How to Clean a Glass Cooktop and Keep It Clean

A glass cooktop gives your kitchen a sleek and modern look, but it also tends to show every smudge, spill, and stain. Whether you're dealing with everyday messes, stubborn burnt-on food, or cloudy streaks, keeping your glass cooktop clean is essential for both its appearance and performance.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to clean a glass cooktop, how to remove burnt-on stains, what not to use, and tips to prevent scratches - all in a simple, easy to follow guide.

Cleaning your cooktop isn’t just about keeping it looking nice - it actually affects how well it works. Food spills, grease, and burnt-on stains can impact heat distribution, potentially affecting how evenly your food cooks. If left too long, buildup can become incredibly tough to remove.

Plus, a dirty cooktop can be a fire hazard, especially if oil or food residue is left to burn each time you cook. Regular cleaning ensures your kitchen stays safe and your appliance lasts longer.

What You'll Need:

• White vinegar or warm water in a spray bottle

• Microfiber cloth or soft sponge (we'll allow the use of a clean tea towel)

• Dry cloth for buffing

Step-by-Step Cleaning:

1. Let the cooktop cool down completely – never clean a hot surface!

2. Spray vinegar or warm water over the entire surface.

3. Wipe with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge (or tea towel) to remove grease, smudges, and light spills.

4. Give it another wipe down with a dry (clean) cloth / tea towel for a streak-free shine.
   
   ✨ Pro Tip: White vinegar works wonders on grease and fingerprints, leaving your cooktop crystal clear without the need for harsh chemicals.

What You'll Need:

• Baking soda

• White vinegar

• Warm, damp cloth or towel

• Soft sponge

• Plastic scraper (optional for tougher stains)

Step-by-Step Cleaning:

1. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the burnt area.

2. Spray white vinegar on top and let it fizz-this helps break down burnt food.

3. Dampen a soft cloth or towel with warm water and place it over the area.

4. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to loosen the residue.

5. Wipe away with a soft sponge. If needed, use a plastic scraper carefully to help scrub and scrape away stubborn spots.

💡 Why This Works: The baking soda and vinegar combination naturally lifts tough stains without scratching the glass.

Over time, you might notice brown stains (burnt food or grease) or white streaks (mineral deposits or cleaning residue). Here’s how to tackle them:

Your cooktop may be tough, but it’s still prone to scratches and damage if you use the wrong products.
Avoid the following:
🚫 Abrasive scouring pads (steel wool, rough sponges)
🚫 Harsh chemicals (ammonia, oven cleaners, bleach)
🚫 Heavy-duty scrapers or metal utensils

Stick to gentle cleaners like baking soda, vinegar, or commercial cooktop cleaners specifically designed for glass.

Once your cooktop is sparkling clean, you’ll want to keep it that way!
Follow these simple tips to prevent damage:
✅ Lift pots and pans instead of dragging them to avoid scratches.
✅ Use flat-bottomed cookware to ensure even heating and prevent marks.
✅ Clean up spills as soon as the surface cools to prevent burnt-on stains.
✅ Do a deep clean once a week to keep your cooktop looking brand new.

💡 Bonus Tip: A small amount of ceramic cooktop cleaner buffed in with a microfiber cloth can create a protective barrier, making future cleaning easier.

After every use: Wipe down with vinegar or warm water to remove grease and streaks.
Once a week: Do a deeper clean with baking soda and vinegar to tackle stains.
As needed: Remove burnt-on food or tougher grime using the methods above.

Keeping up with regular maintenance will save you time and effort in the long run.