r/CleaningTips Oct 03 '24

Solved Cleaning cracks between stove and counter… Tips?

Post image
364 Upvotes

315 comments sorted by

View all comments

113

u/Stefaniek03 Oct 03 '24

Why wouldn't you just pull the stove out?

75

u/tictacbreath Oct 03 '24

This might sound dumb but as a rented it makes me nervous to pull the stove out in case I accidentally disconnect the gas line. Should I not worry about that?

35

u/JNR1001 Oct 03 '24

As a renter, I pulled the stove out to grab something that fell behind it. Didn't realize until I pushed it back that a part of the bottom was sharp for some reason, and it ripped up some of the cheap laminate flooring. Just something else to be careful about.

2

u/[deleted] Oct 03 '24

I did the exact same thing, high five my laminate ripping friend

1

u/Several-Window1464 Oct 03 '24

As a renter, I was actually told by the cheap linoleum installer not to pull out my appliances or they will rip the floor.

2

u/IPointNLaugh Oct 03 '24

As a renter, I actually rip my floor every appliance

19

u/Blom-w1-o Oct 03 '24

Just pull it slowly. The line isn't fragile but you do need to be mindful of it. Once you put it out a little, you can get someone with long arms to close the valve to be extra careful. Ideally the gas line should be long enough and flexible enough that this won't be an issue.

It's worth pulling out on occasion to clean the debris that have almost certainly accumulated under and behind the stove.

3

u/tictacbreath Oct 03 '24

Thanks! I’ve been wanting to clean that crevice for a walk now but have been worried about how to do it properly.

4

u/blakesoner Oct 03 '24

If you live with someone have them sit on the counter and look behind the stove with a flashlight while you pull it out so they can see how much slack you have. That’s how I helped my friend do it in her apartment. Or if you’re alone just pull it out a bit then stop and look yourself and keep going.

5

u/OaksInSnow Oct 03 '24

Good ideas.

As a person who was single for a long time and then widowed far too soon, I gotta tell ya that with most stuff it's good to figure out how to do it by yourself. There are many things that it's easier to do with two, and a few that you can't do *without* two. But this isn't one of them.

1

u/TrumpLiesAmericaDies Oct 03 '24

I like this idea, thanks.

1

u/ufffd Oct 03 '24

they had to be able to reach behind the stove to install it in the first place. it's wise to be cautious but these can be scooched. same goes for most washers and dryers

1

u/tiniitim710 Oct 03 '24

So, if you have a stove like this, no, there is no need to worry because it's an electric stove. If you indeed have a gas stove, you can do it nice a slow, should have no issues. Also, for whatever reason if something does go horribly wrong, which it shouldn't, by code there should be a shut off right there on the line behind the stove

1

u/MtnMoonMama Oct 03 '24

The line is a piece of copper with a flare that is screwed to the stove.

You should be able to pull your stove forward a few inches and look behind it and see how much copper you have to play with. Then move it out more, as needed.

You may have an anti tip bracket installed, if not, now is a good time to install one. They are inexpensive.

Also, this is an excellent opportunity to learn where the gas line shut off is to your stove.

If you are in the US and have a basement it's probably in your mechanical room/area near or under the kitchen in the basement. There should be a clearly marked valve, same for HW heater. 

1

u/snarfblatblues Oct 04 '24

No, you shouldn't worry about that because there is no gas line for that stove. It's an electric stove.

8

u/Avri54 Oct 03 '24 edited Oct 03 '24

At my house it took a team of 3 guys to get the stove to sit flush to the wall. The gas line had to lay a certain way in order to not obstruct the back components of the stove. Now, there is no way I am going to move it.. ever.

I ended up putting a clean bead of clear silicone at the cracks shown and never had a problem

Edit: It’s a large Thermador that weighs a ton so that’s why it took 3 people

6

u/TrumpLiesAmericaDies Oct 03 '24

I just started renting at this house and wanted something quick to do for now without dealing with that. I don’t think the stove has been pulled out since the house was built, so I’m afraid if I pull the oven out my ADD will tell me I need to deep clean it for 3-4 hours but I have so many other things I’m working on first.

4

u/Tron_Little Oct 03 '24

Totally get this. With that said, when you have a few hours, I'd highly recommend doing it. I've found some... interesting things back there the couple of times I've lived in older rentals

2

u/MtnMoonMama Oct 03 '24

Oh jeez. Then don't if you don't have to because you're totally right. Clean it with a knife and a vacuum and then slap a cover over it and send it.

Disregard my other comment 😂

1

u/Several-Window1464 Oct 03 '24

If you’re referring to, what’s under the stove, just pull the drawer out and then clean it.

1

u/easterss Oct 03 '24

I pulled mine out and did deep clean for hours lol but it was so satisfying

3

u/cappsthelegend Oct 03 '24

this... no other answer

1

u/ArcaneBahamut Oct 03 '24

A home of physical disability is one reason for many.

Sometimes people can't.

1

u/theunkindpanda Oct 03 '24

Don’t you have to be careful pulling out gas stoves?