• Burner bases
• Control knobs
• Small seams
• Edges of the cooktop
• Corners around the backsplash

If your knobs are removable, clean them separately according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Whirlpool, for example, recommends cleaning removable knobs with water and dish soap while avoiding soaking seals underneath them.

What About Baking Soda?

Baking soda can help with stubborn grime, but don’t assume more scrubbing means better cleaning.

For some gas-stove grates and burner caps, manufacturers recommend a baking soda-and-water paste for heavy buildup. Whirlpool, for example, recommends a 3-to-1 baking soda-to-water mixture for heavily soiled grates and caps.

For a glass cooktop, however, use only the products and tools recommended for your particular appliance. Avoid abrasive scrubbing that could scratch the surface.

Why Vaseline Isn’t a Good Grease Cleaner

Petroleum jelly may sound like an unusual cleaning hack because it can soften certain sticky substances.

But it’s a poor choice for cooking grease on a stove.

Instead of removing the grease, Vaseline can leave another oily film behind. You’d then have to clean that residue off with soap anyway.

Dish soap or an appropriate degreaser is designed for the job you’re actually trying to accomplish: breaking down and removing cooking oils.

Don’t Use These on a Glass Cooktop

If you have a glass or ceramic cooktop, avoid reaching for whatever happens to be under the sink.

Manufacturers commonly warn against:

• Steel wool
• Abrasive scouring pads
• Abrasive powder cleaners
• Chlorine bleach
• Rust removers
• Ammonia

These products can scratch or otherwise damage the surface.

And never use a metal utensil as an improvised scraper.

How to Get Grease Off Stainless Steel

Stainless steel needs a slightly different approach.

Use warm water with a small amount of dish soap and a soft microfiber cloth. When wiping the surface, follow the direction of the stainless-steel grain rather than scrubbing randomly across it. This helps maintain the finish and reduces visible streaks.

After cleaning, wipe away any remaining soap with a clean damp cloth and dry the surface thoroughly.

How to Prevent Grease From Building Up Again

The easiest grease to remove is the grease you don’t allow to sit there for days.

After cooking:

• Let the stove cool safely.
• Wipe fresh splatters with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Clean around the burners regularly.
• Don’t let grease accumulate around control knobs.
• Clean removable grates according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Whirlpool recommends wiping stovetops after each use with warm water and a little dish soap to help keep everyday buildup under control.

The Simple Routine That Works

For everyday grease, you don’t need a complicated cleaning hack.

Cool → Wipe → Soften → Clean → Dry

Let the stove cool, remove loose debris, soften the grease with warm soapy water, wipe with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge, and dry the surface.

If you’re dealing with cooked-on residue, step up to a cleaner or scraper specifically approved for your stove rather than using increasingly aggressive household products.

Final Thoughts

Vaseline might be an interesting internet cleaning hack, but it isn’t the answer to a greasy stovetop. It can leave an oily film behind when what you really need is something that removes cooking grease.

Start with warm water and a little dish soap, give stubborn grease time to soften, and use only non-abrasive tools appropriate for your stove’s surface. With a few minutes of regular maintenance after cooking, you can prevent that sticky layer from turning into a much bigger cleaning job.