25CARE AND MAINTENANCEWHEN CLEANING THE RANGE OR COOkTOP:WARNINGBe 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 with a soft,heavy 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 than others, readtheir directions. A scent or a propellant can make a difference in the product, read the ingredients. Try on a smallarea first.2. To avoid marring the surface always rub metal finishes in the direction of the polish lines (grain). The cleaner willbe more effective when used in the direction of the polish lines.3. Use only clean sponges, soft cloths, paper towels, plastic non-metal for cleaning or scouring as recommended inthis section. (Use only soap pads with soap still in them. An empty pad can scratch.)4. Be sure to rinse all parts thoroughly and to wipe dry to avoid water marks.bRAND NAME CLEANERSIn this section on cleaning, the use of name brands is intended only to indicate a type of cleaner. This does notconstitute an endorsement. The omission of any name brand cleaner does not imply its adequacy or inadequacy.Many products are regional in distribution and can be found in local markets and department stores.COOkTOPTurn off all the burners and allow the grates to cool before starting to clean the cooktop. If you wipe off any partof the cooktop while it is hot, do so carefully as using a wet sponge or cloth can result in steam burns.bURNER GRATESWhen lifting the grates be careful as they are heavy. Place them on a protected surface, so they won’t scratch thesurface they are laid on. The burner grates are matte porcelain enamel over cast iron. When cool, they may beplaced in the dishwasher, or wiped clean using hot soapy water, then rinsed and wiped dry. The burner grateswill not rust as they are matte porcelain enamel on both sides for durability.The occasional use of mild abrasive cleansers such as Fantastik®, simple Green® or Formula 409® is okay. Abra-sive cleansers, used vigorously or too often, can eventually harm the enamel. Apply with a damp sponge, rinsethoroughly and dry. The porcelain may pop off the edge of the grates due to rapid temperature change when theburners are turned on. do not be concerned as this does not result in the deterioration of the grates. The castiron soon darkens to blend with the porcelain enamel. Be careful when wiping an area where the porcelain haspopped off, as the edges may be sharp.CLEANING THE OVENRefer to page 23 for instructions for use of self-clean feature.