Natural gas stoves have long been heralded as the most efficient, best quality, and result in the most delicious tasting food. From Michelin Star restaurants to home chefs, cooks enjoy these benefits when they employ the use of natural gas to cook their meals. 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? Do you know how and when to clean your hood, what chemicals to use on the surfaces, and what to avoid when your flame starts to change? We will answer all these questions to make natural gas stove upkeep easy and safe.

Daily Cleaning

Daily cleaning is important, 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 and dish soap or even baking soda. This is because you wouldn't want the chemicals to react with an open flame, creating a safety hazard. An everyday activity should be wiping down surfaces of the stove. When you are able to treat small spills right away, it leaves less to become hardened over and less grunt work later. Be sure not to pour water directly onto the surface of the stove, you do not want to have liquid seep 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 be giving your stove a more thorough once over. This will include scrubbing the grate and the surface below to make sure that there is no toxic grease buildup.

Monthly Cleaning

Every month taking apart the entire stove 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. Make sure to lift straight up to avoid any damage. Soak the burner heads and caps in warm water and dish soap for at least 30 minutes. Use paper clips or an old toothbrush to clear any clogged holes that might prevent proper natural gas flow. Rinse thoroughly and dry before reassembling. 

Vent Hood Cleaning

Now, cleaning your range hood could give you anxiety. This essential job should be done around once a month and allows for proper ventilation in your kitchen. When you cook greasy food, fragrant food, colorful food, etc. This buildup leads to stinky smelly kitchen-stained walls, and more. You have the option of hiring a professional which can be beneficial if you do not feel confident but will definitely cost you. When DIY-ing, take it step by step. First, wipe down the outside of your hood. Remember that baking soda can easily cut through baked-on grease. You should then remove the filter, soaking it in a cleaning solution for at least 30 minutes to remove grime. When the filter is out be sure to clean the interior and rinse. Be sure to dry all parts before reassembling.

Cleaning is not everyone's favorite activity, but cleaning your stove will help to save money, keep your appliances in tip-top shape and working order longer. By tackling things on a daily weekly and monthly basis the jobs will not seem as overwhelming as they would be by ignoring them completely. Keep checking back to the Kratos gas and power blog to learn more home tips, money-saving ideas, and natural gas facts.