How To Clean A Black Enamel Stove Top (Step-by-Step Guide)

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team

Having black appliances can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, they are sleek and can hide food stains well. On the other hand, cleaning can be difficult for appliances that come into frequent contact with food and fingerprints.

Dark-colored stoves can hide food stains so that they may go undetected until they are caked on. There are a few dependable methods that can be used to clean enamel stovetops. The method you choose will be based on preference, and how much time you have.

The tried and true way to clean a black enamel stove top is to use a baking soda and vinegar mixture. Simply sprinkle on the baking soda and then spray the vinegar on to create a paste, let it sit, and then wipe clean. We’ll explain in detail below and explore some other good methods to get your stove sparkling clean.

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How Often Should I Clean My Black Enamel Stovetop?

The frequency of your stove cleaning depends on how well you maintain its cleanliness after use. If you consistently give the stove a quick wipe after cooking, you can probably get away with monthly cleanings.

If you tend to ignore the smaller messes on your black stovetop, you may need to thoroughly clean more often. The day to day use debris will pile up and call for more elbow grease when you do your cleaning.

How Do I Know If My Stovetop Is Enamel?

There are several different kinds of materials used for stovetops. Enamel is a type of ceramic coating that is applied to metals. Enamel is often used to protect the surface from chemical or heat damage, and for appearance purposes.

Most likely, you’ll be able to tell if your stovetop is enamel just by the way it looks. If the surface is glossy, smooth to the touch, and does not look like stainless steel, it’s probably enamel. Enamel is also more likely than other materials to be colorful.

How Can I Clean my Black Enamel Stovetop?

We’ll cover two different methods in this article. The baking soda and vinegar method helps the best with grease and buildup of any food remnants.

  • Clean off the stovetop. Clear off any loose crumbs or other food remnants from the stove with a paper towel.
  • Take off any removable parts such as burners and soak them in hot, soapy water. Let them soak for about five minutes or until you’re done cleaning the stove. Then clean them with a scouring pad and rinse before putting them back on the stove.
  • Mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar into a spray bottle. Generously spray the vinegar on the stovetop. For gas stoves, you’ll have to avoid the gas openings, which will be exposed without the burners on. You can cover these up with a small cup.
  • Sprinkle the stovetop with baking soda. Put some extra on any stubborn stains or grease. The mixture will start to foam and fizz and create a paste.
  • Spread and scrub the mixture over the stovetop with a sponge or wet rag. Then let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This is a good time to scrub the burners.
  • Use a wet rag or sponge to wipe the mixture off the stove. You’ll have to rinse the rag or sponge repeatedly, until the stove is clean. Finish off the surface by wiping with a dry microfiber cloth to get rid of any streaks.
  • Rinse and dry the burners. Once dry, replace the burners and admire your handiwork! If there are still food stains set in, you can try repeating the process.

*Alternative Tip* You can also put some baking soda into a bowl and add enough vinegar to make a paste. Then you can use it to clean the stove and scrub the burners with it as well.

Fast Way To Clean Black Enamel Stove

Sometimes, the stove won’t look quite as bad and you might not want to deal with the baking soda paste. In this case, there are other, quicker ways to clean. Just follow these steps.

Step 1

Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the entire surface of the stovetop, again avoiding electrical components. If the burners are removable, remove them first and either spray or soak them. It will be easier to avoid the parts that shouldn’t get wet if you clean the burners separately.

Step 2

Wipe the surface clean with a microfiber cloth. If the cloth becomes damp, swap it for another dry cloth if you have one. This will ensure the surface is free of streaks.

Tips For Cleaning A Black Enamel Stovetop

  • If your burners aren’t removable or have electrical components you can use an alternative to soaking them. Just lay a warm, wet rag over the coils for 1-2 minutes to loosen up dirt and grime. Then wipe them off with a paper towel.
  • Never soak wires or any electrical components with any kind of liquids.
  • Do not use steel wool material to wipe down the stove enamel, as it can scratch the surface.
  • If you can’t stand the smell of vinegar, you can substitute lemon juice – another great cleaning agent. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of lemon essential oil to your vinegar to cut down on the vinegar smell.

Related Questions

Can I use bleach on a black enamel stovetop?

You should never use bleach to clean your stovetop. Bleach is a harsh, abrasive chemical that can easily inflict damage on the enamel.It can also change the color of the surface. Always be sure that the product you use is gentle enough for enamel.


How do I clean my black enamel drip pans?

To clean your drip pans, first rinse them with hot water in the sink. Then combine equal parts baking soda and dish soap and mix.Next, apply some of the mixture to your drip pans and scrub with a sponge, wet rag, or even your fingers. Let them sit in the sink for a good chunk of time – an hour should do the trick. Finally, rinse them off and enjoy the satisfaction of your dazzling stovetop.


Can I fix scratches on my black enamel stovetop?

Chips and scratches are not a death sentence for stovetops, fortunately. You can fix the issue inexpensively with some sandpaper and high-temperature porcelain repair liquid.First, sand the damaged area until smooth and wipe the area with a damp cloth. After it dries completely, follow the instructions on the porcelain cleaner to apply it. The product should easily adhere to the enamel and leave it looking brand new.

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Wrapping it Up

Some homeowners avoid buying black appliances altogether, thinking they need special pricey cleaners to maintain their appearance. But luckily, this is not the case.

The safest, most effective way to clean a black enamel stovetop is with baking soda and vinegar. These are multi-purpose ingredients that most people have in their pantry already, and work wonders on many appliances and surfaces.

Your cleaning time will also be significantly shorter and less labor-intensive if you are proactive with your stove’s upkeep. Just giving the stovetop a quick wipe after cooking will avoid nasty baked-on stains and preserve the quality of the surface.

Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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