How To Clean Your Stove Top With This Affordable TikTok Hack

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If you've ever stared at your stovetop after a deep clean and wished it would stay looking that way, you're not alone. While scrubbing can take care of the grime, keeping that glossy, just-cleaned finish is another story. Here's where a surprisingly affordable staple you probably already have in your bathroom drawer comes in: Vaseline. Yes, the same petroleum jelly you use for chapped lips and dry hands can also help keep your stovetop looking newer for longer.

Indeed, this hack is about cleaning; it's also about protecting. While Vaseline Petroleum can help scrub off last night's pasta sauce splatters or polish away burnt-on grease, it will also give your stovetop a shiny, polished finish that makes it look freshly cleaned. Even better, it forms a light, protective barrier, helping repel the dust, crumbs, pests, and minor splatters that dull its appearance over time. All you need is a clean microfiber cloth, a small dab of Vaseline, some elbow grease — and start rubbing. It's quick, cheap, and so easy you could do it in under two minutes after your regular wipe-down. Here are other handy ways to use Vaseline around the house.

Once you've cleaned your stovetop as usual, make sure it's completely dry. This part's important because Vaseline is water-resistant and won't spread evenly over damp surfaces. Scoop up a pea-sized amount with a microfiber cloth or soft towel, then gently rub it across the entire stovetop surface. A thin, even coat is all you need; too much can feel greasy. Make sure you buff the product across your stove and then use your towel to wipe it until your stove glistens.

This trick works because the oils in Vaseline create a slick film that reflects light, instantly making your stove look polished. This unlikely household staple will even leave your bathroom fixtures shining like new. And yes, it's safe to use (Vaseline is non-flammable, although you'll want to avoid high direct heat above 400 degrees Fahrenheit). Stick to applying it to areas around burners, not beneath open flame areas or heating elements.

To customize, you can lightly buff the Vaseline with a second clean cloth for an ultra-glossy, fingerprint-resistant finish. You can also try this on other kitchen appliances (like your toaster, mixer, or fridge trim) for a matching shine. Or, give a Vaseline once-over to the worn spots on your leather furniture, or use it to remove smudges from your mirrors. Just remember: the cleaner the surface before you start, the better the final look will be. If you have Vaseline to spare, try this hack to make paint jobs a breeze.