Glass stove tops look so aesthetic in a kitchen. They’re sleek and sophisticated, with a smooth glass surface that gleams in the light.
But like other types of stoves, they need proper care and regular upkeep to work properly. Grease splatter, burnt-on food, and other residue can build up over time, creating fire hazards and hampering your stove’s cooking functions.
Fortunately, glass cooktops are easier to clean than other stoves.
How to clean a glass cooktop? Everyday cleaning needs just a cooktop scraper, water, and dish detergent. For deep cleaning or stains, you can use baking soda or white vinegar.
A clean glass stove top means a clean, hygienic surface for cooking – and a kitchen that looks fantastic.
How Does a Glass Stove Top Work?
Glass cooktops (also called glass stove tops or smooth-top stoves) are a type of electric stove top.
Unlike traditional coil burner stoves, these models have a surface made of tempered ceramic glass, which covers the burners. The heat is transferred through the glass to the cookware via infrared energy.
This also means glass stove tops don’t have drip pans like coil burner stoves would.
Many homeowners prefer glass-top stoves since they transfer heat quickly and evenly. There’s also no need to clean or replace drip pans and burner grates.
However, glass cooktops are prone to scratching or burning during cooking. Spills can also “bake” onto the surface due to the residual heat from the burners, which take a while to cool down.
Glass vs. Ceramic Cooktops
Glass and ceramic cooktops are actually the same thing!
Brands may call them by different names (such as glass-top stove, radiant cooktop, or glass-ceramic stove top), but these cooktops are made of the same material: a tempered ceramic-glass blend.
This creates a strong material that can handle extreme temperatures and temperature changes without shattering.
Most glass or ceramic stoves use electricity to heat and cook, but some models may feature halogen bulbs instead of metal coils.
How Often to Clean a Glass Stove Top
Immediately wipe up any spills with a damp cloth or sponge. Be mindful of the stove’s heat – switch off the burners and let the stove top cool down.
After cooking, wipe the glass stove top with a damp microfibre cloth dipped in warm water and anti-grease dish soap. You can also use a grease-cutting spray made for glass surfaces.
Once a week, deep clean your glass stove – from the cooking surface to the knobs. You can deep clean sooner if you notice a build-up of grease and food residue.
Before Cleaning a Glass Stove Top
Always make sure the glass stove top has completely cooled and all the knobs are switched off. Check your stove’s indicator light – if it’s lit up, the stove is too hot.
You can also test a drop of water on the surface. If it sizzles, wait a little longer.
Unplug the cooktop if you’re able to in order to minimise any risks.
Of course, you can simply put your cooktop and the rest of your kitchen in the hands of a professional house cleaning service!
Best products for cleaning a glass stove top
The best way to clean your glass cooktop is with some water and anti-grease dish soap! Try using Dawn Platinum Powerwash, or you can opt for the eco-friendly Koala Eco Dish Soap.
Alternatively, baking soda paste or white vinegar are both great for stove cleaning.
If you’re looking for a commercial cleaner, use one that’s formulated for glass cooktops. Weiman Cook Top Daily Cleaner and Bar Keeper’s Friend Multipurpose Cooktop Cleaner are great options.
Can you use Clorox wipes on a glass-top stove? Technically yes, as the wipes do not contain bleach, but they’re not formulated for cleaning a glass hob.
It’s best to stick to natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar, dish detergent, or dedicated commercial cleaners.
For scraping off food residue or stubborn stains, use a cooktop scraper. You can also use a razor blade, but be very careful.
To scrub or wipe, use microfibre cloths or non-abrasive sponges.
If you’re unsure about anything, check the manufacturer’s instructions in the manual.
What not to use on a glass stove top
Avoid cleaning products that contain bleach, ammonia, or rust remover – these could degrade or damage the stove surface.
Never substitute a cooktop scraper with abrasive cleaners like steel wool or scouring pads for the same reason.
Do not use commercial glass cleaners on your glass stove. The harsh chemicals could degrade the glass surface and leave a residue that poses a fire risk.
Opt for microfibre cloths instead of paper towels, which can leave streaks or fuzzy residue on the surface.
How to Clean a Glass Cooktop Daily
Daily cleaning is essential to prevent a build-up of grease and food residue on your glass stove.
Ensure all the knobs are switched off. If you’re able, unplug the stove.
To clean spills on a glass stovetop, wait until the surface is warm but not hot (check the indicator light).
Use a cooktop scraper at a 45º angle to remove any food residues. Wear an oven mitt and work carefully.
Try this White Magic Cooktop Scraper or the one in the Weiman Complete Cook Top Cleaning Kit.
You can lightly spray the cooktop surface with white vinegar on any residue as the stove cools. This will help loosen the residue and prevent it from baking on the surface.
Wipe the entire surface clean with a damp microfibre cloth dipped in anti-grease dish soap and water. The microfibre cloth will ensure there are no streaks or smudges.
