L. Daniela Alvarez has been writing about plant care, home organization, cleaning, lifestyle, and culture since 2018. With more than 70 houseplants, she has become an expert on plant care and home organization and decor. Highlights: * 10 years of experience as a freelance writer and editor * Contributor to national publications, including The Kitchn, INSIDER, and Apartment Therapy * Contributor to "The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person" by Frederick Joseph
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The stove might be one of the grossest parts of your kitchen, especially if you're a messy cook. That's why it's important to have an effective stovetop cleaner that can remove burnt-on grease and bits of food.
To find the best stovetop cleaners, we spent hours researching the various options on the market, considering factors like versatility, ingredients, ability to clean certain materials, and ability to de-grease. We also asked Emma Barton, cleaning expert and founder of Steam Clean Queen, for recommendations and tips on how to use—and choose—a stovetop cleaner.
Our top pick is Bar Keepers Friend Multipurpose Cooktop Cleaner, which also happens to be one of Barton's go-to cleaning products. The liquid cleaner works on multiple surfaces and stovetop types, and it's effective at cleaning and degreasing other areas of the home and kitchen, too.
Here are the best stovetop cleaners for a sparkling-clean cooking surface.
Who it's for: People who want a cleaner that's safe for multiple types of stovetops.
Who it isn't for: People who have a stainless steel stovetop should look for a cleaner formulated specifically for that.
The Bar Keepers Friend Multipurpose Cooktop Cleaner is hands-down the best option to thoroughly clean almost any stovetop surface. The liquid cleaner, which comes recommended by the cleaning expert we spoke to, is powerful enough to remove grease, grime, and hard-water mineral deposits on smooth stovetops. It's safe to use on various surface types, including glass, ceramic, enamel, and porcelain. The formula uses organic citric acid as its active ingredient and doesn't contain harsh chemicals or phosphates.
While this is a stovetop cleaner, many people also use it on sinks, glass shower doors, and fridge doors/handles because it's so effective. It can even be used to remove metal tarnish on chrome, copper, and brass, which makes it the most versatile cleaner on our list.
However, there are some things that you shouldn't use this cleaner on, like gold, silver, stone (like marble and granite), and lacquered or mirrored surfaces. It's also worth noting that people with stainless steel stovetops might want to opt for a product designed for that particular surface. That's because some stainless steel appliances may have a protective coating that could be damaged by certain cleaners—so you should always double-check your stove manufacturer's guidelines.
Also available at Home Depot.
Who it's for: People with glass or ceramic stovetops who want an all-in-one kit.
Who it isn't for: People who only need a liquid cleaner.
Sometimes cleaning your stovetop requires more than just a liquid cleaner. For an all-in-one kit, the Affresh Cooktop Cleaning Kit comes with everything you need to deep clean glass and ceramic stovetops. This kit includes a razor scraper to carefully remove even the tiniest bits of residue and burnt food bits, a liquid stovetop cleaner for a streak-free shine, and five cleaning pads to keep your stovetop clean and free of any buildup.
The brand recommends first scraping off as much grime as you can, then following up by applying the cleaner directly on the stove. Finally, you should rub it all in with the cleaning pad and then buff the surface with a soft, dry cloth. While the liquid cleaner bottle that comes with the kit is quite small, you can purchase it in a larger bottle when you need a refill.
Who it's for: People with glass stovetops who don't want to use a separate liquid cleaner.
Who it isn't for: People with gas ranges or stainless steel stovetops.
Glass stovetops are notoriously hard to clean due to their sensitivity to streaks and scratches, but these Scotch-Brite Glass Cooktop Pads will make the surface sparkling clean without any damage. The small yet mighty pads have a finely textured surface that can clean glass stovetops without the use of any chemicals. They're effective on their own, so all you need to do is add water and your cooktop will be clean and scratch-free. Best of all, these pads are reusable, and you can pop them in the dishwasher or rinse them clean.
