How to Clean a Glass Stove Top

Cleaning a glass stove top can be a daunting task - especially if you've been busy in the kitchen. Grease, grime, and burned food can quickly accumulate on the surface and leave you scratching your head about how best to clean it all up. In this article, you'll learn how to clean glass-top stoves without scratching or damaging the surface. By taking the time to properly clean and maintain this everyday appliance, you can keep it looking like new to ensure that it lasts for years to come.

How should you clean your glass stove top?

Okay, let's start with the basics. Cleaning a glass cooktop begins with an assessment of how dirty it is. For light grime and oils, we suggest using an all-purpose cleaner. Just spray and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. However, for heavily soiled food debris, you'll need to do a deep cleaning. 

Here are the materials you'll need:

• Glass Cooktop Cleaner & Polish

• Non-Abrasive Scrubbing Pad

• Soft Microfiber Towel

• Razor Blade (optional)

The basic cleaning steps:

1. Make sure the cooktop surface is completely cool.
2. Apply a small quarter-sized dab of product on the glass surface.
3. Take your non-abrasive scrubbing pad and rub in circular motions on the soiled areas. You may need some extra elbow grease depending on dirty everything is.
4. Wipe with a clean and dry cloth.

At this point, if the surface is clean, you're done! Otherwise, you'll need to move on to phase-two that we address below.

How do you get burnt-on food off a glass stovetop?

If you've done a basic cleaning and are left with grime and burnt-on food, you can opt for using a razor blade to remove stubborn stains. Note that this process must be done carefully by an adult to avoid scratching the surface or potentially hurting yourself.

First, ensure your stovetop is cool to the touch, and then wipe it with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any excess crumbs or mess. Next, apply a quarter-sized dab of cooktop cleaner to the cooktop. Hold the razor blade at a 45° angle and carefully scrape away any burnt food and debris. It's important to keep the blade at an angle at all times - otherwise, you risk permanently damaging the surface. Lastly, wipe down the surface with a clean cloth to wipe debris away.

While this process is delicate and a bit time-consuming, it is one way to take care of stubborn stains and remove burnt-on food.

What should you not use on a glass-top stove?

There are several types of products and chemicals that you should never use on a glass top stove, as they can damage the surface or even cause it to break. Some examples include:

1. Bleach: Bleach is a strong chemical that can strip the finish on your glass top and cause it to become discolored or cloudy. It is also a corrosive substance that can weaken or damage the surface over time.
2. Solvents: Solvents, such as acetone or other harsh chemicals, can also strip the finish and weaken the surface. They may also give off toxic fumes that can be dangerous to inhale.
3. Abrasive scrubbing pads: Abrasive scrubbing pads, such as steel wool or scouring pads, can easily scratch or damage the surface. They can also leave behind small particles that get stuck on the surface and become difficult to remove.

Can I use white vinegar instead of a cleaning product?

Simply put - vinegar is not an effective cleaner to remove burnt-on food because it is an acid (a pH of 2.5). Why technically it will "work" - you'll be fighting some basic principles of chemistry. This is because grease and oil require an "alkaline" cleaner (anything over a pH of 7) to remove these types of stains.

Alkaline cleaners work better to remove grease and oil because they can break down and dissolve these substances. This is because grease and oil are composed of long hydrocarbon chains, which can be broken down by the high pH of alkaline cleaners. When an alkaline cleaner is applied to a surface contaminated with grease or oil, it reacts with the hydrocarbons to form a water-soluble soap. This soap can lift the grease and oil from the surface, allowing it to be easily rinsed away.

In contrast, vinegar is not effective at removing grease and oil stains because it is an acid, not an alkali. Acids cannot break down hydrocarbon chains, so they are not effective at dissolving or removing grease and oil. In fact, using vinegar to clean a surface contaminated with grease or oil may actually make the stain worse, as the acid in the vinegar may cause the hydrocarbons to become more deeply ingrained in the surface

Can you clean a glass top stove with a glass cleaner?

For light everyday cleaning, you can reach for that bottle of glass cleaner. While these products don't have the same strength as a dedicated cleaner, they will work as a quick cleaning solution. Just spray and wipe down the glass with a soft cloth. Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle with a few drops of dish detergent for a quick DIY solution.

How often should you clean a cooktop?

Generally, it is recommended to clean a glass cooktop after each use to prevent food and spills from drying and becoming harder to remove. This makes it easier to maintain the cleanliness and shine of the stovetop.

If the stove top only gets light use, it may be sufficient to give it a thorough cleaning once a week. However, if the stove top is heavily used or if spills and splatters are left to sit for a long period of time, it may need to be cleaned more frequently.

In addition to regular cleaning, it is a good idea to give the stove top a deep clean at least once a month. This will help to remove any built-up grime or stains that regular cleaning may not have removed.

Can you use baking soda to clean your glass cooktop?

Baking soda is one simple DIY cleaning solution you can use in a pinch. While it's not the ideal way to clean, it will work to some degree.

1. First, make a paste with equal parts baking soda and water.
2. Using a soft cloth or sponge, apply the paste to the surface of the stove and buff gently in circular motions.
3. Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth.

It's important to use a gentle touch when cleaning a glass top stove, as rough scrubbing can scratch the surface. Always be sure to test on a small section with the solution to ensure it's safe on the surface.

Conclusion

In summary, cleaning a glass stove top can be a challenging task, but with the right tolls and techniques, it is possible to remove grease, grime, and burnt-on food without damage. Have any other cleaning questions for our team? Just reach out and we'll give you our thoughts!