The gas stove is a popular kitchen equipment used daily for cooking. She, like any device, needs periodic inspection. Maintenance is essential to maintain optimum performance of the hob during intensive use. The regularity of these works guarantees its smooth operation.
Cleaning the stove consists not only in surface cleaning from dirt, but also in hard-to-reach places. One of these are handles, which over time accumulate dirt, dust, splashes of grease, soot, and become clogged, disrupting the normal operation of the gas stove. But often there are problems with cleaning them, right? After all, often users are faced with the fact that the handles simply cannot be removed. What to do in this situation and how to properly clean hard-to-reach areas?
This is what we will talk about in our article - we will consider in detail how to remove the handles from the gas stove on our own, without disturbing the possibility of its further operation. Let's talk about how you can clean the removed handles and what to do if they are not removed. We will also analyze the design features of the handle, we will give a list of the most frequent breakdowns.
The content of the article:
- Gas stove handle design
-
Handle Removal Instructions
- Stage # 1 - selection of the necessary tools
- Stage # 2 - dismantling the handle of the gas stove
- Stage # 3 - cleaning removable items
- Step # 4 - Reinstalling the Handles
- Features of cleaning stationary handles
- Overview of common faults
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Gas stove handle design
The standard surface of a gas stove consists of several burners of various sizes (usually two, three, or four). They have different diameters and different capacities. This is necessary so that you can install dishes of various sizes, while maintaining a balance in the consumption of gas. Each of the burners is controlled by a separate knob.
Despite the many different types and configurations of gas stoves, the knob device for supplying and adjusting gas power is common to all.
The gas stove handle consists of the following elements: 1) a fitting for connection to a gas pipeline; 2) one-piece body; 3) fitting for connection with the manifold; 4) cork; 5) locking screw; 6) spring; 7) rod
This versatile shape of the gas handle was invented at the beginning of the 20th century and has not undergone much change since then.
This form and device of the handles of a household gas stove is considered optimal and there are no developments to change it.
The one-piece body is made of one-piece material, this ensures that there is no gas leakage. Connectors provide strong grip to maintain tightness
The gas handle is based on the injection principle. During combustion, the gas passes at a high speed, creating a vacuum in the housing. The sucked in primary air is mixed with the gas. At the outlet, this gas mixture is additionally combined with the surrounding secondary air, thereby ensuring complete combustion of the gas. We talked in more detail about the principle of operation of a gas stove in this material.
To adjust the power of the supplied gas, a plastic handle is placed on the rod, designed to turn the crane. The spring is necessary to ensure the translational movement of the sleeve when turning to open. It is she who protects against accidental involuntary opening of the tap.
Handle Removal Instructions
Since most modern cookers have removable power controls, they can be easily removed for cleaning. But, if this has not been done before, then coarse oiling can create certain difficulties. Despite this, the cleaning operation is still worth carrying out.
It is important not to forget that the stove is a gas-using equipment, during the operation and maintenance of which it is important to observe fire safety rules. Therefore, before starting work with the stove, it is imperative to turn off the gas supply, since any manipulations are considered flammable.
Stage # 1 - selection of the necessary tools
To carry out the work, you need to prepare the following:
- gloves;
- gas wrench;
- pliers;
- screwdriver;
- knife;
- rags;
- water and detergent.
As required by safety precautions, work must be carried out with rubber gloves.
Some models of gas stoves have special attachments for the handles. They must be removed carefully so as not to damage the threads and later return to their place
A gas wrench, pliers, and a screwdriver will be needed to remove the gas stove handle, while a toothbrush and detergent will be needed to clean up any clogged areas. It is worth remembering that different models of gas stoves have different methods of removing the handles.
Stage # 2 - dismantling the handle of the gas stove
Work should be started after the gas supply valve is closed.
The gas stove knobs should be set to the off position. In order to remove one handle, it is necessary to pull it towards you and slowly pull it out of the groove. This operation must be carried out very carefully so as not to damage the swivel mechanism.
If you cannot remove the handle manually, you can use pliers. Using a rag as a spacer between the handle and the work surface, part of the pliers, gently squeezing, pull towards you
In some types of plates, the handles are screwed in; to unscrew them, you need to use a screwdriver. There are also options when you can remove the handle by prying the mounting protective cap. Using a screwdriver or knife to pry off the handle, you should be extremely careful not to damage the surface of the stove.
There are models where the protective ring has grooves, and in order to get it, you just need to turn the ring a little to the side.
Stage # 3 - cleaning removable items
To clean the dismantled handles, you need to prepare a container with warm water and detergent, where you can place all the removable mechanisms that need cleaning. It should be kept in the washing solution for at least 10 minutes, and in case of heavy contamination, change the water additionally.
To clean the surface of the handles, do not use substances containing chlorine, as this can damage the enamel coating and erase the inscriptions on the handle.
