How to Clean Your Glass-Top Stove Without Damaging It

Flat glass stove tops have a sleek, modern look that many people prefer. However, attractive as they are, the cleaning process for glass cooktops is different from conventional stoves with burners. But we have some tips that’ll help you keep that pretty glass stove top sparkling clean and scratch-free.

While glass cooktops certainly have their share of advantages (no pesky grates to worry about!), they can be a bit tricky to keep clean. On lighter-colored stove tops, especially, burns, grease stains, and food residue can quickly accumulate.

Removing these stubborn stains can be more complicated, as scrubbing can leave scratches and streaks on the delicate glass surface. Here are some tips and products to help you keep your glass cooktop looking gorgeous!

Use Gentle Cloths for Daily Cleaning

You really want to avoid a buildup of stains, burns, and residue on your glass stove top. Clean it after each use or at least once a day. Instead of using paper towels, the better choice is microfiber cloths. They’re softer, gentler, and more environmentally friendly.

Norwex Counter Cloths are a great option because they’re reusable, super-soft, and dry quickly. They also absorb quickly and make cleaning easy and stress-free. Made of 50% recycled materials, you can also feel good about using them.

In this case, stubborn stains don’t call for the rough side of a sponge. Instead, use something like Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser, which is considered safe for glass stove tops and might be a bit more effective than just a cloth. It’s also water-activated, so you might not even need a cleaner.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

It’s all too easy to scratch or damage your glass stove top. In addition to abrasive sponges, here are some other things to avoid to keep your glass cooktop looking clean

• Cleaning the stove top when it’s still hot: Always make sure it’s completely cool before you clean it. Not only could you burn yourself, but cleaning hot glass can leave a lot of streaks and burn (or ruin) your microfiber cloth or sponge.
• Using heavy pots and pans: Unfortunately, heavy pots and pans weren’t made with delicate glass stove tops in mind. You might want to avoid using cast-iron, ceramic, or stoneware pots and pans, as they can easily scratch the surface. If you do use them, be gentle and avoid dragging.
• Placing utensils directly on the stove top: This can cause plastic utensils to melt, and you might never be able to clean that off. Some might also scratch the glass surface. To avoid this, always place spatulas and ladles on a spoon rest instead.
• Applying too much pressure: When cleaning, even if you’re using a sponge that seems gentle and safe, don’t apply a ton of pressure. This can lead to irreversible scratching and damage.

Use White Vinegar Instead of Harsh Cleaners

Another thing to avoid using on your glass stove top is harsh cleaners. In fact, you can save money on cleaners altogether and just use white vinegar for daily cleaning. Just mix one part distilled white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle, and then use that and your microfiber cloth to remove stains each day.

This Full Circle glass spray bottle is ideal because it has a wide neck for easy filling. Plus, the silicone bottom won’t harm your glass cooktop when you set it down.

Use Specialty Glass Cooktop Cleaners

If you prefer a specialized cleaner, avoid glass cleaners or anything abrasive. You’ll want to stick with those that are least likely to scratch or ruin your cooktop’s surface.

Weiman makes a glass stove top daily cleaner and polish, both of which are meant to remove stubborn marks and grease without leaving scratches or streaks. It’s a biodegradable formula that also brightens and shines.

This multipurpose cleaner from Bar Keeper’s Friend is another great option. It removes grease, grime, and hard water stains, but is also gentle enough for a glass stove top. It’s also handy to have around because you can use it to clean other surfaces, including copper, stainless steel, and bronze.

Deep Clean with Baking Soda

Baking soda is another item you probably already have in your pantry that also makes an excellent cleaner for your delicate glass cooktop. You likely won’t need to use it every day, but it’s perfect for deeper cleans or removing marks and stains you haven’t been able to get rid of with other cleaners.

Just mix some baking soda with a bit of water until it forms a paste. Then, slather it all over the stove top or any specific area that needs to be cleaned. Grab a microfiber cloth, run it under some hot water, wring it out until it’s damp, and then lay it over the baking soda on the stove.

Let it sit for about 20-30 minutes, and then gently rub off the paste using that same microfiber cloth.

Use a Razor Blade on Bad Stains

A razor blade is basically a kitchen necessity if you have a glass stove top. Even if you clean it often, annoying rings of burnt-on food or built-up grease and grime can appear. And sometimes, cleaners and cloths just won’t remove them.

To clean your glass cooktop with a razor blade, spray the area generously with distilled white vinegar, and then gently scrape away the stain or food with the razor blade.

It’s also important to hold the blade correctly. To do so, avoid using the corners of the blade, and hold the cutting edge at a slight angle from the top of the stove, while keeping it as flat as possible. Don’t press too hard or you could scratch the glass.

This option from Werxrite has a manual blade for safe storage, and it’s encased in thick plastic so it won’t rust. It’s easy to maneuver and also has a blade-tightener knob.

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Cleaning your glass stove top takes a bit more consideration than others, but it’s worth it when that gorgeous, flat surface is all shiny and sparkling. If you always use the suggested cleaners and cloths in this guide, your glass cooktop will remain scratch-free and fabulous for years to come! Now, about that oven . . .