It might sound odd at first, but sprinkling salt on your gas stove is actually a simple cleaning trick that delivers surprisingly powerful results. Many people struggle with cleaning their stovetops — even with frequent wiping, stubborn grease stains, food spills, and boiled-over liquids tend to build up over time. These residues can form a tough, sticky layer that’s difficult to remove and may even cause rust, corrosion, or dullness on your stove’s surface.

Fortunately, there’s a clever little hack that has gone viral on social media: just a spoonful of salt can make your gas stove shine like new. This method requires no harsh chemicals, costs almost nothing, and is incredibly easy to do — all while being safe for both you and your kitchen surfaces.

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Step 1: Start with Baking Soda — the Secret Cleaning Powerhouse

Before using salt, begin with a layer of baking soda (also known as baking powder or sodium bicarbonate). This common kitchen ingredient, often used in baking, is also a powerful natural cleaner. Sprinkle it evenly over the entire surface of your stove, paying extra attention to greasy or burnt areas.

Next, pour a small amount of white vinegar over the baking soda. When these two ingredients come into contact, they create a fizzy reaction that helps lift away layers of grime, oil, and residue. The bubbling action naturally breaks down dirt without scratching or damaging your stove’s finish.

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Step 2: Let the Mixture Work Its Magic

Cover the surface with a few sheets of damp paper towel or a soft cloth. Leave it for about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how dirty the stove is. During this time, the vinegar and baking soda mixture will loosen even the most stubborn stains. When you remove the cloth, you’ll notice that much of the residue has softened, making it much easier to wipe away.

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Step 3: The Magic Touch — Sprinkle Salt

This is the secret step that makes the trick so effective. After wiping away the initial residue, sprinkle a thin, even layer of fine salt over the stove. Salt acts as a natural abrasive, helping to scrub away rust spots, burnt marks, and sticky residue without scratching the surface.

But that’s not all — salt also has antibacterial and deodorizing properties, which help kill germs and eliminate lingering cooking odors. As you gently rub the surface, you’ll notice the salt granules start to turn yellow or brown — a clear sign that they’re absorbing grime and rust.

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Step 4: Scrub Gently with the Right Tool

Avoid using steel wool or metal scrubbers, as they can easily scratch stainless steel or enamel surfaces, making future stains even harder to remove. Instead, grab an old toothbrush with soft bristles — it’s perfect for reaching tight corners and narrow spaces around the burners.

Brush in gentle circular motions to work the salt into any remaining stains. You’ll see the buildup lift off without much effort. Once you’re done scrubbing, wipe away all the salt and residue using a clean, damp cloth, repeating the process until the surface is spotless and completely dry.

The result? A gas stove that shines like new, free of odors, rust, and sticky stains — and all achieved with just a few common household ingredients.

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Step 5: Bonus Fix — Solve the “Hard-to-Ignite” Problem

Another issue that often plagues older gas stoves is difficulty igniting or uneven flame output. In most cases, the cause is simple: grease, food particles, or dust clogging the ignition needle or the burner holes.

To fix it:

• Use a cotton swab or soft tissue to gently clean the ignition needle. This ensures the spark sensor can detect gas properly.

• For the burner ring, which contains many tiny holes, use a small wooden toothpick or a fine pin to unclog each opening carefully. Avoid metal tools that could deform or widen the holes.

Once cleaned, reassemble the parts and ignite the stove — you’ll likely notice a strong, steady blue flame, just like when the stove was brand new.

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Step 6: Keep It Clean Longer

To maintain your stove’s shine, develop a quick cleaning habit. After each cooking session, sprinkle a small pinch of salt on any fresh spills. It helps absorb oil and prevents residue from hardening. Wipe it off once the stove cools — this simple practice can save you hours of deep cleaning later.

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Final Thoughts

Sprinkling salt on your gas stove isn’t just an old wives’ tale — it’s a science-backed cleaning method that’s gentle, effective, and environmentally friendly. Combined with baking soda and vinegar, it forms a natural trio that can tackle even the toughest kitchen grime.

With just a few household items and a few minutes of effort, you can restore your stove’s shine, eliminate odors, and even improve its ignition performance — all without spending money on expensive cleaning products or risking exposure to harsh chemicals.

So next time your stove looks dull or greasy, reach for the salt shaker — your kitchen will thank you!