There aren't many things about cleaning that I hate more than cleaning the stove top. Burned on, dried on, stuck on things I can't even identify. Because of this I don't clean it very often, so when I do it requires a little extra elbow grease. UNLESS!!! Unless I use Thieves Cleaner and baking soda.
My arsenal of cleaning helpers
The oils in the cleaner cut through grease and grime. I use a capful in a spray bottle of water. If we are talking about serious grime, I use it straight, but sparingly. The baking soda is abrasive enough to scrub through burnt on debris without harming the ceramic coating of my gas stove top.

Before

After
My stove is shiny again and I'm ready to use it without hesitation or embarrassment.
Thanks for looking and stay tuned!