It might sound like an odd cleaning hack at first, but sprinkling salt on your gas stove can actually deliver surprisingly powerful results — without using harsh chemicals or expensive cleaning products.

🌟 The Science Behind It

Salt isn’t just for seasoning. Thanks to its hygroscopic properties (meaning it absorbs moisture), salt helps dry out sticky spills, loosen grease, and prevent rust from forming on metal surfaces. When sprinkled over a dirty stovetop, salt acts as a natural abrasive that gently scrubs away burnt residue without scratching the surface — unlike steel wool or harsh scouring pads (Times of India).

According to Better Homes & Gardens, salt’s crystalline texture allows it to “buff away grime and oil stains safely,” especially on stainless steel or enamel surfaces. It’s also naturally antibacterial, which means it helps reduce odor and keeps your cooking area hygienic.

Many home experts even recommend sprinkling salt on hot spills as soon as they happen — it soaks up the liquid and prevents the mess from hardening later (Dummies.com).

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🧂 How to Use Salt to Clean Your Stove

1. Wipe off loose debris: First, make sure the stove is completely cool, then remove any food bits or loose grease.

2. Sprinkle a layer of salt: Use coarse or table salt and spread it evenly across stained or greasy spots.

3. Add baking soda and vinegar (optional): For stubborn stains, mix salt with a bit of baking soda and drizzle on some white vinegar. The fizzing reaction helps lift away deep-seated grime (Food52).

4. Cover and wait: Place a damp paper towel or cloth over the area and leave it for 10–20 minutes. The moisture activates the cleaning effect.

5. Scrub gently: Use a soft cloth or an old toothbrush to massage the mixture into the surface. You’ll notice the residue starting to lift off.

6. Wipe clean and dry: Remove the salt mixture with a damp towel, then dry thoroughly to prevent rust.

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⚠️ Important Tips

• Never use steel scrubbers or metal sponges — they can scratch the enamel or stainless steel surface, making it more prone to dirt buildup later.

• Always ensure the stove is completely dry before turning it on again. Moisture can interfere with ignition and even cause minor rusting around the burner caps.

• For extra shine, you can finish by wiping with a bit of lemon juice, which neutralizes any lingering odors and gives the surface a clean scent.

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🔧 Bonus: Fixing Weak Ignition

If your gas stove struggles to ignite after long use, the problem might be grease or dust buildup around the ignition pin. Simply use a cotton swab or paper towel to gently clean the spark tip. You can also use a toothpick to unclog the small holes in the burner ring — once clean, the blue flame should burn evenly again.

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✅ In Short

A spoonful of salt isn’t just for flavor — it’s a budget-friendly, eco-safe cleaning agent that can keep your stove shiny, odor-free, and functioning like new. And the best part? It’s sitting right in your kitchen cabinet.