How to Clean Stove Backsplash - Backsplash Kitchen

A stove backsplash protects your kitchen walls from grease splatters, sauce stains, and other cooking messes. Over time, a backsplash can become coated in baked-on grease and food splatters. Learning how to properly clean a stove backsplash keeps it looking like new for longer. With the right cleaning solutions and techniques, you can remove even the most stubborn, stuck-on messes from your backsplash tiles or panels.

Why It’s Important to Clean Your Stove Backsplash

Keeping your stove backsplash clean is more than just about appearances. Here are some key reasons to add backsplash cleaning to your regular kitchen cleaning routine:

Prevent grease buildup – Grease and oil splatters can leave behind sticky residues that attract more dirt over time. Regular cleaning prevents thick layers of grease from accumulating.
Eliminate stains – Sauces, juices, and other food spills can seep into porous backsplash materials like grout. Timely cleaning stops stains from setting permanently.
Improve air quality – Burnt food and grease release odor and particulate matter into the air when heated. Cleaning the backsplash removes these air pollutants.
Extend lifespan – Built-up grease and food debris wears down backsplash materials prematurely. Keeping the surface clean protects your investment.
Enhance aesthetics – Cleaning keeps your backsplash looking like new, improving your kitchen’s appearance.
Maintain hygiene – Greasy backsplashes harbour bacteria. Regular cleaning creates more sanitary cooking conditions.

No matter what material your backsplash is made of, it requires occasional deep cleaning to look and perform its best.

How Often to Clean Your Backsplash

How frequently your stove backsplash needs cleaning depends on factors like:

Type of cooking you do – Frying and sautéing create more splatter than boiling or baking.
Materials used – Porous natural stone requires more frequent cleaning than enameled steel.
Quality of ventilation – Good range hood ventilation captures more grease.
Frequency of use – Heavy stove use means more cleaning needed.

While specific timeframes differ for everyone, here are some general backsplash cleaning guidelines:

Daily spot cleaning – Wipe up splatters and spills immediately after cooking.
Weekly cleaning – Use a degreasing cleaner and soft cloth/sponge for a thorough wipe down.
Monthly deep cleaning – Use a heavy duty cleaner to remove built-up, burnt-on debris.
Annual intensive cleaning – Scrub grout lines, caulk joints, hard water deposits, and other stubborn buildup.

Spot clean daily and do a thorough weekly cleaning as a simple backsplash maintenance routine. Periodic monthly or annual deep cleaning tackles any problem areas.

Supplies Needed for Cleaning a Stove Backsplash

Having the right tools makes backsplash cleaning much easier. Stock your supplies so everything’s ready when it’s time to clean.

Cleaning Solutions

Dish soap – An all-purpose cleaner safe for most backsplash materials. Helps cut through oily residue.
Degreasing spray – Clinging foam formulas dissolve stubborn grease and oils.
Baking soda – A gentle abrasive that also deodorizes. Mix with water to make a paste.
White vinegar – Cuts through grease and kills bacteria naturally.
Glass cleaner – Removes smudges and enhances shine on glass backsplashes.
Grout cleaner – Specialty products target soap scum and stains in grout.
Lime remover – Removes hard water and limescale deposits from stone, glass and grout.

Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners, which can damage backsplash surfaces.

Cleaning Tools and Accessories

Soft sponges – For most day-to-day backsplash cleaning. Avoid abrasive pads.
Nylon scrub brush – For working cleaning solutions into grout lines and textured surfaces.
Old toothbrush – For scrubbing in crevices, edges and along caulk lines.
Microfiber cloths – Lint-free and won’t leave behind fibers. Good for buffing.
Grout brush – A specialty brush to penetrate grout lines for deep cleaning.
Spray bottle – For dispensing and targeting cleaning solutions.
Stepladder – Allows you to reach the full height of the backsplash area.
Bucket – For mixing up cleaning solutions.
Safety gear – Rubber gloves, goggles, apron – protects you from cleaning chemicals.

For best results, toss cleaning sponges/brushes regularly so they don’t spread grease around.

How to Clean Tile Backsplash

Ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tile is a popular backsplash choice that requires proper maintenance. Here’s how to clean tile backsplashes:

1. Heat Loosens Grease

Turn on the stove burners to low heat. As the backsplash warms up for 5-10 minutes, the heat helps soften and loosen baked-on grease and food residue.

2. Remove Surface Grime

Spray a degreasing cleaner onto the backsplash surface. Let it soak in for a few minutes. Use a soft cloth, sponge or nylon pad to wipe away surface grime. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

3. Scrub the Grout

Apply a grout-specific cleaner or make a paste of baking soda and water. Use a grout brush, toothbrush or scrub brush to exfoliate grime trapped in the grout lines. Rinse well.

4. Remove Stubborn Spots

For any remaining sticky spots or stains, rub gently with a baking soda paste, undiluted white vinegar or bathroom tile cleaner. Rinse thoroughly.

