Stove Cleaning and Maintenance...guidelines for camp stoves. Proper camp stove cleaning and maintenance will make it last longer and work more efficiently. All the stoves we carry in our Equipment Store are Coleman Stoves so these suggestions apply to this brand and type of stove. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions if they differ from what is suggested here. A simple wiping with warm water and dishwashing soap with a soft cloth or sponge will take care of most spills. After cleaning, dry thoroughly. If a deeper stove cleaning is required and especially if there has been a boil-over, first drain fuel from liquid fuel units and remove propane tank from gas units. Remove the screw from the center of the burners and lift off the rings and bowl. Check the manifold for debris. If needed, clean with warm soapy water and rinse with clean water. If there is a large amount of grease build-up, use a garden hose with a high pressure nozzle or a pressure washer (a car wash works good). Avoid using any type of oven cleaner or strong degreaser that may cause damage to the painted surfaces. Any time the stove has been cleaned with a water hose or immersed in water, turn the stove upside down to make sure all the water is drained from the inside of the manifold. This will prevent rust or corrosion, which will prohibit proper flow of fuel to the burner. After cleaning stove and at the end of each season store your stove properly. Place dry, clean stove in a plastic bag and seal with a twist tie. Insects and spiders seem to love making their home inside the burners. This is often why a stove will not light properly. If you have a liquid fuel stove drain as much fuel as possible and return it to the can. Fuel left in the tank can cause a buildup on the fuel tube and restrict the flow of fuel to the burner. It is suggested that you oil the pump cup on the tank’s pump plunger at least twice a year with light machine oil. This helps in sealing the cup to the pump barrel and insures the pump will work smoothly.
Stove cleaning and maintenance is easy if messes are taken care of immediately and not left to build up. A good quality stove will last for years and help you make many tasty dishes under the stars if you just take care of it.
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