For particularly greasy or burnt messes, the brand recommends adding a few drops of dish soap and warm water to the surface, scrubbing thoroughly, and then wiping off the mess with a clean cloth or paper towel. You can also get the version that comes with a wand, which attaches to a similar pad and may be more comfortable to hold in your hand while scrubbing tough, stuck-on food.
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Who it's for: People who frequently use their gas stove and need a heavy-duty cleaner.
Who it isn't for: People who want to clean cast iron or aluminum surfaces in their kitchen.
It can be tough to thoroughly clean gas ranges and grates, but this stovetop cleaner from Weiman can help make it an effortless everyday task. The cleaning solution, which is also a degreaser, will help loosen up burnt food, grease, grime, stains, and hard-to-remove residue so your gas range looks polished and clean—even after heavy use. To use, simply spray the product on a cooled-off gas range, let it sit for a bit (up to 30 minutes for super tough messes), and wipe it all away with a sponge or paper towel.
In addition to gas ranges and stovetops, you can also use this cleaner on grills, grates, drip pans, and certain types of bakeware (like Pyrex). While the formula contains some harsher ingredients that can cause irritation when in direct contact with the skin or eyes, it's still the most effective option for gas ranges when used as directed.
Who it's for: People who want to clean ceramic stovetops.
Who it isn't for: People with stainless steel stovetops should avoid this cleaner.
When you have a ceramic stovetop, cleaning and maintenance are essential to keeping a smooth cooking surface. The Cerama Bryte Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner is designed especially for ceramic stovetops, and it's great for removing stains (whether from boiled-over pasta water or spilled soup) and restoring that like-new shine. For best results, apply the cleaning solution to the stovetop once it has cooled, scrub it with a sponge or pad, and wipe off any excess with a paper towel.
The mildly abrasive formula is free of substances and ingredients that would cause damage to your ceramic stovetop, but, as with all cleaning products, make sure you avoid contact with your skin and eyes. In addition to ceramic stovetops, this product can also be used on glass and porcelain—but it's not safe for stainless steel surfaces, unfortunately.
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Who it's for: People who want to clean stainless steel stovetops and appliances.
Who it isn't for: People who are very sensitive to fragrance.
Stainless steel appliances, when properly cleaned and polished, can stand out in any kitchen. But if the surface is smudged and dirty, even the fanciest kitchen can look messy and neglected. Luckily, this cleaner and polish from TriNova is very effective on stainless steel. It's designed to clean the grimiest surfaces in your kitchen, including stovetops, range hoods, and oven and dishwasher doors.
Simply spray the solution on a dry microfiber cloth (one comes with the cleaner!) and wipe the surface thoroughly to get rid of stains, smudges, fingerprints, grease, water spots, and dust. The formula is non-abrasive, so it won't leave behind streaks or scratches—just note that it's not designed to remove existing scratches from stainless steel surfaces. But it does contain fragrance, which might be a downside for people who are super sensitive to scented products.
Who it's for: People who want a natural cleaner that's scented with essential oils.
Who it isn't for: People who prefer liquid or spray cleaning products.
Many stovetop cleaners are formulated with strong chemicals and harsh ingredients, but you can still get a squeaky clean surface with an all-natural cleaner. We especially love this one from Everneat, which is a natural scrub that doesn't sacrifice effectiveness. The paste-like formula will take away grease, grime, and other buildup from your appliances. To use on a stovetop, gently scrub the paste with a sponge and wipe it off with a damp microfiber cloth.
You aren't limited to using it in the kitchen, though: It's also great for cleaning tubs and toilets in the bathroom. The natural stovetop cleaner comes in two different scents that use soothing blends of essential oils, as well as an unscented version. The brand also makes a scrub that's designed for cleaning ovens, which contains pumice stone as an abrasive.
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Who it's for: People who often find burnt-on messes on their stovetop.
Who it isn't for: People who prefer a natural cleaner.
Trying to remove burnt-on grease and food may be the most frustrating part of cleaning a stovetop, especially after you've tried just about everything to scrub it off. That's why Goo Gone's Kitchen Degreaser is so helpful. The powerful foaming cleaner will dissolve baked-on grease and help tough messes break down—all without harming your stovetop's surface. It's an effective way to remove burnt-on grime from all types of kitchen surfaces, including cookware, countertops, microwaves, tile, and ceramic.
