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How to Clean a Glass Stovetop

Caylin Harris

By Caylin Harris
Published May 16, 2024

Electric or induction, a glass stovetop is a modern addition to your kitchen. Thanks to its lack of burner covers, drip trays and removeable grates, cleaning a glass stovetop is easier but requires different methods. Learn how to properly clean your glass stovetop with DIY and commercial cleaners.

A glass stovetop installed in a white kitchen.

Why Cleaning Your Glass Stovetop is Important

A spacious kitchen with olive green cabinets and other appliances.

Since it’s a flat, reflective surface a glass stovetop shows spills, fingerprints and crumbs more easily with no crevices to hide them. Consistent cleaning after use keeps the stovetop free of burnt on food and scratches that come from placing pots and pans on grit.

Plus, to maintain the safety and integrity of the glass surface, it’s important to work on a properly cleaned glass stovetop. Deep scratches or knicks in the glass from improper cleaning or burnt, stuck-on food can cause larger cracks over time.

Caution

Check your care and use manual — every glass stovetop manufacturer recommends different cleaners and cleaning methods. Find out what’s best for your model and stick to it.

Materials Needed to Clean Your Glass Stovetop

Again, the cleaning materials you need depend on your glass stovetop’s manufacturer recommendations. Here are some basics that most rely on:

How to Clean Your Glass Stovetop

A woman cleaning a glass stovetop surface.

Less is more when it comes to cleaning your glass stovetop. Always start with the least complicated method of cleaning. Most spills, if cleaned while they’re fresh, will come off with a little soap and water.

Caution

Always clean a stovetop when it’s cool unless instructed to clean a spill while it’s still warm by your stovetop manufacturer’s directions. In that case, wear an over mitt to protect the hand you’re using to clean with.

Remove Crumbs from Glass Stovetop

Once your stovetop is clear and cool, use a damp sponge to remove crumbs or grit from the surface of your glass stovetop.

Cleaning a Glass Stovetop With Store-Bought Cleaner

Depending on your stovetop’s manufacturer, you can either apply a ceramic cooktop cleaner or you can create your own DIY cleaner. If you’re applying a ceramic cooktop cleaner, add a few drops of cleaner and work it in with a sponge or microfiber cloth. Then wipe until dry with another microfiber cloth.

Cleaning a Glass Stovetop With a DIY Cleaner

If you’re able to use a DIY cleaner, combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz the stove surface, if stains or stuck-on messes require a little something extra add a generous squirt of dish soap to the water and vinegar mixture. Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth then dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

Cleaning Stubborn Spills on a Glass Stovetop

Burnt on substances like tomato sauce, any sugary, syrupy substance or dairy products are best cleaned as soon as possible while they’re still warm. Wearing an oven mitt, use a sharp glass scraper at a 45-degree angle. Sometimes adding a very small amount of warm water can help the scraper glide better across the surface.

Tips for Maintaining a Glass Stovetop

Fixing small problems right away and avoiding damage to begin with helps to lengthen the life of your glass stovetop.

  • Daily wipe downs help prevent bigger, burnt on messes.
  • Wiping grit off your stove before you use it ensures no crumbs or spills get burnt on.
  • Glass stovetops are durable but take care with dropping or dragging metal pots and pans across the surface.
  • Using abrasive sponges or cleaners aren’t recommended, they might scratch the glass.
  • Cleaners with harsh chemicals aren’t recommended. They can mar the surface or release unpleasant fumes when the stove is on.

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