Your stove puts up with a lot. Backcountry trails, sunny days on the back patio, big seafood boils on the beach-we've built it to be tough. But even the toughest stoves need some TCL in the form of 'regular maintenance' to continue performing at their best. Whether you're bringing your stove out of storage after the long winter or it's been sitting on your back patio all year long, use our guide to give it a good cleaning at least once or twice per year.
Matte Black Stoves
What You'll Need
- Mild dish soap
- Hot water
- Wire brush
- Nylon sponge or scouring pad
- Paper clip
- Garden hose
What To Do
1. Allow your stove to cool completely before trying to clean it. You don't want to burn yourself!
2. Detach the hose and regulator from the stove and set aside.
3. Remove the knobs from the front of the burners by pulling firmly.
4. Open the air dampers so you have a clear opening to the burner stems (a.k.a. venturi tubes).
5. Use a flexible venturi brush, an air hose, garden hose, or a long wire with a hooked end to clean out any debris (spider webs, dirt, etc.) from the burner stems.
6. Push the knobs back on to reattach.
7. Set the stove in an area where dish soap won't harm your patio or yard.
8. Wipe down the entire surface and legs with hot water and mild dish soap, using a wet nylon sponge or scouring pad.
9. Brush burners with a wire brush to remove corrosion or debris from the exterior.
10. Use an unfolded paper clip or similar object to clear clogged gas port holes in the top of the burners.
11. Rinse the entire stove with a hose.
12. Turn the stove upside down to drain for at least one hour before using again.
13. Wipe dry any areas where the paint or finish has chipped away to prevent rusting. You can also cover these spots with high heat paint.
Stainless Steel Stoves
What You'll Need
- Hot water
- Vinegar or stainless steel cleaner
- Spray bottle
- Lint-free cloth
- Mineral oil or olive oil
- Wire brush
- Paper clip
- Garden hose
What To Do
1. Follow the first steps above to clean the venturi tubes of your burners.
2. Remove the regulator and hose from the stove and set aside.
3. Wipe down the stove with hot water, working with the grain of the steel.
4. Spray all stainless steel surfaces with vinegar, focusing on any stained areas. You can also use stainless steel cleaner.
5. Let the vinegar sit on the surface for a minute.
6. Wipe off the vinegar in the same direction as the grain of the steel.
7. If there are stubborn stains, you can reapply vinegar and sprinkle some baking soda on top.
8. Rinse the entire stove with a hose.
9. Allow to drain for about an hour.
10. Dry the steel surface completely.
11. Apply a small amount of mineral oil or olive oil to a dry, lint-free cloth and rub it into the stainless steel surfaces with the grain of the steel. Use only a small amount-the steel should not feel oily or sticky afterward.
If you follow these steps, your stove has its best chance to perform at its best for years to come. CHECK LIST