Using a brush, carefully remove dirt from the areas of the stove where the handles were installed. Pay special attention to notches, gaps and reliefs.
It is worth noting that it is better to use a rag soaked in vegetable oil to handle the aluminum parts of the handles, and then remove the remaining oil with a detergent containing alcohol.
Also, in the process of cleaning the surface of the stove and hard-to-reach places under the handles, do not forget about the grate. It also requires timely maintenance.
For effective cleaning the grates from different materials use different methods and tools at hand.
Step # 4 - Reinstalling the Handles
The handles are installed after all parts are completely dry. It is necessary to correctly put all the swivel mechanisms in their original places. If the shaft of the handle is not fully inserted into the groove, then it will not work.
Gas stove handles are plastic and metal. They are equally heat-resistant, but when removing and installing the plastic handle, the likelihood of damage is much higher.
Features of cleaning stationary handles
There are models in which the handle of the household gas stove cannot be removed. Nevertheless, this is not a reason to leave them unattended, since such handles get dirty in the same way as the ones removed.
To clean the fixed handles, you need to add two more items:
- cotton buds;
- Toothbrush.
Using tools on a plastic or wooden base will prevent scratching the work surface of the stove.
When cleaning non-removable handles with a cotton swab, it is necessary to use a special solution that will break down old fat particles in the openings
You can use the following methods for cleaning:
- Household chemicals. Depending on the type of selected cleaning productsbut it is necessary to act strictly according to the instructions on the package.
- Laundry soap. The head of the toothbrush should be rubbed with a damp piece of laundry soap, and then the handles should be cleaned to create a lather. This method removes dirt and gives the surface of the thermostats a great look.
- Vinegar solution with water. Using this method, it is necessary to strictly observe the proportions: mix one part of vinegar with four parts of water. It is imperative to clean the pens with such a solution with gloves using cotton swabs. This solution removes not only dirt, but also old grease.
- Lemon juice or citric acid. Apply the concentrated solution to the surface and after 5 minutes remove with a clean cloth.
Unfortunately, on models of plates with permanently attached handles to the panel, complete cleaning will not work.
But regularly using the above methods, you can avoid global contamination of the handles.
Overview of common faults
If you do not carry out systematic cleaning of the device, then the probability of the following problems is high:
- Difficulty turning the handle. In such a situation, it is worth remembering one rule: using force will only damage the handle. This problem occurs when foreign objects enter the slot between the housing and the plug, or when a significant amount of dirt accumulates. You can fix the problem by disassembling and cleaning the handle of the gas stove.
- Gas does not flow well into the burner. Even if the knob is turned to maximum, there is a weak fire at the exit. The probable cause is that the nozzle holes are clogged with food waste or combustion products. You can fix this problem yourself. You need to use a toothpick for cleaning. It is also necessary to unscrew the nozzle and wash it with soapy water. Never use metal objects, as even a small scratch can cause gas leakage. But for jet replacement it is better to invite a specialist.
- Crane turns tight. This problem occurs when the graphite grease on the valve plug is wiped off, the rotary stem is dirty. To eliminate it, it is necessary to perform a complete flushing of the plate valve. To perform this operation, it is better to call the master, since it will be necessary to disassemble the front part of the gas stove and unscrew the valve body, taking out the spring and plug from it.
- 360 degree knob scrolling. This problem often arises during long-term operation of the gas stove. This could be due to a breakdown of the handle seat. For repairs, you must purchase and deliver another handle.
These problems can be eliminated on your own, but if you are not sure of achieving the result on your own, you should call a specialist.
The less frequently you do the cleaning of the knobs, the more likely problems will arise when you turn the knobs. Stagnant fat “turns to stone” over time, and its cleaning becomes much more difficult
All these difficulties in work, as well as breakdowns occur in the absence of care for the gas stove. In order not to call the master to troubleshoot, it is worth taking more care of your equipment, performing its maintenance in a timely manner.
If you find a gas leak or a breakdown in the gas stove, then you should immediately call the master from the gas company with which you have contract signed.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Collected here are videos that demonstrate the procedure for removing handles from various models of gas stoves.
This video shows a way to remove the handles using the Hephaestus gas stove as an example:
The procedure and methods for cleaning the pens are demonstrated in this video:
Another way to clean the handles of a gas stove can be seen in this video:
Summing up, it can be noted that cleaning of all elements of the gas stove should be carried out regularly. The main movable element is the handles. They are also prone to contamination and may not perform well over time. It is necessary to remove them yourself and carry out a thorough cleaning.
Be sure to adhere to safety precautions when performing work, as well as carefully follow the algorithm of actions so as not to damage these elements.
Would you like to share how you took the handles off your gas stove? Share with other users the difficulties you faced. Or maybe you would like to recommend an effective tool for cleaning handles and stove surfaces that we did not mention here? Write your advice and comments in the comment block below this post.
