How to clean a glass stovetop
A glass stovetop blends in perfectly with modern kitchens. Well-integrated into the design, they give your kitchen a contemporary look. The high-strength glass with added resistance to corrosion makes the glass stovetop more durable than regular gas stoves.
As beautiful as they can be to look at (without chunky burner grates and knobs), glass stovetops can be tricky to clean. Usually covered with a flat black surface, even the smallest spill, grime buildup, unpleasant gunk or splatter is instantly visible on the smooth surfaces of glass cooktops. Additionally, any bits of food can dry on the surface and burn the next time you use the stove, making stove cleaning almost mandatory.
If you find yourself asking how harsh your kitchen cleaning products should be or if there is a hack to clean up these tops, we’ve got the basics covered for you. Browse through this article to know the do’s and don’ts when cleaning glass stovetops.
Glass stovetop cleaning recommendations
It’s important to keep some basic tips in mind when cleaning glass stovetops. Some general rules to follow are:
- Wait for the stovetop to cool. Never clean your glass stovetop when it’s hot.
- Use gentle cleaning agents. Avoid using harsh cleaning solutions that can leave residue or cause abrasions on the surface.
- Read through the user’s manual. Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s cleaning and usage guidelines. Different production models could have a varied set of rules to follow.
Need an expert guide on how to clean your glass stove? Read our step-by-step cleaning tips below.
Let the surface cool
Ensure the stovetop surface is cool before you start cleaning. Cleaning a glass stove that is still hot or not switched off will likely burn you. Besides being a hazard, cleaning agents can cause spotting on hot glass stovetops. If you want to avoid damage in the form of burns, ruined sponges and severe streaking, only clean the stovetop when it’s cool.
Skip the strong abrasives
The best tools to clean a glass stovetop are already in your pantry: baking soda and vinegar. For a delicate material like glass, strong, abrasive or harsh chemicals can scratch the stove and reduce its efficiency.
Baking soda and vinegar are powerful cleaning agents that do the job gently and effectively. A great DIY cleaning method is to store some white vinegar in a spray bottle and use it as a degreaser before wiping down the surface with a damp cloth.
Use gentle tools
Avoid harsh tools, like scouring pads, scrapers, steel wool or scrubbers. Using any of these will be counterproductive because they cause intense scarring and scratching on the delicate glass surface of the stovetop. Alternatively, microfiber cloths, paper towels and sponges are perfect for the job. Gentle and effective, they can give you a spotless surface when used with the correct cleaning agent.
How to clean a glass stovetop
There are many methods to clean your glass stovetop depending on the kind of food and how often you cook. These factors can help you decide which method suits you best. Browse through the variations below to help you decide.
Daily cleaning
Ideally, cleaning your glass stovetop after every use will keep it stain-free and spotless. Follow these instructions for the best results:
What you’ll need: Spray bottle filled with vinegar and a microfiber cloth
- Spray the entire surface of your glass stovetop with white vinegar.
- Wipe the surface down in a circular motion with your microfiber cloth to remove any stains or bits of food.
- Use a dry cloth to smooth out any leftover streaks.
Following a daily cleaning routine will keep your glass stovetop sparkling clean and eliminate the need for expensive maintenance in the future.
Weekly washing: the soak method
If you can’t clean your stovetop daily, you can follow the weekly washing method. An efficient way to remove stubborn stains and spills is to use the soak method. Slightly different from daily cleaning, weekly washes require that you soak your stovetop to thoroughly clean it.
What you’ll need: Baking soda, bowl, gloves (optional), microfiber cloths to cover your stovetop surface and hot water
Read the instructions below to master the method:
- Mix water with baking soda in a 1:3 proportion to make a paste. For every cup of water, add 3 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Using your hands (gloves are optional), spread the paste on the surface of your glass stovetop, covering the surface completely and concentrating on areas with stubborn stains.
- Wet the microfiber cloths with hot water and lay them on top of the paste-covered surface.
- Leave your stovetop for roughly 30 minutes so the cloths can soak up the stains.
- Use microfiber cloths to remove spots and streaks.
- For stubborn stains, spray some vinegar, allow it to fizz, and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
The soak method is a simple and efficient way to clean if you’re short on time or have difficult stains that won’t budge with a simple wipe down.
Deep-cleaning: the razor blade method
Another cleaning method that helps remove hardened or dried bits of food is the razor blade method. Used with the utmost care, razor blades can help you scrape off even the most stubborn spills and stains from your glass stovetop. However, check the user's manual to ensure it’s safe to use the blade.
What you’ll need: microfiber cloth, razor blade, and white vinegar in a spray bottleHere are the steps for using the razor blade method:
- Spray the stovetop with vinegar to soften any hardened residue.
- Start scraping off the residue with the razor. It’s important to hold the blade properly and ensure that you are not using the corners on the surface because this will scratch it. Keeping the blade as flat or as parallel to the surface as possible will ensure that the debris comes off smoothly.
- Wipe away any leftover residue with a microfiber cloth.
It’s important to be careful when using a razor blade. Once you’re comfortable, it can be an efficient way to remove spillage and prevent big stains.
Glass stovetop FAQ's
If you’re new to using and owning a glass stove, read through the section below to find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
What is the best cleaner for glass-top stoves?
White vinegar from your pantry doubles as the best cleaner for glass-top stoves. If you’re looking for store-bought cooktop cleaners, Weiman’s stovetop cleaner is gentle and efficient for delicate surfaces.
What should you not use on a glass-top stove?
Avoid any harsh cleaning agents that might cause abrasions. Avoid scouring pads, steel wool or scrub brushes that can scratch the delicate glass surface.
How often should you clean your stove?
To maintain the quality of your glass stovetop and increase its durability, you should clean your stovetop at least weekly.
Why is my black glass stovetop discolored?
You might find white spots on the stovetop surface from liquids or oils spilling from your cookware. Water can also leave stains due to the presence of minerals in it.
How can I prevent scratches on my glass-top stove?
The general rule of thumb is to use gentle tools and glass cleaners. Regularly cleaning the surface with a microfiber cloth is the first step to avoid scratches.
Protect your kitchen and appliances from costly repairs with Cinch
A glass stovetop should be cared for with regular cleaning and maintenance. These stovetops are costlier than regular stainless steel due to the materials used and the precision involved in manufacturing. It can be costly if you need to replace parts or undergo major repairs.
Fortunately, you can protect yourself from costly appliance repairs with Cinch Home Services. Browse Cinch’s home protection or warranty plans to find one that suits you best. From plumbing and HVAC systems to dishwashers, refrigerators and glass stovetops, a Cinch home protection plan can help repair or replace the major appliances and systems within your home. Get an instant quote today!