Stove tops are often the surface upon which many spills and messes occur. It is easy to accidentally splash food out of pots and pans, and frying food will often send spatters of oil all over. Because of this, it is a good idea to remove the burners on electric and gas stove tops once in a while to clean them and underneath them.
Pull the electric burner straight out of the connection (this will always be horizontal) and lift it up and out. If you have a gas stove top, continue to Step 2; otherwise, go to Step 3.
Lift the gas burner straight off of the stove top. Pull firmly, but avoid wiggling it in its slot as that can damage the burner, the slot or both.
Wipe off the electric burner with a wet, soapy rag to get rid of any food residue. Clean your gas burner by soaking it in water for 30 minutes or so, wiping it down with a wet, soapy rag and then using a brush to clean out the burner holes (if necessary).
Clean underneath the burner with the rag or brush.
Replace your burners (electric or gas) by reversing the removal process.