Range maintenance tips

Broiler pan: The broiler pan that comes with most range/ovens is porcelain-coated steel. Clean it with a non-abrasive cleanser.

Control panel: Most range/oven control panels are glass and/or painted metal. You can safely use non-abrasive cleaners on these surfaces.

Note: Never spray cleaners directly onto the control panel. Instead, put some cleaner on a soft, damp rag, then wipe the surface.

Cooktop: You can clean any porcelain cooktop with a non-abrasive cleanser.

Note: Don't pour the cleanser directly onto the cooktop. Instead, put some cleaner on a soft, damp rag, then wipe the surface.

Burner drip pans (bowls): You usually need to replace the drip pans or bowls beneath the grates on a gas stove/range and beneath the heating element on an electric stove/range every 2 to 3 years. That's because, once they're stained, it's usually not possible to clean them completely.

Glass cooktops and windows: Always clean glass and ceramic cooktops only with products made for this purpose. Clean your glass oven windows with any oven glass cleaner. Be careful not to clean glass surfaces that are hot!

Knob care: You may be able to safely clean the knobs on your range/oven with a little dish detergent and a damp rag. But, if the numbers or lettering have worn away, you may need to replace the knobs.

Light bulbs: You can replace the light bulb(s) in your range/oven, though you may need to remove a glass covering or dome to reach it. Most interior oven lights require a universal 40 watt appliance bulb.

Oven: If your oven is self-cleaning, consult the owner's manual for instructions on how to use this feature. The self-cleaning feature works by heating the interior of the oven to a temperature so hot that it incinerates the residue inside the oven. Normally, it is not a good idea to clean the interior of a self-cleaning oven with a spray cleaner; however, refer to your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer of your oven for further information.To clean a non-self-cleaning oven, use one of the many oven cleaners that are available at grocery and hardware stores.