Care and Cleaning
Cleaning Tips
WARNING
1.Before cleaning the cooktop, ensure that all burners are turned off and that all components are cool enough to safely touch.
2.After cleaning, reassemble all components before attempting to operate the cooktop.
Proper cleaning is necessary to maintain cooktop performance and appearance, while also ensuring safe operation. The cleaning effort necessary to maintain the cooktop varies according to the type and amount of cooking. For example, more frequent cleaning is required if the cooktop is used often for frying or other high temperature operations.
Clean the cooktop thoroughly prior to operating it the first time. For initial and everyday cleaning, use a soft cloth or sponge lightly dampened with a solution of warm water and hand dishwashing liquid to clean all components.
IMPORTANT:
1.To keep the cooktop looking its best, clean it after every use as soon as all components are cool enough to safely touch. Also, quickly wipe up spills that occur while cooking, being careful not to touch any hot areas. Spills that remain on hot burner components will be very difficult to clean, especially if allowed to burn on. Spills of certain foods, such as tomatoes, citrus juices, vinegar, alcohol, and milk, are very harmful if allowed to stand for any length of time. Therefore, save time while also maintaining a new appearance by cleaning regularly and shortly after spills occur.
2.Use the mildest cleaner or procedure available to perform the cleaning operation.
3.Use only a sponge, soft cloth, fibrous or plastic brush, and nylon pad for cleaning. Avoid the use of abrasive cleaners such as steel wool.
4.Always dry components completely before using the cooktop.
5.The use of brand names is intended only to indicate a type of cleaning agent or cleaning implement. All products listed by name must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Use of a brand name does not constitute an endorsement, nor does omission of a particular brand imply that a product is inferior.
Recommendations for cleaning specific cooktop components are summarized below:
IMPORTANT:
The grates, burner caps, and spill-over areas on the cooktop, unlike other porcelain enamel appliances in your home, are exposed to extremely high temperatures in a matter of seconds. In addition to this extreme thermal shock, the grates are subjected to mechanical shock when utensils are placed on or slid across them. Finally, spillovers introduce foods with high acidity to all of the porcelain components. Due to these severe operating conditions, all porcelain enamel components on the cooktop will undergo an inevitable change in appearance with use. Meticulous care and cleaning will slow but not eliminate this natural and expected aging process.
Treating the porcelain components with care will slow the natural deterioration that takes place with cooktop use. Please follow these guidelines to keep the porcelain parts looking their best:
1.Do not use utensils having rough bottoms, as this can result in permanent damage to the top surfaces of the porcelainized grates.
2.Do not drop utensils onto the grates or drag heavy pots across the tops of the grates.
3.Set the grates into the locating dimples gently. Do not drop the grates into place.
4.Use caution when cooking to avoid spills as much as possible. Porcelain is acid-resistant but not acid-proof, so some foods can cause permanent damage if allowed to remain on porcelain surfaces.
Daily cleaning of the grates and burner caps is best accomplished with a soft cloth or sponge dampened in a solution of warm water and hand dishwashing liquid. Grates and burner caps should not be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Stubborn stains may be removed by applying full-strength sprays such as Simple Green, Ajax All-Purpose Cleaner, Formula 409, or Scotch Guard. Metal polishing compounds such as Luneta or Flitz may also be used. (If you are unable to locate these cleaning compounds, please phone the DACOR Customer Service Department for a referral.)
Mildly abrasive cleaners or applicators, such as S.O.S. Pads, soap-filled steel wool pads, Soft Scrub, or Bon-Ami may be used with extreme care on occasion to remove the most serious stains.
Exercise caution – extensive use of abrasives will eventually damage the porcelain enamel surface.
Stainless Steel Surfaces
Clean these surfaces with the provided Elco Stainless Steel Cleaner. Rinse and dry with a soft lint-free cloth.
IMPORTANT:
If commercially available stainless steel cleaners are used, it is important to read the labels for chlorine compounds. Chlorine is a corrosive substance. If these compounds are present, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft lint-free cloth.
Always wipe stainless steel surfaces with the grain.
Porcelain Surfaces
The black and white models are finished in porcelain enamel. Clean this surface with a solution of mild detergent and hot water. Rinse with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasives or commercial oven cleaners.
Stubborn stains may be removed by applying full-strength sprays such as Simple Green, Ajax All-Purpose Cleaner, Formula 409, or Scotch Guard.
IMPORTANT:
1.Never use the cooktop surface as a cutting board.
2.Do not use abrasive cleaners or applicators on the cooktop.
3.Do not try to remove heavy spills with a sharp object such as a knife or metal spatula. Sharp objects may scratch the cooktop.
4.A small amount of baby oil may be applied to stainless steel tops to restore the lustre.
Knobs and Knob Bezels
The control knobs provided with this cooktop are designed for ease of use and longevity. The “D” shaped design of the knob shaft ensures proper orientation when re-installing the knob.
IMPORTANT:
Never block the holes in the control panel beneath the knobs, because this will impair the flow of combustion air and adversely affect burner operation, possibly creating a hazardous condition.
The knobs are made of a composite plastic. These components should be washed regularly in warm, soapy water. Hand dishwashing liquid is excellent for this task. Knobs should be removed by gently pulling them straight out and off of the valve shafts. The spill protectors should be cleaned in place. Use caution to avoid introduction of moisture into the control panel behind the bezels. To replace knobs, align the “D-shaped” opening at the bottom of the knob with the “D-shaped” valve shaft, then carefully press the knob onto the valve.
