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Step 4: Let the magic work
Close the bag tightly, leaving a small amount of air inside. Let it rest for several hours, or ideally all night. The ammonia vapours will become detached and dissolve the inlaid grease and filth. No cleaning is required.
Step 5: Wipe and rinse
Once the buttons have absorbed the ammonia vapours, open the bag in a well-ventilated place (predominantly outside or near an open window) to avoid inhaling the high fumes. Remove the buttons and use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the dirt now detached. If necessary, rinse the buttons quickly with warm water.
Step 6: Dry and put back in place
Carefully dry the buttons with a clean towel. Once they are completely dry, put them back on your stove and enjoy your sparsely shiny clean stove buttons.
Why this method works
Ammonia is a powerful alkaline cleanser that effectively breaks down fat and oil. The vapors soften the dirt, which makes it easy to wipe. The enclosed environment of the zipper bag traps the fumes, concentrating their cleaning power on the buttons.
Good
As this method is incredibly effective, keep these safety tips in mind:
Use ammonia in a well-ventilated area: Ammonia vapours may irritate the respiratory system. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated place when opening the bag or handling ammonia.
Wear gloves: Ammonia can be hard for the skin, so gloves are a good precaution.
Keep out of reach of children and pets: Keep ammonia and bag pitch out of the reach of children and pets, as liquid and vapours may be harmful if ingestion or inhaled.
Do not mix ammonia with other cleansers: Avoid mixing ammonia with bleach, as this produces toxic fumes.
Additional advice from Nana
Nana reminds me that ammonia can also be applied to other greasy kitchen items. Removable stove grilles, oven grills and some pans and frying pans may be treated in a similar way – first check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to avoid damage.
Thanks to my grandmother’s trick, cleaning greasy cooking buttons is no longer a dreaded task. With minimal effort and some household items, your stove can regain a brightness of cleanliness. So, the next time you notice that these buttons are going dirty, remember this easy and scrub-free method. Good cleaning
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