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How to Clean Your Camp Stove
In order to keep your stove cooking at its best, you should keep up with regular maintenance and cleaning. With all the grilling, boiling, frying, and baking you might do with your stove, a lot of food debris and grease can build up over time. At least once a year, you should give your stove a deep clean-this includes cleaning the body as well as the burners. But don’t worry, it’s easy to do. Follow our guide below to learn how to keep your stove in the best condition possible.
Painted Metal Surfaces
Supplies
- Mild dish soap
- Hot water
- Wire brush
- Nylon sponge or scouring pad
- Paper clip
- Garden hose
Instructions
- Allow your stove to cool completely before trying to deep-clean it.
- Detach the hose and regulator from the stove and set aside.
- Pull off the heat control knobs on the front of the stove.
- Twist the air dampers around so there is a clear opening to the burner stems, also called venture tubes.
- Clean the inside of the venturi tubes with a flexible brush, an air hose, a garden hose, or a long wire with a hooked end. Use these tools to clean out any debris (spider webs, mud, etc.) from the burner stems.
- Push the heat control knobs back on.
- Wipe down the exterior of your stove with hot water and mild soap. A sponge or scouring pad works best.
- Clean the burners with a wire brush to get rid of rust or debris.
- You can use an unfolded paper clip or similar object to clear clogged gas port holes in the tops of the burners.
- Rinse the entire stove with a garden hose (be sure that the soap draining off doesn’t harm your patio or lawn).
- Turn the stove upside down to drain and dry for at least one hour before you try to use it again.
- Wipe dry any areas where the paint or finish has chipped away to prevent rust build-up. You can also cover these spots with high heat paint.
Stainless Steel Surfaces
Supplies
- Hot water
- Vinegar or stainless steel cleaner
- Spray bottle
- Lint-free cloth
- Mineral oil or olive oil
- Wire brush
- Paper clip
- Garden hose
Instructions
- You can follow the same steps above to clean out the burner stems.
- Detach the hose and regulator from the stove and set aside.
- Wipe down the stove with hot water, moving in line with the grain of the steel.
- Spray with vinegar, focusing on any stains. Alternatively, you can use stainless steel cleaner.
- Let the vinegar (or stainless steel cleaner) sit on the surface for a minute.
- Wipe off the cleaner in the same direction as the grain of the steel.
- You can reapply vinegar and sprinkle some baking soda on top to get rid of more stubborn spots.
- Rinse the entire stove with a garden hose.
- Allow to drain and dry for about an hour.
- Dry the surface completely.
- Apply a small amount of mineral oil or olive oil to a dry, lint-free cloth and rub it into the stainless steel with the grain of the steel. Use only a small amount-your stove shouldn’t feel oily or sticky to the touch.
Taking care of your stove doesn’t have to be a project. Just follow the steps above a time or two per year, and you’ll be good to go. The surface of your stove will stay cleaner, the burners will use fuel more efficiently, and you can continue to cook incredible food outdoor
