Oh No! What did I do??

[wolfbaby]

I have a gas stove. I really needed to clean it so I got some Bon Ami and a sponge and followed the directions: wet surface, sprinkle Bon Ami, rinse clean. Stove looks good but - ack! - the gas clicks but it won't ignite! Will this correct itself? What can I do?

[mosesface]

it's okay. you probably just extinguished the pilot light.

you can relight it by either holding a lit match to the burner and turning it on OR, lift up your stove top (take the burner grates off first) and light it.

[minimunklemama]

i did that last week with baking soda,i had two problems.
1.i had sprinkled it where the ignitor caught and
2 it was damp.
i light a match and let them burn to dry it out.

[Alkenny]

The little covers (black, round discs) that go on top of where it lights could be just off-centered too. I've done that before, just jiggled them back in place and then they lit.

[GoddessKristie]

Sounds like you got some great advice from the pp, but while we're on the topic of cleaning a gas stove:
I just happen to have checked out Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook from the library yesterday. (OT: I know a lot of people don't like her, but she recomends some great ways of cleaning with natural/cheap products, so I thought I'd check the book out)
She says this about cleaning gas stoves: "Clear clogged gas ports by inserting a pin, paper clip or piece of wire in holes. Remove the knobs, grates and reflector bowls for a thoough cleaning in hot water and mild diswashing liquid. Lift up the hinged stove top to wipe up spills that have found their way beneath burners."
She also says to be sure to use a damp "not wet" cloth to clean the burners with and to be careful not to enlarge the holes as you clear them out.
Oh yeah, also she says not to use a toothpick because it can break off in there and make things worse.