less bright — this is a good sign you need a deep clean. Remember to turn off the gas valve before cleaning. Remove the ceramic cap that diffuses the flames by lifting straight up to avoid any damage. Soak the burner heads and caps in warm water and dish soap for at least 30 minutes. Use a paper clip or an old toothbrush to clear any clogged holes that might prevent proper natural gas flow. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before reassembling.

Vent Hood Cleaning

Cleaning your range hood should be done around once a month and allows for proper ventilation in your kitchen. When you cook greasy, fragrant, or colorful food, the buildup leads to stinky smells, kitchen-stained walls, and more. You have the option of hiring a professional, which can be beneficial if you don't feel confident — but it will cost you. When DIY-ing, take it step by step. First, wipe down the outside of your hood, keeping in mind that baking soda can easily cut through baked-on grease. Then remove the filter and soak it in a cleaning solution for at least 30 minutes to remove grime. While the filter is out, clean the interior and rinse thoroughly. Be sure to dry all parts completely before reassembling.

Cleaning is not everyone's favorite activity, but caring for your stove will help save money and keep your appliances in tip-top working order longer. By tackling things on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, the jobs will never seem as overwhelming as they would if ignored completely. Keep checking back to the Kratos Gas and Power blog to learn more home tips, money-saving ideas, and natural gas facts.