Rinse with a new damp cloth or sponge, then use a clean microfibre cloth to dry the cooktop.
How to Deep Clean a Glass Stove Top
About once a month (or earlier if you think it’s necessary), you’ll need to deep clean a glass stove.
This removes built-up grease, food residue, and other dirt.
Cleaning the cooktop surface
Start by wiping the glass surface with a damp sponge or cloth to remove any crumbs and other residue.
Next, it’s time to break out one of the powerhouses of your pantry – baking soda! It’s one of the best natural cleaners, and when mixed with water, it’s only mildly abrasive.
Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part warm water to form a thick paste. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cleaning pad (like these Scotch-Brite Cooktop Pads) to apply the paste all over the cooktop.
Let the paste sit for about 5 minutes so it absorbs any grease and loosens stubborn stains.
Then take a damp cloth or sponge and use it to gently scrub the surface. Use circular motions and don’t press too hard.
Alternatively, you can sprinkle baking soda all over the glass surface, then soak a microfibre towel in some hot water. Wring out the excess liquid, then lay the hot towel over the stove top.
Let the towel sit for 5–10 minutes, then use it to wipe away the DIY cleaner.
Follow with a clean, damp microfibre cloth to rinse the surface then let it fully dry.
To clean a glass stove using a commercial cleaner, follow the package instructions. Make sure to rinse and dry the stove top afterwards.
Cleaning the exterior and knobs
Check your user manual to see if the knobs are removable or not. If yes, you can unscrew them and quickly wash them in some soapy water.
Do not remove any seals and dry them thoroughly before putting them back.
If they’re not removable, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. You can use this to spray the knobs or button panel and the rest of your stove top.
Let the solution sit for a minute or two, then wipe all the surfaces and knobs with a microfibre cloth. This is especially important for stainless steel, as other materials might leave smudges or streaks.
How to Clean Glass Cooktop Stains and Scratches
Has your cooking bubbled over or have you knocked something onto the stove top? Thankfully, it’s straightforward enough to clean!
If the stove is off, simply wipe the spill with a damp microfibre cloth. You can add a little dish detergent for extra cleaning power.
Otherwise, here are some ways to remove stains and other residue.
How do you clean burnt residue off a glass-top stove?
If you’ve baked spills and messes – like burnt milk – onto your glass stove top, don’t panic!
Immediately switch off the stove and let it start cooling down. While the stove is warm (not hot), scrape off as much residue as you can.
Once the stove top has cooled down, make a paste out of baking soda, water, and a few drops of dish detergent. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for up to 10 minutes.
Go back with the scraper and remove the remaining residue.
For melted plastic, open all the windows and switch on the exhaust fan or range hood to vent the fumes. Scrape off as much of the plastic residue as you can with a scraper.
Switch on the stove to the lowest possible setting. This will warm the plastic slightly, loosening it up. While wearing an oven glove, use a wooden spatula or spoon to scrape the rest of the plastic.
Wipe the plastic off with a paper towel as you work.
Once done, turn the stove on high for up to 2 minutes to burn away the remaining residue.
Clean the glass stove top thoroughly afterwards.
How do you get hard stains off a glass-top stove?
Vinegar is a powerful tool to tackle stains or smudges. And yes, you can use it on a glass stove top!
Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the solution over the surface, then let it sit for 10 minutes.
Use a scraper or non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub the stains or residue off. You may need to repeat the process for tougher stains.
Wipe the surface with a dry cloth afterwards.
How do you fix scratches on a glass stove top?
Things like cast iron pans can leave scratches on your stove top if you’re not careful!
If you only have minor scratches, you can try a DIY fix – but deeper scrapes or large cracks will need professional work.
Buff the scratch with a baking soda paste or some white toothpaste (not a gel one). Use a soft cloth and circular motions.
However, if that doesn’t work, it’s time to call in a pro.
FAQs About Cleaning Glass Stove Tops
Here are a few other tips for cleaning and maintaining your glass stove top!
What is the best cleaner for a glass cooktop?
You’ll be fine using natural cleaners like baking soda or vinegar, alongside some anti-grease dish detergent.
Otherwise, make sure your cleaning product is specifically formulated for glass stovetops.
Do not use regular glass cleaners.
Can I use glass cleaner on a glass stove top?
No, you cannot use a glass cleaner on a stove top.
This could degrade or damage the cooking surface and leave a residue that could be a burning hazard.
How can I prevent scratches on a glass-top stove?
Always set your cookware down carefully, and don’t slide them along the glass surface.
Keep your cookware in good condition so there aren’t nicks or damage at the bottom that could scratch the glass of your stove when in use.
How should I clean a black glass stove top?
Dirt and stains don’t show up as much on black glass, so be extra vigilant about your black glass stove top.
You can use any of the listed cleaning methods – though you may have to squint to make sure there aren’t any stains or dirt left!
