Tricks so that a stove does not smell of gas
A gas stove can make your home warm and cozy, as it allows you to efficiently heat the room, which is very useful during the winter or if you live in a mountainous area, which is cold and humid all year round. However, with time of use, you may notice an unpleasant odor coming from the stove, which could have different causes.
Despite the many competitors of the gas stove, this is still the favorite of many people. Its ease of use, its low cost and its performance in terms of power make it the best option for heating rooms . However, gas is still a dangerous energy source that must be used with care, so it is important to know the difference between a potentially dangerous gas odor or an odor that comes only from normal operation of the equipment. Let’s see the main problems that these devices present.
Bad smell when starting the stove
During the first ignition of each stove, the heat of combustion causes the release of volatile materials that are present in the interior lining of the stove, whether they are lubricants, gaskets and surface coatings, causing the expulsion of a similar odor algae.
However, this is a completely normal process that lasts between 4 and 5 hours from the moment the combustion temperature has reached the limit. In this case, it is advisable not to stay in the room while the stove is on and to open all the windows to help dissipate the smell . It is necessary to mention that this odor is eliminated after a short time, so it does not require additional action on the part of the user.
Bad smell after a long period of disuse
Gas stoves that have not been used for a long time, for example after the hot season, can give off odors during the lighting phase, which is mainly due to dust particles and other dirt in the tank. that, when the stove heats up, they begin to burn and can give off certain odors similar to gas. However, this odor is normal and subsides after a short time. If this does not happen, then the cause of the bad smell may be a leak.
How to detect a gas leak in a stove?
In most cases, it is the smell of the gas that gives the first warning. If the gas leak is significant, you may also hear a slight hissing sound that will help you pinpoint the leak more accurately. As soon as you detect the smell of gas, you have to apply some precautions, as this could present a real danger in a short period of time.
In this sense, you should avoid turning on the lights and do not touch any electrical device that can produce sparks, including the mobile phone. Afterwards, it is necessary to verify that the gas knob is closed and, if it is not, you must close it immediately. Now, you have to open the windows and leave the room. If the gas leak seems too significant to you, then you should alert your neighbors and call a professional heating engineer immediately. Either way, it is advisable to evacuate the house as quickly as possible.
How to clean a gas stove?
1. Soap and water
Among the tricks so that a stove does not smell of gas, is its regular cleaning using soap and water with a cleaning brush, a kitchen cloth and a sponge. To start, you should use the brush to remove any dry residue that is on its structure, but without scratching the material. In case the dirt is very embedded, you can add a little soap and water on the surface.
To ensure optimal operation, you must pay attention to the fuel outlets and clean them if necessary, as this could prevent the gas from flowing correctly, causing the annoying smell of gas coming from the stove. Regarding the internal surface of the stove, it is necessary to rub the cloth moistened with water and liquid soap on the walls to remove dust, cobwebs and any other dirt. At the end, you should repeatedly slide the sponge moistened with water across the entire stove to remove soap residue and ensure optimal cleaning.
2. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
If you are wondering how to get rid of stains on the stove grate, then you should mix a little water, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide until you get a kind of paste. Now, you should spread this paste on a toothbrush and clean the entire grid, which will help remove embedded dirt and possible bad odors.
3. White vinegar
If your butane stove smells a lot, then white vinegar may be the best option to clean its surface and remove the butane gas smell. In this sense, if you are sure that the smell is not coming from a gas leak and you want to suppress it without much effort, you should mix one part of white vinegar with two parts of water and spray the solution on the grid and the heat outlets of the stove. On the other hand, if you want your stove to have a less intense smell, you can opt for apple cider vinegar, which has a milder aroma, but is just as efficient in these cases.
How to prevent gas leaks?
The use of gas requires a meticulous maintenance of the stove, so it is essential to check and change the supply tube with some regularity to guarantee its optimal operation. The exchange date is usually indicated in the equipment manual.
Also, it is important to periodically check the status of the burners, especially if you have a blue flame stove that smells of gas, since the slots through which the fire comes out could be more delicate compared to other equipment. On the other hand, it is advisable to close the gas inlet valve and limit the risk of leaks when the stove is not in operation.
In conclusion, it is necessary to mention that a gas stove not only represents a risk of explosion, but also of suffocation by carbon monoxide, so if your stove constantly emits a smell of gas, even after cleaning it, then you should resort to a trained professional to review the equipment and make a more accurate diagnosis.
