| Cleaning Gas Cooktop Surfaces
Cleaning the sealed burners on a gas cooktop The burners are sealed into the cooktop and cannot be removed. This prevents spills from seeping underneath the cooktop and actually helps in cleaning. However, the burners themselves should be cleaned frequently. Be sure to allow the burner to cool before cleaning. (Cleaning a hot burner may cause the porcelain burner head to craze or chip.)
If food boils over while cooking, remove the pan to another burner to continue cooking. Allow the soiled burner to cool and then clean, following these guidelines:
Use only a damp, not wet, cloth for cleaning. This will prevent water from entering the gas tube opening.
When cleaning the surface burner, use care around the ignitor. If a cleaning cloth should catch the ignitor, it could damage it. The burner may not light if the ignitor is damaged, soiled or wet.
Remove stubborn soil from the burner head of the sealed burner by using a plastic scouring pad and a nonabrasive cleaner such as Whirlpool™ Cooktop Cleaner * (Part No. WHI31464). Try to prevent the cleanser from seeping into the gas ports. If this happens, the gas ports may become blocked and it may affect the flame.
To clean the gas ports, use a straight pin rather than a toothpick. A toothpick may break off and clog the ports. Do not enlarge or distort the ports. Be especially aware of the gas port beneath the ignitor. If this port is blocked, the burner may not light.
If the burner head has a removable cap or if there is a drip pan in the area under the burner, follow the grate cleaning recommendations for these items.
Cleaning the grates of a gas cooking surface
Burner grates have a durable porcelain enamel finish for easy cleaning. However, the burners should not be operated without a pan on the grate to absorb the heat. Without a pan, the porcelain finish may chip.
Grates need to be cleaned frequently with hot soapy water. Grease and food spatters will be difficult to remove if the grate is not cleaned prior to heating.
For stubborn soils, use a plastic scouring pad and a nonabrasive cleaner such as Whirlpool™ Cooktop Cleaner * (Part No. WHI31464). If soil is not removed, reapply Cooktop Cleaner. Cover with damp paper towels and let stand 30 minutes. Scrub again. Rinse and dry.
To clean burned on soils, follow these steps:
Remove the grates from the cooktop and place in a large plastic bag or on newspapers.
Very carefully spray the grates with commercial oven cleaner. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Do not allow spray to contact any surface outside of the plastic bag or newspapers. Permanent damage will occur if oven cleaner is sprayed on any material other than porcelain.
Allow grates to soak for several hours or overnight.
Wearing rubber gloves, wash grates in hot soapy water. Rinse, dry and return grates to the cooktop. Recommendations for cleaning gas cooktop surfaces
Cooktops are typically made of chip and stain resistant porcelain enamel, tempered glass, brushed chrome or stainless steel. Cooktops with sealed burners do not lift-up because spillovers are contained in the contoured wells around the burners.
Be sure to wait and clean the cooktop when it is cool. It is suggested that it be cleaned after each use. While it is best to use a product specifically formulated for cleaning cooktops, for routine cleaning you can clean with soap and water, mild liquid sprays such as Fantastik* or Formula 409* or mild abrasive cleaners such as Bon Ami*, Soft Scrub* or baking soda. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents such as steel wool pads or powdered cleaning agents. These products will scratch cooktop surfaces.
For specific cooktop finishes, follow these guidelines:
Brushed Chrome Cooktops
Rub with the grain to avoid streaking the surface.
Tempered Glass and Porcelain Cooktops
Avoid using excessive water to prevent the water from seeping under the glass.
Porcelain Cooktops may etch or discolor when a spillover that is high in sugar or acid, such as tomato and milk based foods, occurs. These spills should be wiped up immediately with a dry cloth. (Never wipe a hot porcelain surface with a wet cloth as cracking and chipping may result.) Stainless Steel Cooktops
Do not use any cleaning product containing chlorine bleach.
Always wipe with the grain when cleaning.
Daily/Cleaning/Light Soil - wipe with one of the following - soapy water, white vinegar/water solution, Formula 409 Glass and Surface Cleaner* or a similar multi-surface cleaner - using a sponge or soft cloth. Rinse and dry. To polish and help prevent fingerprints, follow with Whirlpool® Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish * (part # WHI31462).
Moderate/Heavy Soil - wipe with one of the following - Bon Ami*, Smart Cleanser* or Soft Scrub* - using a damp sponge or soft cloth. Rinse and dry. Stubborn soils may be removed with a damp Scotch-Brite* pad; rub evenly with the grain. Rinse and dry. To restore luster and remove streaks, follow with Whirlpool® Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish * (part # WHI31462).
For discoloration, using a damp sponge or soft cloth, begin with a liberal application of Whirlpool® Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish * (part # WHI31462). Allow to sit several minutes, then wipe up with a soft cloth using a firm, circular and overlapping motion. To remove streaks and restore luster, follow with a second application of Whirlpool® Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish * and let dry one minute. Finally, remove with a vigorous circular rubbing motion to polish to a high luster.
*Brand names for the above cleaning products are registered trademarks of the respective manufacturers. Go to Cooktop Repair Help
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