Cleaning a gas cooker and hob without damaging the burners

Grease and boil-overs are the main reason for a weak flame and failing ignition. Regular cleaning keeps a cooker healthy, but the wrong cleaning, such as too much water, sharp tools or harsh cleaners, causes faults of its own.

Cleaning the burners and hob

1. 1
   Lift off the grates and capsSoak them in warm soapy water for ten minutes.
2. 2
   Clean the burner headsWith a soft brush, and the ports with a toothpick. Never a needle or wire: they widen the holes and spoil the flame.
3. 3
   Wipe the cooktopWith a damp, not wet, cloth, keeping water away from the spark plugs.
4. 4
   Dry everythingLet the parts dry completely before refitting, at least an hour.
5. 5
   Seat the caps properlyThey must sit flat and still, or the flame comes out uneven.

Cleaning a gas oven

Wipe the inside of the oven while it is cold with warm soapy water, or baking soda for stubborn stains. Don’t spray cleaner on the flame ports or the sensor, and don’t remove the door seal to clean it.

Things not to do

• Don’t pour water straight onto the cooktop
• Don’t use wire or a needle in the burner ports
• Don’t use harsh cleaners on the knobs and markings
• Don’t light a wet burner
• Don’t move a freestanding cooker without closing the gas

When to call a technician after cleaning

• A burner lights and goes out
• A smell of gas after refitting the parts
• A knob has become stiff or sticks
• A yellow flame from a clean burner