It might sound strange, but sprinkling a little salt on your gas stove can work wonders. What seems like a random kitchen myth is actually a simple, inexpensive, and chemical-free way to clean and disinfect your stovetop — leaving it sparkling like new.

For many people, scrubbing the gas stove is one of the most dreaded household chores. Even if you wipe it down daily, oil splatters, spilled soup, and boiled-over water eventually leave behind stubborn grime, rust, and discoloration. Over time, this buildup not only makes your kitchen look dirty but also damages the stove’s surface.

Fortunately, there’s a clever trick that’s been making waves on social media: just sprinkle a spoonful of salt over the stovetop. Sounds too good to be true? Let’s see why it works so well.

---

Step-by-Step: The Smart Way to Clean Your Gas Stove

1. Start with Baking Soda — The Natural Power Cleaner

First, grab some baking soda (also known as sodium bicarbonate) — a common ingredient in baking, but also a powerful natural cleaner. Sprinkle it evenly over the entire stovetop, especially on greasy or burnt areas. Baking soda helps loosen dirt, absorb odors, and break down oil stains.

2. Add White Vinegar for a Deep-Clean Reaction

Next, pour a bit of white vinegar directly over the baking soda. As soon as the two substances meet, they’ll fizz and bubble. This gentle chemical reaction lifts up grease, burnt food particles, and stubborn residue that’s been stuck for weeks.

Cover the surface with a damp paper towel or cloth and let it sit for 10–20 minutes (depending on how dirty your stove is). During this time, the mixture will soften and dissolve most of the grime.

---

3. Sprinkle Salt — The Secret Ingredient

Now comes the magic step: after removing the cloth and wiping off the loosened dirt, sprinkle a thin layer of fine salt over the stovetop.

Salt works as a natural abrasive — it helps scrub away the remaining burnt spots and rust stains without scratching the metal or enamel surface. It also has antibacterial and deodorizing properties, leaving your stove hygienically clean and odor-free.

Gently scrub the surface using an old toothbrush or a soft sponge. Avoid using metal scourers or steel wool — they can damage the surface, making it more prone to future rust and grease buildup. As you scrub, you’ll notice the salt turning a yellowish color — that’s a sign it’s absorbing grime and rust.

When you’re done, wipe the surface with a damp, wrung-out cloth until it’s clean and completely dry. The result? A stove that looks brand-new — shiny, smooth, and fresh-smelling.

---

Why Salt Works So Well

Salt isn’t just for seasoning food. Its coarse texture makes it an effective, non-toxic cleaning agent, capable of removing tough residue and absorbing moisture. It’s also a mild disinfectant, helping kill bacteria without the need for harsh chemicals.

When combined with baking soda and vinegar, salt boosts the scrubbing effect while neutralizing odors — giving your kitchen a natural, safe deep clean.

---

Bonus Tip: Fixing a Stove That Won’t Ignite Properly

Many people complain that their gas stoves become difficult to ignite after a while. Often, this isn’t a mechanical failure — it’s just dirt or grease buildup on the ignition pin or burner holes.

To fix it:

• Use a cotton swab or tissue to gently clean the ignition tip.

• For the burner ring, use a small toothpick or wooden skewer to unclog the tiny holes.

Once everything is clean and dry, turn on the stove again — you’ll notice the flame burns evenly blue, strong, and steady, just like when it was new.

---

Extra Cleaning & Maintenance Tips

• Always clean your stove after cooking — even a quick wipe can prevent long-term buildup.

• If possible, remove the burner covers and wash them separately with warm, soapy water once a week.

• Once a month, deep-clean the stove using the baking soda, vinegar, and salt method to keep it rust-free.

• Avoid using bleach or corrosive cleaners, as they can dull the surface and weaken the stove’s finish.

---

Final Thoughts

Sprinkling salt on your gas stove might sound like an old-fashioned trick, but it’s one that truly works. It’s cheap, eco-friendly, and incredibly effective at removing grime, eliminating odors, and restoring shine — all without using harsh chemicals.

So next time your stovetop looks dull or greasy, skip the expensive cleaners. Just reach for three simple ingredients — baking soda, vinegar, and salt — and in minutes, your kitchen will look and feel brand new.