A stove takes cooking oil splashes, steam and burnt-on drips every day. Over time they become a sticky yellowish film that water only smears around: grease does not dissolve in water, so a damp cloth is no use, and baking soda or soapy water take a lot of scrubbing.
WD-40 softens these marks within minutes so they wipe off easily. The key rule: the product only helps lift the grease, and a final wash with soapy water is essential, because the stove top comes into contact with pans and food.
What you will need
Important: Only work on a stove that is switched off and completely cool; close the gas tap and ventilate the kitchen. Do not spray into burner jets or ports, onto the igniter or near an open flame. Always wash the surface with soapy water after cleaning.
Step 1
Switch off and cool the stove
Make sure all burners and the oven are off and the surface is cold. A hot stove burns your hands, and cleaning products dry on it instantly and leave streaks.
Close the gas supply tap, and unplug a stove with electric ignition. Open a window.
Step 2
Remove pan supports and burner caps
Lift off the cast-iron or steel pan supports, flame spreaders and burner caps and soak them in hot water with detergent. The grease on them softens while you work on the surface.
Cover the burner openings, or simply take care that no product or water gets into them.
Step 3
Apply WD-40 to greasy areas
Lightly spray WD-40 Multi-Use Product onto the dirty areas so the film is covered with a thin coat. Do not overdo it: a few short presses are enough even for old marks.
Around the knobs, along seams and the edges of the panel, the straw of WD-40 Smart Straw is handier: the product lands right on the mark and does not run.
Step 4
Let the product work
Do not start scrubbing straight away. Wait a few minutes: in that time the product gets under the film and weakens its grip on the surface.
Meanwhile you can give the soaking pan supports a scrub with a sponge.
Step 5
Wipe off the grease
Go over the surface with a clean cloth and moderate pressure. The softened grease comes away easily, with no need for scrapers or abrasives that scratch enamel and stainless steel.
If the oldest marks have not fully gone, apply again and wait a few more minutes.
Step 6
Wash the stove with soapy water
Finally wash the whole surface with warm soapy water to remove any remaining grease and product, then dry it.
Rinse and dry the pan supports and burner caps and refit them, making sure the caps sit level. Open the gas and check that every burner lights with an even flame.
Tip: Wipe the stove with a damp soapy cloth after every fry-up, while the splashes are fresh. That way no baked-on film builds up and a deep clean is only needed every few weeks.
What next
Give the stove a deep clean every 2-4 weeks, depending on how much you cook. The same WD-40 Multi-Use Product is handy for removing grease from the cooker hood casing and the cabinet doors next to the stove.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».