A weak, yellow, or uneven flame on your stovetop isn’t just annoying—it can slow down your cooking, waste gas, and affect the taste and texture of your meals. Fortunately, the solution is often simpler than it seems. In many cases, the issue comes from a clogged burner, and you can restore a strong, blue flame using a few household items—no expensive tools or harsh chemicals required.

---

Why Do Stovetop Burners Get Clogged?

Burner ports—the small holes where gas flows through—can become blocked over time by food spills, grease splatters, and dust. When these ports are clogged, the flame becomes weak, inconsistent, or yellow. While surface cleaning helps, deeper cleaning is sometimes needed to restore proper gas flow and flame quality.

---

What You’ll Need

• White vinegar (natural degreaser and disinfectant)

• Baking soda (breaks down grime)

• A toothbrush or soft-bristle brush

• A sewing needle or safety pin (for unclogging ports)

• Warm water

• Dish soap

• A small bowl

---

Step-by-Step Guide to Unclog and Clean Your Burners

Step 1: Ensure Safety First
Turn off all burner knobs and let the stove cool completely before you begin.

Step 2: Remove Grates and Burner Caps
Lift off the grates and burner caps. Set them aside for cleaning.

Step 3: Make a Cleaning Paste
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda with enough white vinegar to form a thick paste. It will fizz briefly—this is normal.

Step 4: Apply the Paste
Spread the paste over the burner heads and caps, especially over any visible grime. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to loosen stubborn buildup.

Step 5: Scrub the Burners
Use a toothbrush or soft brush to scrub the burner heads and caps. Pay close attention to the small holes. If debris remains, use a needle or safety pin to gently clean them out—one at a time. Be careful not to widen or damage the ports.

Step 6: Soak the Parts
Place the cleaned burner components in a bowl of warm water mixed with dish soap. Let them soak for 15–30 minutes to remove remaining grease.

Step 7: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Rinse all parts with clean water and dry them completely. Moisture left behind can prevent ignition or damage your burner.

Step 8: Clean the Stovetop Surface
While the parts are soaking, wipe down the stovetop with vinegar and a cloth to remove any surface grease and residue.

Step 9: Reassemble and Test the Flame
Once everything is dry, reassemble the burners and grates. Turn on the gas and ignite each burner. A healthy burner should produce a steady, blue flame.

---

Extra Tip: Prevent Future Clogs with Monthly Maintenance

• Wipe down burners after heavy cooking

• Soak burner caps in vinegar once a month

• Check for food spills or blockages weekly

---

Why This Method Works

The baking soda and vinegar combination is a natural, chemical-free way to break down grease and grime. Vinegar cuts through oily buildup, while baking soda gently scrubs away residue. Together, they target both surface dirt and internal blockages, restoring proper gas flow and flame strength.

---

When to Call a Professional

If your burner flame remains weak or yellow after cleaning, the problem might be with the gas line, regulator, or ignition system. In such cases, consult a licensed technician to inspect the appliance.

---

Final Thoughts

Don’t rush to replace your stove the next time the flame weakens. Often, it’s just a matter of cleaning the right components. With this simple DIY trick, you can revive your burners, improve efficiency, and bring your kitchen back to full flame—literally.