To clean dirty electric stove burner plates: 1. Mix baking soda with your dish soap to make a thick paste. 2. Use an old toothbrush (make sure it has no toothpaste residue on it), and scrub the plate in a circular motion. Note: The dirtier the plate is, the longer it will take (30 min or more of scrubbing). Occasionally it will help to stop and soak the plate in scalding hot water for 5-10 minutes, and then continuing to scrub.