Modern kitchens are stocked with sleek appliances: stainless steel fridges, handy air fryers, shiny cabinets… and smooth induction cooktops.
These stylish stove tops use electromagnetic energy to heat cookware through a layer of tempered ceramic-glass. They have heat-free surfaces, offer precise temperatures, and best of all, are easy to maintain!
If you’re wondering how to clean an induction cooktop, you’re in the right place. Wash the surface with soapy water or white vinegar, and treat stains with a baking soda paste.
A clean cooktop makes food taste better and feel more rewarding. So grab a sponge and get that glass surface gleaming!
Before Cleaning | How to Clean | Removing Stains | Maintaining Your Cooktop
How Often to Clean an Induction Cooktop
Regular cleaning keeps your induction stove in good condition!
Work these tasks into your usual kitchen cleaning routine:
| Mop up spills and stains | Immediately, once any residual heat has dissipated |
| Wipe the cooktop | After every use or at the end of the day, using a damp cloth |
| Deep clean the cooktop | Every 1–2 weeks to remove any buildup |
Of course, one of Maid2Match’s professional house cleaners can have your whole kitchen gleaming… and the rest of your home, too!
Before Cleaning an Induction Cooktop
Always shut off the induction cooktop before working. If you’re able to, unplug the stove to minimise any risks.
Wait for the cooktop to completely cool before you start. While the glass may not be directly heated, there could be residual heat from the cookware.
What is the best cleaner for induction cooktops?
You’ve already got your induction cooktop cleaner right in your kitchen!
Mix one of these solutions in a spray bottle:
- Equal parts white vinegar and warm water
- Warm water + a few drops of dish soap
For burnt-on spills or grease residue, opt for a baking soda paste (2 parts bicarb, 1 part water, 1 tsp dish soap) or a cooktop scraper.
The other cleaning supplies you’ll need are a nonabrasive scrubbing pad or sponge, and soft microfibre cloths.
When in doubt, check your owner’s manual for what is and isn’t allowed.
What not to use to clean an induction cooktop?
Since induction stoves have a glass cooktop, avoid abrasive cleaning agents and tools (like steel wool). These can leave scratches on the glass, which can trap dirt or impede the electromagnetic induction.
Steer clear of harsh cleaners like bleach and ammonia that could damage the cooking surface. The same goes for products with silicone or wax, as they can leave a residue on the glass.
Lastly, do not use glass cleaners — these often contain ammonia and aren’t formulated for use on cooking surfaces.
The Best Way to Clean an Induction Cooktop
Cleaning an induction cooktop is a lot like cleaning glass surfaces around your home! Start by going over the cooktop with a dry cloth to remove loose debris, like dust or crumbs.
Mix your chosen cooktop cleaning solution in a spray bottle — either the 1:1 mix of vinegar and water, or water with a bit of dish soap. Thoroughly saturate the cooktop surface.
For the soapy water, leave it for a minute or two before scrubbing. For vinegar, though, let the solution sit for 3–5 minutes for everyday dirt, or up to 15 minutes for tougher grime.
Work the solution into the cooktop with a soft sponge or nonabrasive scrubbing pad. If there’s any food residue, remove it with the cooktop scraper at a 30º angle.
Don’t forget to wipe the edges of the cooktop as well, since dirt can get into the crevices!
Repeat the cleaning process if needed, then rinse away the dirty cleaning solution with a damp cloth. Fully dry the surface afterwards with a clean cloth. Wipe in a wide zigzag motion so you don’t leave streaks.
Thorough drying not only prevents water spots, but also ensures no liquid can get trapped between the cooktop and cookware later on.
Removing Stains from an Induction Cooktop
Cooktops see a lot of stains, from grease splatter to burnt-on sauces. Treat the stains right away so they don’t bake onto the cooking surface.
How to get grease off an induction cooktop
Grease buildup can invite pests or become a smoke hazard. It’s also harder to remove when dry, so tackle it promptly.