5. Clean Around the Stove

Remove knobs and lift-up elements to clean under and around the stove edges. Take care not to damage wire connections.

6. Polish and Shine

Buff the backsplash dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth. For extra shine, polish glass, metal or glazed tile with a squeegee.

Finish with a final wipe-down using glass cleaner diluted with water for streak-free results.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Backsplash

Stainless steel backsplashes have an attractive modern look. Keep them spotless using these tips:

1. Remove Oily Splatter

Apply a degreasing cleaner like Formula 409 or citrus-based degreaser. Let sit briefly, then wipe away greasy residue with microfiber cloths.

2. Eliminate Water Marks

White mineral deposits from water or steam can stain stainless steel. Remove them with white vinegar.

3. Clean Surface Grime

Use a multipurpose cleaner suitable for stainless steel. Or make a paste of baking soda and water. Gently scrub the surface clean.

4. Restore Shine

Microfiber cloths often leave a streak-free shine. For extra gleam, buff with a stainless steel polish or olive oil applied to a soft cloth.

5. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Never use bleach or abrasive cleaners/pads. Avoid letting citrus or vinegar sit too long. These can erode and pit the steel.

With proper care, a stainless steel backsplash stays beautiful and is very easy to clean.

Tips for Cleaning a Glass Backsplash

Glass backsplashes bring light and elegance behind the stove. Keep them sparkling with these tips:

Rinse daily with plain water to avoid grease buildup needing harsher cleaners later.
Apply glass cleaner to either the backsplash or cleaning cloth, not directly to both to avoid over-spray.
If using vinegar solutions, rinse well to avoid streaks.
Buff with a microfiber cloth or squeegee for a spot-free finish.
Avoid abrasive pads/cleaners which could scratch or dull the glass surface.
Dry completely after cleaning to avoid hard water spots.

With proper care, a glass backsplash stays scratch-free and crystal clear.

Cleaning Bamboo, Wood or Cork Backsplashes

Natural wood backsplash materials require gentler cleaning methods than tile or glass.

Tips for Cleaning Wood Backsplashes

Wipe up spills immediately to avoid stains.
Use mild dish soap and warm water applied lightly with a soft sponge.
Avoid excess water that can damage wood or cause mold.
Rub stubborn spots with baking soda paste then rinse.
Reseal unfinished wood every 1-2 years to protect from moisture damage.

Cleaning Bamboo or Cork Backsplash

Use a microfiber cloth dampened slightly with warm water.
For dried-on grime, rub gently with a baking soda paste.
Avoid vinegar, citrus, abrasives, and soak-in cleaners which can stain.
Reapply food-safe sealants regularly to protect against oils and moisture.

Take special care when cleaning natural backsplash materials to avoid warping, fading, mold damage, and stains.

Cleaning Enameled Porcelain Backsplashes

Enameled porcelain backsplashes have a glass-like coating fused onto metal or ceramic tile. Clean as follows:

Wipe up spills promptly to avoid stains setting in cracks/chips.
Wash with warm, soapy water and soft cloth/sponge. Avoid abrasive pads.
For stubborn grease, spray with degreaser and let sit 5 minutes before scrubbing.
Rinse very thoroughly – residue left behind can stain the enamel.
Avoid chlorine and acidic cleaners which damage the enamel over time.

Properly caring for enameled backsplashes keeps them looking freshly painted for years.

Cleaning a Backsplash Behind Stove Burners

The section of backsplash directly behind the stove requires extra attention when cleaning.

Tips for Cleaning Behind Burners

Use a step ladder to reach the full vertical surface area.
Remove knobs and lift any removable burner elements to fully access the space behind.
Use a toothbrush or grout brush to scrub where the wall meets the stove top.
Spray degreaser or vinegar and let it soak in for 10 minutes before scrubbing baked-on splatter.
Take care not to get any electrical connections or wires wet when cleaning around a gas stove.
Wipe down any shelves or ledges above the stove top. Grease splatters often land here too.
Clean under movable appliance garde rails if present. Lift gently to access the area underneath.

Regularly cleaning behind and around stove burners keeps this heavy splatter zone looking great.

Common Backsplash Cleaning Problems and Solutions

Even with proper regular cleaning, stove backsplashes can develop problem areas needing extra work. Here are solutions for some common cleaning challenges:

Grease layer coats surface – Scrub area with baking soda paste. Spray on degreaser, wait 10 minutes, then scrub with brush. Rinse well.

Cloudy film on glass – Often lime and hard water deposits. Use lime remover or vinegar solution.

White mineral deposits/etching – Scale buildup from water or steam. Rub gently with white vinegar. Rinse thoroughly.

Mold/mildew growth in grout – Scrub with oxygen bleach cleaner or baking soda paste. Improve kitchen ventilation.

Permanent stains in grout – Re-grout damaged areas. Use a grout sealer to protect against future stains.

