How to Best Clean a Glass Top Stove

Stylish and sleek, a glass top stove is a thing of beauty… when it’s not covered in food debris and grime, that is. But as any fan of induction cooking knows, keeping a glass surface clean and shiny isn’t the easiest of tasks. One false move, and you risk leaving that thing of beauty a stained, scraped eyesore. So, how exactly do you clean a glass top stove without inflicting any permanent damage in the process? Here’s how….

Prevention is better than cure

If you want to keep your glass top stove looking immaculate, deal with the stains before they happen. As Good Housekeeping advises, staying ahead of the mess is the best way of keeping the stovetop looking its best. As soon as a spillage happens, clean it up with a damp cloth to stop any grease build-up. To stop any stubborn stains developing, a grease-cutting spray designed for glass surfaces works a treat. Even better, buff the surface with a soft cloth whenever you pass by – even if it doesn’t look dirty, it’s likely that traces of grease are lurking. Eliminating them before they start to build up will avoid a lot of hard work down the line.

Clean light stains with a cooktop cream

If you’ve got some light build-up on the surface but nothing too sinister, a cooktop cream should work a treat. Apply the product with a soft, nonabrasive cloth and gently work it into the surface. Remove the product with a damp cloth, then buff the glass to give it some shine. The gentle abrasives in the cleaner will remove any traces of dirt without leaving any nasty scratches – just make sure to remove any lingering traces thoroughly to avoid it burning when you next come to use the stove.

Remove stubborn stains with baking soda

If you’ve fallen behind on your cleaning, don’t worry. Those stubborn stains and grease marks turning your glass top stove into an eyesore will soon be a thing of the past… providing you have a little packet of bicarbonate of soda or baking soda around the house.

To try this all-natural cleaning method, start by filling a spray bottle with white vinegar. Spray a generous amount over the surface of the stovetop, and then use a damp cloth to give it a wipe. The vinegar will help loosen and remove any light grease stains – and prepare the stove for what’s on the way. Now, sprinkle the entire surface with a packet of baking soda or bicarbonate of soda. Although it’s an abrasive, baking soda/ bicarb is gentle enough to lift stains without leaving heavy scratches or scour marks on a delicate surface.

Next, do as Family Handy Man recommends and drape a large, hot, wet towel over the entire surface. Allow 15 minutes for the soda to start eating away at the encrustations. Depending on just how gruesome the stains are, you might want to leave the soda to work its magic for even longer before moving onto the next stage. Once you’re confident the baking soda has done its job, remove the towel and wipe the surface clean.

Finish things off by spraying the surface with another helping of vinegar, wiping it clean with a soft microfiber cloth, then giving it a good buff with a clean, dry cloth. By the time you’re done, the surface should be gleaming.

Remove impossible stains with a razor

There are stubborn stains and then there are the kind that cling on for dear life no matter how much elbow grease you throw their way. If you’re dealing with a mess that’s more impossible than stubborn, there’s only one solution – a razor blade. It might sound a drastic solution, but it’s really the only way to clear the surface for good. Done properly, neither you nor the glass top will be left any the worse for the experience.

To try it for yourself, begin by spraying the offending area with vinegar to help soften it up. Then simply use a single edge razor blade at a 45-degree angle to work your way under the spillage and gently work it free from the surface. Finish up by wiping away the residue with a clean microfiber cloth. Give the surface another spray of vinegar, wipe, then polish to perfection.

How Not to Clean a Glass Top Stove

So, we now know the best way of cleaning a glass top stove. But what cleaning methods should you never, ever use? If you want to avoid a stained, scarped surface, steer clear of these common cleaning mistakes at all costs.

Don’t use a glass cleaner

If your stovetop is made of glass, using a glass cleaner like Windex might seem a logical step. But no… as Cnet explains, the high ammonia content in glass cleaners is way too strong for a stovetop, and could easily cause a lot more harm than good. Play it safe and stick to white vinegar instead.

Don’t use too much elbow grease

If there’s a particularly irksome spot that’s showing little inclination to shift, it can be tempting to scrub away with all your might. Don’t. Not unless you want to accidentally crack the glass, in any case. It might take longer, but don’t apply anything more than a soft pressure as you clean.

Don’t clean while the surface is hot

If you’re a clean-freak, it can be tempting to start cleaning just as soon as the last pot is off the stove. But resist… applying cleaning products to a hot stovetop can burn and scar the glass. Stay patient and wait for it to cool completely before getting your clean-on.

Don’t use anything abrasive

Steel wool, the scratchy side of a sponge – if something feels rough to the touch, don’t let it anywhere near a glass surface. Depending on just how abrasive the product is, you could end up with everything from scratch marks to deep pits… not a good look on any surface, I think you’ll agree.