Get grease off your induction cooktop with a paste of 2 parts baking soda and 1 part warm water, plus a bit of dish soap. Spread this over the greasy spots and leave it to penetrate the grease for 5–10 minutes.
Make sure the paste doesn’t dry out, or drape a soft cloth dampened with hot water on top to help loosen the grease further.
Follow up with a damp sponge to work the paste into the cooktop. Mop up any residue with a damp cloth. If needed, spritz a little white vinegar on first to make the baking soda easier to wipe away.
Thoroughly dry the cooktop afterwards.
How to clean a burnt induction cooktop
Induction cooktop surfaces don’t generate heat, so there’s less risk of burning food or plastic. But it can still happen if something gets between your cookware and the cooktop!
Immediately switch off the stove and remove any cookware. While there’s still some residual heat, carefully take off as much residue as you can with some paper towels or a cooktop scraper. Wear an oven mitt if possible to protect your skin.
Once the surface has cooled, spray on a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to loosen the residue before lifting it with a cooktop scraper.
If that doesn’t work, wipe the vinegar off the surface, then apply a baking soda paste (2 parts bicarb, 1 part water). Allow it to sit for up to 10 minutes, then scrub off the burnt residue with a damp sponge or cloth.
Wash the cooktop with soap and water afterwards before drying.
How to remove white marks on an induction cooktop
White marks on an induction cooktop usually come from hard water deposits. When the water evaporates, it leaves minerals behind that harden into a chalky white residue.
Treat the white mineral deposits with the solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. The acid in vinegar breaks down the minerals so you can wipe them away.
Spray the vinegar mixture onto the cooktop surface, then wait 3–5 minutes for it to work (or up to 15 minutes for stubborn marks). Wipe away the hard water deposits afterwards, then dry your stove.
If that doesn’t work, though, the white discolouration may be heat damage. This occurs when glass-topped stoves (whether induction or electric) are subjected to extreme temperatures, like heating an empty pot.
Since heat damage is structural, there’s no way to clean it off. You can consult a service technician about repairing the glass.
Maintaining Your Induction Stove Top Between Deep Cleans
Wipe down your induction cooktop with a soft cloth and some water or diluted white vinegar at least once a day. This lessens the dirt buildup, so it’s easier to deep clean or treat stains later on.
Use splatter guards or pot covers when cooking to minimise the grease splatter and other messes.
Make sure your pots and pans are clean when cooking, especially the bottom. Leftover residue underneath cookware can burn onto your induction cooktop.
Gently lift up and set down your cookware so it doesn’t accidentally chip or scratch the glass surface. Avoid sliding things as well, especially cast iron pans, and be mindful of other objects on the benchtop (e.g. cutting boards) that can also leave scuff marks.
Lastly, prevent hard water deposits by using distilled water when cleaning, or wiping moisture off straight away so it doesn’t leave residue behind.
More About Cleaning Induction Cooktops: FAQs
Need more info about induction cooktop maintenance? Here are some common questions!
How to clean an induction cooktop naturally?
The best natural cleaners for an induction cooktop are baking soda and vinegar, though not at the same time!
Use white vinegar diluted with equal parts water for wiping down the cooktop after use, and for more thorough cleaning every 1–2 weeks.
Then save the baking soda for a paste (2 parts bicarb to 1 part water) to treat stubborn stains.
Can you use Windex on a glass induction cooktop?
No, you should not use Windex (or other glass cleaners) on your induction cooktop!
Glass cleaners are not formulated for food-contact surfaces. They also often contain ammonia, which could damage the cooktop finish.
Can you use rubbing alcohol on an induction cooktop surface?
Yes! Rubbing alcohol is an effective disinfectant for a cooktop surface. You can also use it to spot-clean smudges and fingerprints.
Spray a little rubbing alcohol on the surface. For disinfecting, wait at least 1 minute (but ideally 3) before wiping the cooktop clean. For fingerprints, you can buff the surface after a few seconds.
Can I use a steam cleaner on an induction cooktop?
No, you shouldn’t use a steam cleaner on your induction cooktop. The heat and steam could damage any seals or electronic components.