Melted spots/discoloration – Heat damage requiring grout repair. Consider adding heat shield behind burners.

Chipped/missing grout – Re-grout damaged areas then seal grout to protect it.

Warped tile – May need replacement of damaged tiles. Use lower oven temperatures.

With the right mix of cleaning solutions and tools, even severely neglected backsplashes can be restored.

Stove Backsplash Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Follow these handy tips and tricks for faster and easier stove backsplash cleaning:

Warm the surface first – Heat softens grease for easier removal.

-attack while still fresh – wipe up spills and splatters immediately if possible.

Give cleaners a head start – Spray on degreaser or vinegar before you scrub for better results.
Remember to ventilate – Run range hood ventilation to help loosen and remove airborne grease.
Use appliances to your advantage -Set oven to self-clean cycle to burn off internal grease and residue.
Boost your reach – Use a step ladder so you can easily clean the full height of the backsplash.
Divide and conquer – Clean one section at a time for a less overwhelming and more thorough job.
Double up your tools – Follow scrub brush/sponge with a buffing microfiber cloth.
Prevent future stains – Use splatter screens and range hood ventilation when cooking.

A little strategic planning goes a long way to simplifying what can seem like a big chore.

Stove Backsplash Cleaning Safety Tips

Some key safety precautions to take when tackling a grimy stove backsplash:

Turn off stove before cleaning – Avoid accidental burner ignition and burns.
Unplug appliance – Prevent electric shock, especially around a wet surface.
Allow surfaces to cool – Avoid burns from a hot backsplash or stove edges.
Ventilate with fan/open window – Avoid breathing in fumes from cleaners.
Wear gloves – Protect skin from harsh cleaning chemicals. Dish gloves or rubber gloves work well.
Read product labels – Follow usage warnings to avoid chemical burns or reactions.
Take care with water – Keep spray and excessive moisture away from stove electronics.
Work carefully on a stepladder – Don’t overextend or lean too far.
Clean up spills immediately – Prevent slipping on wet surfaces.

With some smart precautions, you can safely tackle the tough job of cleaning a filthy stove backsplash.

Stove Backsplash Cleaning Checklist

Use this handy checklist to keep your backsplash sparkling:

[ ] Wipe up spills and splatters immediately after cooking
[ ] Spot clean daily and thorough weekly wipe-downs
[ ] Deep clean monthly with heavy duty degreaser
[ ]Scrub grout lines and crevices
[ ] Wash window ledges and surfaces above the stove
[ ] Clean behind stove burners and under railings
[ ] Use gentle cleaners designed for your backsplash material
[ ] Dry, polish and shine after cleaning
[ ] Deal quickly with any problem areas or stains
[ ] Reseal natural wood materials regularly
[ ] Watch for damage needing tile repairs
[ ] Work safely – gloves, ventilation, no wet electricity
[ ] Enjoy your fresh, clean backsplash!

Follow these tips and your kitchen backsplash will stay looking new and beautiful for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to clean a greasy backsplash?

For speedy grease removal, spray backsplash with a degreasing cleaner like Formula 409 or a citrus-based degreaser. Let sit 5-10 minutes then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. The cleaner will soak in and lift off layers of greasy grime fast.

How can I get burnt-on food off my backsplash?

Burnt food requires some extra elbow grease. Heat the surface first with a hair dryer or by turning on the burners to loosen the mess. Then scrub with a baking soda paste, nylon brush, or magic eraser sponge. Soak stuck spots with vinegar or ammonia-free glass cleaner before scrubbing. Finish by rinsing and shining dry with a lint-free cloth.

What natural products work to clean a backsplash?

For an eco-friendly clean, use baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide. Make a paste of baking soda with water to gently scrub away grease. Spray vinegar and let sit before scrubbing. Lemon juice cuts grease too. For extra antibacterial power, peroxide can be used in place of vinegar. Always rinse natural cleaners thoroughly.

How do I clean the discolored areas behind my stove burners?

Heat discoloration or melted spots behind stove burners are common and difficult to remove entirely. First try baking soda or ammonia-free oven cleaner to lift some staining without scrubbing aggressively. For the most stubborn stains, replace damaged tiles or grout. Using stove ventilation and splatter screens helps prevent more damage.

Why does my glass tile backsplash look cloudy?

Cloudiness on glass backsplash tiles is typically hard water or limescale deposits that have built up over time. Remove by soaking the glass with white vinegar for several minutes then scrub gently with a soft cloth or plastic scrubby. Wipe off all vinegar residue and buff dry. Avoid harsh chemicals which could scratch or etch the glass.

Conclusion

A clean backsplash makes cooking easier and keeps your kitchen looking its best. By using the right supplies and techniques for your backsplash material, you can tackle any sticky splatter situation. Stay on top of daily wipe-downs, weekly scrubs, and occasional deep cleaning for backsplash that stays gorgeous year after year.