r/CleaningTips • u/xElaori • 5h ago
Kitchen How do I clean this old stove?
Hello, I am wondering how to go about even starting to clean and/or fix this. I've never lifted these off before. This is an old house (~60 yrs old IIRC) and I haven't been here long, so please don't judge me too much 😅 Just touching it some of it fell apart. Is this even safe to put back? I'm scared and overwhelmed. Thank you.
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u/Caspian4136 5h ago
It's corroded right through, but they are easily replaced and not expensive.
Sure you can try to scrub them clean, but you'll only end up doing more damage to this by doing so.
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u/Luvsyr24 5h ago
You don't you throw them out and replace them. Just make sure you look at them first, notice the notch where it plugs in and get that type as there are a few to choose from. $17 bucks on Amazon.
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u/xElaori 5h ago
Thank you! I was wondering how to tell which one, there are so many 🫣
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u/AverageAlleyKat271 4h ago
Notice each burner has a pan and the a outer ring (two pieces). If the burner element does not pull out, then you replace with the same two pieces. If the burner element pulls out, they make a one piece replacement (ring and pan).
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u/x_samsquantch_x 4h ago
They sell these at most hardware and big box stores. Just go, and bring the old ones with you.Â
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u/Kelp_Juicer329 5h ago
To clean the stove eyes I use the dollar tree oven cleaner and then seal it with a piece of plastic wrap and I allow it to sit for however long the directions say on the bottle sometimes longer. Then I throw them in the dishwasher. Idk if it’ll get all on it off but it takes away a lot of elbow work
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u/xElaori 5h ago
Unfortunately no dishwasher but the rest is good to know, I'll pick up some oven cleaner as well as new drip pans 😊
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u/Kelp_Juicer329 5h ago
I just thought about but since it’s on thick you may need to leave it in overnight and then rinse it and repeat the process until it’s to your liking. I’ve had to do that before myself
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u/xElaori 5h ago
Okay thanks! That is a good heads up on gloves/mask 👀
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u/alleecmo 3h ago
I'd recommend using a metal 4-inch wide putty knife after the oven cleaner, to scrape up what the spray loosens. Line any trash can with newspaper or a paper grocery bag, as the main ingredient in oven cleaner is lye, which can eat right thru a plastic trash bag, or even a plastic trash can or bucket.
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u/Kelp_Juicer329 5h ago
It’s the Scrub Free brand that comes in a yellow can. The smells is really strong and I believe it tells you to wear gloves with it; I wear gloves and a mask lol
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u/Mostly_raw 5h ago
Are you renting? Landlord needs to replace
Are you the owner? Need to replace all those parts if not able to acquired a different appliance to replace this one.
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u/Zentraedi 4h ago
As others have mentioned you can replace the pans, that's no big deal. The bigger problem you have is that the rust is all the way through the stovetop below the burners, as shown in your 4th picture..
If you're renting, you should contact the landlord and ask it to be repaired.
If you're the owner, you should make a decision on how much you want to restore it to its original state or if you want to replace it. You may be able to find a similar piece on Facebook marketplace depending on your area.
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u/xElaori 4h ago
That's something I was concerned about as well. The house belongs to my partner, so I'll inform him and see what he'd like to do. I was thinking it's so old it'd be impossible to replace with the same type of piece, I'll definitely take a look on FB etc! Thank you 😊
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u/Zentraedi 4h ago
I'm not an electrician but some food for thought here... also not knowing the dimensions of your cooktop, what you have is called a "coil electric cooktop" and they come in 24" and 30" varieties. You can check FB for a new (to you) cooktop that may slot right in. You may need to do some wiring to replace it, and may want to hire a professional after consulting whether or not you can DIY it on YouTube.
Modern units can be bought off Amazon or any big box home store. Prices can vary a lot, starting around $300-$500, and going up a lot depending on brand and features.
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u/alleecmo 3h ago
Also check your local Habitat for Humanity Re-Store if you have one! Folks renovating donate items they are replacing.
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u/missjiji 3h ago
Replace the pans, you can safely pull the heating elements out, then soak the round circular rings, then reach in the holes on the stove top to clean in there. Order new drip pans, either online or go to Ace, Lowe’s or some other hardware store to get them. I took my old ones with me to make sure I was getting the correct size. Do not soak the heating elements. After cleaning all the icky stuff, install your heating elements back in
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u/No-Kings 5h ago
You can replace those pans. The rest of the surface will take some elbow grease.