Gas Cooker Tips - How To Keep It Clean And Stay Safe
A home without a stove is incomplete. It is an elemental part of our lives. Right from early morning till late night, it burns upon every command to prepare every possible dish. Some splotches of gravy here or few grains of rice there left on it for weeks or even months can make it look nothing less than a battlefield for cooking meals. Cleanliness is an imperative aspect when it comes to cooking, and you can always start by keeping the stove clean.
A clean gas cooker:
Not only helps in curbing bacterial growth but also throws light on our habit of cleanliness.
Motivates and inspires us to venture into infinite possibilities of cooking those sumptuous meals day after day.
Now, let's look at some quick, easy steps to keep your gas cooker clean.
A gas cooker requires cleaning of the
Burner Grates - The stand (usually removable) on which vessels are placed for cooking.
Burner Caps - These are placed on the burner to circulate flames evenly throughout the burner.
Burner Heads - These are attached to the gas cooker. They provide a place for fire ignition.
Gas Cooker Surface- The platform for all the parts of the gas cooker.
Step 1: Begin with basics
Before you enter the battlefield to fight the grime and grease on your stove, it's vital to turn off the gas knobs and main supply. Let the burners cool off completely and check the manufacturer's manual before using any cleaning agent.
Step 2: Be ready with a cleansing solution
Depending upon the grime build up on your gas cooker, you can prepare the cleansing solution. You needn't sweat much if it's just a layer of dirt that is easy to clean with some soapy water and sponge. But if the grime is a build-up of a few months, then all you need to do is make friends with some vinegar and baking soda. These two ingredients are extremely useful when it comes to cleaning any appliance.
Try this Wonder Paste!
Mix up 1 cup distilled white vinegar with 2 cups of baking soda. Add in 2 tsp of dish soap liquid and make it of a paste-like consistency. You can adjust the quantity of paste for cleaning according to the grime and number of burner grates. You can use the leftover paste for cleaning the gunge on any other appliance as well.
Step 3: Start with burner grates and caps
Lift-off the burner grates from the stove and the caps from the burner. Place them in a sink which is filled with water and liquid soap. Depending upon the size and number of grates and caps do this activity in batches. Use a sponge to clean the grates and caps thoroughly. Rinse and repeat if necessary. You can easily make out if the grates and caps are cleaned if they aren't sticky to touch.
If burner grates and caps still aren't cleaned by the first wash, try using the wonder paste. Just apply the paste on the grates and caps. Let it rest for a minimum of 20 minutes. Wash it with a soapy sponge and some elbow power. Avoid using a metal dish scrubber as it may erode the coating if any from the grates/caps.
Dry the burner grates and caps with a super-absorbent cloth completely before fixing them back on the stove.
Step 4: Carefully clean the burner heads
Cleaning the burner head can be a little tricky if you haven't paid attention to the grease built on it over time. Always use a damp cloth (water almost completely wrung out of it) while cleaning the burner heads. Too much moisture will result in delayed ignition of the burner.
Use an elongated pointed item like a safety pin, needle, or unfolded paper clip to clean the burner holes. It is the area where the gas comes out from and can be clogged with debris formed while cooking. Ensure you reach every nook and corner of the burner holes and notches while clearing the debris.
Clean the burner heads once again with a damp cloth dipped in some vinegar to remove any hidden grease.
Step 5: Final Touch: Gas cooker surface cleaning
The final step to get a perfect spick and span gas cooker. Wipe the gas cooker surface with a damp cloth and gather all the leftover food particles on it.
With a sponge dipped in soapy water, wipe the surface to remove spots if any. If your gas cooker surface has much more gunge than expected, try applying the wonder paste on the entire surface and let it sit on it for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Gently scrub off the paste from the surface with the soapy sponge. Wipe it all over with a damp cloth to remove excess soap if any. Let the surface dry for some time. Using a clean hand towel dry off the cooker surface completely, fix the burner caps & grates back to their positions. Voila! Your gas cooker is ready to be used again.
So you see, keeping your gas cooker spotless isn't as tough as it might seem if you clean them from time to time. Cleaning it after every use will save you a lot of time and energy.
Safety tips while using a gas cooker:
In our daily lives, we're so accustomed to multitasking that basic safety in the kitchen often gets neglected. This negligence can lead to severe hazards and make cooking a disaster for you and your household. To keep cooking safe and fun here are a few safety tips you should know: -
Keep calm and cook
Yes, when you enter the kitchen for any cooking activity, you must come with a calm mind. Hastiness can often lead to accidents that often can otherwise be prevented.
Beware of what you wear
Free-flowing clothes especially the nylon/synthetic ones, are a strict no in the kitchen while cooking. Wear cotton clothes whenever possible in the kitchen as they tend to absorb any heat as well as splatters from the cooking pots. A cotton apron can act as a perfect shield in the kitchen for you. Avoid wearing any jewellery as they too can get heated up when exposed to flames.
Control the flames
When lighting the burner, ensure the knob is turned on. If the burner doesn't light up immediately switch off the knob, wait for few seconds and then try lighting it again. A blocked burner can often delay the ignition. If required, unclog the burner and try again. The bottom of the cooking pot/vessel should cover the flames beneath it. Be careful when you are cooking on high flame as even slightest oversight can cause vital damages.
Maintenance and regular checks
As far as possible, always clean your gas after every meal preparation. It will save you time and effort involved to remove the grease and debris that accumulate over time. Cleaning will also help you to understand the health of your gas cooker. Check the pipes and burners for any cracks or clog build-up. Reinstall the gas cooker after cleaning with due care.
Keep children at safe distance
Cooking is fun for children only when done under adult supervision. Ensure the kids don't play around in the kitchen area. Keep items viz lighter, matchbox, hot oil, knives, etc. out of their reach. Always store the confectionery items away from the gas area as children find it exciting to reach out to these sweets when adults aren’t around.
Choose the right cookware
Check the manufacturer's manual to identify the type of cookware to be used with your gas cooker. Using the right cookware (material, shape, size, etc.) is crucial as they won't allow the fire to escape from beneath the vessels. Plastic, glass, or melamine cookware is a strict no while cooking.
Install smoke alarm and Carbon Monoxide detector
Gas and carbon monoxide leak can often go undetected without a proper alarm. Carbon monoxide release can cause more harm as it is odourless and may lead to dizziness, nausea, or headache. Installing an appropriate alarm for gas detection can save you from a lot of trouble. In case of gas leaks, open all the windows for ventilation and switch off every appliance. Do not burn a candle or matchstick. Call for a licensed gas fitter whenever dealing with any such issues.
In case of emergencies like:
Accidental fire
Cut the source of fire immediately. In case the source cannot be reached evacuate the place immediately, informing your family and call for emergency assistance. Always use a blanket or a fire extinguisher to douse the flames.
Burn on skin
Wash any minor burn on the skin while cooking with running tap water. Keep the burnt area under lukewarm water (not ice water) for at least 15-20 minutes. Apply an antiseptic cream and cover it with a gauze. In case the burn gets worse, seek immediate professional medical help.
We hope we have given you some great insights on how to clean your gas cookers and how to use them safely. Remember, cleanliness is next to godliness and prevention is better than cure. To buy the best gas cookers and to get great advice, you can visit one of our premium retail outlets near you or call us at 8001279999 for assistance.