A common phenomenon is the flame turning yellow and burning abnormally low during cooking. What should have been a 10-minute meal now takes twice as long, with the gas meter running rapidly and fuel consumption evident.
A frequent cause is the clogging of the stove’s air holes due to grease or debris from overflowing water and fallen food during use. When the flame decreases in size, cooking efficiency decreases while fuel costs increase.
However, the solution is not complicated. With just a small toothpick, users can easily clean the air holes and restore the original blue flame. This simple yet effective tip can significantly save on monthly gas bills.
Here are the specific instructions:
First, turn off the flame and wait for the stove to cool completely. During this time, you can clean and wipe down the entire stove surface. Then, lift the stove grate and use a toothpick to poke into each small hole on the burner.
Poke through the hole and dislodge the debris, immediately restoring airflow to the burner. After removing the built-up grease from the holes, don’t rush to reassemble the stove. Soak the burner and grate in a basin of warm water with a few drops of dish soap and scrub until they shine.
Next, rinse off the soap suds, let them air dry completely, or wipe them down with a dry cloth. Then, use a hairdryer to blow cool air onto the burner to eliminate any remaining water and small dust particles.
Finally, reassemble the stove. When you turn on the flame, you’ll notice a strong blue flame, indicating efficient cooking and gas savings. Performing this maintenance once a month can cut your gas bill in half annually.
Use a toothpick to pierce through the holes on the burner. (Illustrative image)
Tips for gas safety in the home
– Check the stove’s code
First, carefully examine the code on your gas stove. Each stove has a unique ‘personality,’ so don’t turn it on casually. The air holes are like nostrils; when clogged with grease and debris, they can’t breathe, causing the flame to decrease.
The back of the user manual clearly states the code, so make sure to cross-reference before cleaning or repairing.
– Regular cleaning
It’s recommended to clean the stove monthly with a toothpick or small needle to prevent dust and debris from becoming fuel for a fire. Attach a heat-resistant sheet to the back of the gas stove, as materials like wooden cabinets, wallpaper, and plastic are flammable.
The stove’s edge should be at least two finger widths away from these materials, ensuring that even in the event of a large fire, it won’t spread to the interior. After cleaning, soak the burner parts in warm water with dish soap, let them air dry or wipe them dry, and then reassemble them. This will significantly extend the life of your stove.
– Never leave the stove unattended while cooking
When using the stove, don’t wander off. Overflowing soup can extinguish the flame, but gas may continue to leak, causing accidents. So, when the pot is boiling, stay close by and keep an eye on it.
See also: Clip: Gas cylinder suddenly explodes, blowing away a cooking couple in Thailand
– Report any incidents immediately
Your nose is your ‘early warning device’; if you smell rotten eggs or hear the gas alarm, immediately shut off the main gas valve and open the windows for ventilation.
Do not turn on/off lights or use your phone in the room. Take your phone out to the hallway, call the building management or gas company, and wait for a professional to inspect and repair.
