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🧼 Auntie’s Soot-Busting Formula
You’ll Need:
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1/2 cup baking soda
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1/4 cup white vinegar
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1 tablespoon Dawn dish soap (or any grease-cutting dish soap)
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A few drops of lemon essential oil (optional, for shine and scent)
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Warm water
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A soft sponge or cloth
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An old toothbrush for corners and crevices
🔧 The Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prep the Area
Turn off the stove and let it cool completely. Remove any removable parts like burner grates or drip pans and set them aside to soak in warm, soapy water.
Step 2: Make the Magic Paste
In a bowl, mix the baking soda, dish soap, and vinegar into a thick paste. It may fizz a little — that’s the good stuff working!
Step 3: Apply Generously
Using a sponge, apply the paste to all soot-stained and greasy areas. Focus on corners, around burners, and spots where soot tends to bake on. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Step 4: Scrub Gently but Thoroughly
With the sponge and an old toothbrush, scrub the surface. You’ll notice the grime start to lift right away. For tougher spots, reapply the paste and let it sit a little longer.
Step 5: Wipe Clean & Shine
Use a damp cloth to wipe everything down. Rinse with warm water to remove any residue, then dry with a microfiber cloth. Add a few drops of lemon oil on a clean cloth and buff the surface for that “just-unboxed” shine.
Step 6: Don’t Forget the Parts
Scrub the grates and burner pieces you soaked earlier, rinse them clean, and return them to the stove.
✨ The Result?
A sparkling, soot-free stove that looks brand new — and smells fresh too! This method is gentle enough for most surfaces (including enamel and stainless steel) but tough enough to cut through months of built-up grease and carbon.
💡 Auntie’s Extra Tips:
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Do this once a week for maintenance, or monthly for deep cleaning.
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For glass cooktops, skip the toothbrush and use a soft sponge only.
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Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to your paste for a warm, kitchen-fresh scent!
Thanks to my aunt’s tried-and-true method, I no longer dread cleaning my stove — and neither should you. With just a few pantry staples and a little elbow grease, you can keep your stove looking like new and ready for your next cooking masterpiece.
Want more old-school cleaning tricks from my aunt’s playbook? Let me know!
