Dishwasher tablets aren't miracles, but they may be the next best thing if you've got really dirty pots and pans. They've largely replaced liquids and powders as the go-to way to get dishes clean.

Gently scrape out crumbs with a butter knife, old card, or cloth-wrapped tool. Pull out the stove to clean grease or spills, unplugging and turning off gas first. Add a gap cover to block future ...