Just spray the cleaner directly onto the desired areas, let the foam sit for a couple of minutes, and wipe the surface clean with a sponge or paper towel. If you're applying it anywhere that might come in direct contact with food (like a countertop), make sure you rinse the surface afterward. Since this stovetop cleaner is so heavy-duty, the brand suggests that people with sensitive skin wear rubber gloves while using the product.
The best and most effective choice for most stovetops is Bar Keepers Friend Multipurpose Cooktop Cleaner. We love that the expert-recommended formula works on a variety of surfaces, and it's even versatile enough to clean other parts of your home (including sinks and showers). For tougher messes (like burnt-on grease), we recommend Goo Gone's Kitchen Degreaser, which is a foaming spray that cuts through stubborn grease and grime with ease.
Not all stovetops and gas ranges are made of the same materials. Stainless steel, glass, ceramic, and enamel are some of the most common types. It's important to know what type of stove you have so you don't accidentally buy a cleaner that could damage the surface.
Many cleaners list the recommended surface types on the back of the bottle and the product page, but if you're ever unsure, you can test it out with a small amount. "It's always wise to try them on some invisible or inconspicuous area on your stove before going full blast," says Barton.
If your stovetop is particularly messy and in need of more TLC, Barton recommends checking the label to make sure you're buying the most effective cleaner. "The golden rule of thumb is if it says 'heavy-duty degreaser,' she says. "However, use [these types of cleaners] on gas stoves or stainless steel stoves only."
Another tool that can help you tackle tough messes is a razor scraper, which usually works best on glass stovetops that need a completely smooth surface. However, it's important to use scrapers with caution to avoid causing irreparable scratches.
Getting rid of baked-on grease, stains, smudges, dust, oil, and other grime on stovetops takes quite a bit of power. This usually entails formulas that contain chemicals such as ethanolamine and sodium hydroxide. That's why you should always make sure to follow the cleaner's instructions and take the recommended safety precautions. You can also opt for a natural cleaner as an alternative to chemical formulas.
If a store-bought cleaner is not for you, another option that Barton recommends is making a homemade mixture using household ingredients. "Vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide are all-mighty cleaning combos that can outperform even the most expensive cleaners," she says. "Vinegar and baking soda are a bit more aggressive when combined, so always use them on stainless steel, gas, or electric stovetops. Just be sure to have patience and lots of elbow grease!"
If you have smooth glass stovetops, it might be tempting to spray a bit of glass cleaner for a quick clean and shine. Luckily, Barton says it's totally fine to do this.
"Besides removing grime from your windows, glass cleaners are the cavalry in cleaning your glass stovetop spotless," she says. "With chemicals designed to evaporate before you even blink, they don't leave any water marks or residue."
Oven cleaners are powerful degreasers that can make a dirty oven look brand new after a thorough cleaning. However, cleaning your stovetop with an oven cleaner can be tricky because it highly depends on the material.
"Whatever you do, don't use oven cleaners on glass or glass-ceramic stovetops," says Barton. "However, oven cleaners are perfectly safe to use on electric stovetops, since their surface is coated with a special heat-treated paint that'll stand the test of oven cleaners."
All-purpose sprays are another type of cleaning product that's probably not the best option for stovetops. Most enamel cooktops could handle an all-purpose cleaner, but Barton recommends avoiding it on glass-ceramic and stainless steel stovetops.
"Depending on the brand, some all-purpose cleaners can discolor the stainless steel, making it go black or even purple," she says.
If using an all-purpose cleaner is your only choice, it's always best to spot test to make sure it does not cause any damage. As always, you should only use a stovetop cleaner once the surface has completely cooled down.
This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for Real Simple with nearly three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews. To compile this list, she spent hours researching stovetop cleaners. She also received recommendations and tips on how to shop for stovetop cleaners from Emma Barton, cleaning expert and founder of Steam Clean Queen.
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