Care & Cleaning Tips for Camping Stoves

Make your camping stove last longer with these care and cleaning tips from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Camping is a fun way to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Of course, cooking on an open fire or a camping stove is part of the fun! Just like any other piece of camping equipment, camping stoves require proper care for the best performance and the longest product life. With these camp stove cleaning tips from Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you can enjoy your camping stove for years to come.

Benefits of a Clean Camping Stove

A clean camping stove will work better when compared to a dirty one. You’ll get better fuel efficiency and flame control with a clean stove. Plus, regular cleanings can help fight rust and corrosion. It’s important to clean up after boil-overs, or a particularly messy meal prepared on the camp stove.

How to Clean Your Camping Stove

For most messes, camping stoves can be cleaned up with a wipe of dish soap and warm water. For bigger messes, there are a few ways to give your camp stove a deep clean.

• Boil-Over: For a boil-over, remove the screw from the center of each stove burner and take off the burner rings and bowl. Check the manifold for any food or fluid debris that’s spilled over. Use warm water and dish soap to remove any buildup, and rinse it with clean water.
• Grease and Dirt Buildup: If there’s heavy grease or dirt buildup inside the stove case or under the burners, use a high-pressure hose to clean off the debris. If you’re out camping, a local car wash typically has a hose that will do the job. Don’t use any heavy duty cleaners such as oven or engine cleaner, as it can actually damage the paint and metal on your camping stove.
• Let It Air-Dry: Once you’ve cleaned your camping stove, turn it upside down to dry. You want to make sure any water is completely gone from inside the stove. If not, it can cause rust and even affect the flow of fuel to the stove burner.

How to Store Your Camping Stove

Properly storing your camping stove is just as important as properly cleaning it. Once it’s cleaned, store it in a plastic bag that’s tightly sealed to prevent any insects from getting into the camping stove. They can block airflow and the fuel lines. If you have a liquid fuel stove, transfer any fuel left in the fuel tank back into the fuel can to prevent buildup on the fuel tube. Store your camping stove in a dry place, and always clean it before putting it away for the year.

Summer means camping trips with family and friends. At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, we understand. That’s why we carry all the camping supplies you need from top brands like Coleman and Coghlan’s. For more tips on camping equipment, camping recipes and finding the perfect campsite, visit our Camping blog.