Cleaning stoves can be one of the messiest jobs in the house, and there are many commercial products available to get it done. It's also possible to clean stove tops using simpler products that don't pollute the environment, are biodegradable and fit in with today's safer and greener philosophy. When cleaning sealed glass-top stoves, remember not to use anything abrasive so as not to damage the finish.
Make a thick paste with baking soda and water and use it as you would any chlorine-based abrasive cleanser such as Comet or Ajax. Apply with a damp sponge, rub into areas where grease has set in, and rinse well. Repeat as often as necessary until area is clean. This is good for gas or electric ranges. Apply gently on glass-top stoves.
An old standby, ammonia is available pure or with scented additives such as lemon to make using it less offensive. Correct amounts to use are listed on the label. It's good for all stoves.
A strong disinfectant and a powerful degreaser, isopropyl alcohol can be used straight out of the bottle or diluted in water. Keep a spray bottle of alcohol handy for quick stove-top cleaning. It's safe on all types of stoves.
Lemon juice, a natural product, has strong astringent properties that can cut through grease yet won't harm a stove's finish. Its crisp, pleasant scent is an extra bonus when cleaning, which is what makes it so popular as a cleaning-product additive. It works well on all types of stoves. Like lemon juice, white distilled vinegar cuts through grease and can be used straight out of the bottle without any harmful effects. It is safe to use on glass-top stoves.
Used by professional painters to clean walls prior to painting, trisodium phosphate is tough on stove-top grease yet it dissolves completely in warm water, leaving no grit behind. Follow directions on the box for the right amount to use for your particular job. Use on stoves that are particularly dirty and greasy.
Another old standby, sodium borate is effective against tough burned-on grease. Make it into a paste as you would baking soda, and rub in until the area is clean. Used with care, it is safe for glass stove-tops.