CARE AND MAINTENANCE26WHEN CLEANING THE RANGE OR COOKTOP:Be careful cleaning any part of this appliance while hot.All parts of the appliance can be cleaned with hot soapy water, rinsed, dried and buffed to a shine witha soft, heavy pile cloth. Always try this first, as it is the mildest cleaning procedure.1) Use the mildest cleaning procedure first. Some brands of cleaners of the same type are harsher thanothers, read their directions. A scent or a propellant can make a difference in the product, read theingredients. Try on a small area first.2) To avoid marring the surface always rub metal finishes in the direction of the polish lines. Thecleaner will be more effective when used in the direction of the polish lines.3) Use only clean sponges, soft cloths, paper towels, plastic non-metal or steel wool soap pads forcleaning or scouring (use only soap pads with soap still in them, an empty pad can scratch), asrecommended in this section.4) Be sure to rinse all parts thoroughly and to wipe dry to avoid water marks.BRAND NAMESIn this section on cleaning, the use of name brands is intended only to indicate a type of cleaner.This does not constitute an endorsement. The omission of any name brand cleaner does not implyits adequacy or inadequacy. Many products are regional in distribution and can be found in localmarkets and department stores.COOKTOPTurn off all the burners and allow the grates to cool, before starting to clean the cooktop. If you wipeoff any part of the cooktop while it is hot do so carefully as using a wet sponge or cloth can result insteam burns.BURNER GRATESWhen lifting the grates be careful as they are heavy. Place them on a protected surface, so they won’tscratch the surface they are laid on. The burner grates are matte porcelain enamel over cast iron.Whencool they may be placed in the dishwasher, or wiped clean while on the cooktop using hot soapy water,then rinsed and wiped dry. The burner grates will not rust as they are matte porcelain enamel on bothsides for durability.The occasional use of mild abrasive cleansers such as Bon-Ami®, Soft Scrub® or a soap-filled steel woolpad is okay. Abrasive cleansers, used vigorously or too often, can eventually harm the enamel. Applywith a damp sponge, rinse thoroughly and dry. The porcelain may pop off the edge of the grates dueto rapid temperature change when the burners are turned on. Do not be concerned as this does notresult in the deterioration of the grates. The cast iron soon darkens to blend with the porcelain enamel.Be careful when wiping an area where the porcelain has popped off, as the edges may be sharp.