How to Clean Glass Stovetop Without Scratching
If you have a glass hob, you probably already know the heartbreak of seeing streaks, cloudy patches, or those annoying burnt spots that refuse to budge. When they are clean, they look brilliant. When they are not… well, they show absolutely everything. I learned very quickly that you cannot treat them like any old cooker top, unless you want permanent scratches. Luckily, after a bit of trial and error (and a near disaster involving an old scourer), I finally figured out a routine that keeps mine looking decent with very little effort.
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Why Glass Stovetops Need Special Care
The thing about glass stovetops is that they look tougher than they are. You would expect them to behave like the toughened glass you get on kitchen tables, but not quite. The surface can pick up tiny scratches from something as simple as crumbs under a cloth. Heat also bakes spills onto the surface almost instantly, especially if something starchy boils over.
So in reality, cleaning a glass hob is less about scrubbing and more about being gentle and patient. Once you get into that mindset, it all becomes easier.
Tools and Products You Should Avoid
Before anything else, it helps to know what not to use. I learned some of these the hard way:
Metal scouring pads (even the “fine” ones)
Harsh powders
Any sponge that feels even slightly scratchy
General purpose cleaners with strong chemicals
Random razor blades you find in a drawer
All of these can leave faint marks that you only notice later when the light hits. If you want to keep the surface looking smooth, keep those things well away from your cooker top.
Safe Cleaning Supplies for Glass Stovetops
You do not need much for this job. In fact, most of the safe cleaning products are things people already have:
A soft microfibre cloth
A non-scratch sponge
Baking soda
White vinegar
A proper glass stovetop cleaner
A hob scraper that is actually made for glass
That last one makes a surprising difference. A lot of people think a scraper is dangerous, but the proper hob ones are safe as long as you use them correctly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Without Scratches
Here is the routine I settled on after testing a few methods. It is simple, but it works:
Make sure the hob is completely cool.
Wipe away bits and crumbs first (you would be surprised how much they contribute to scratches).
Put a small blob of glass stovetop cleaner on the surface.
Spread it gently with a soft cloth. No need to scrub at all.
Wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Give it a quick buff to get that streak free glass hob shine.
It feels almost too gentle, but honestly, the less force you use, the better the results tend to be.
Removing Burnt Residue and Tough Stains
Now for the annoying part: burnt stains. Everyone gets them, even people who claim they never spill anything. The best method I have found is a very simple mix of patience and baking soda:
Sprinkle a little baking soda over the area.
Warm some vinegar (not boiling, just warm).
Soak part of a cloth in the vinegar and rest it over the stain for about ten minutes.
Use your hob scraper slowly and at a shallow angle.
Wipe it all away and follow with a bit of ceramic hob cleaner.
The main thing is to resist the urge to push hard with the scraper. People get scratches when they rush this step.
How to Keep Your Glass Hob Shiny Longer
Once you get into a rhythm, keeping your glass hob clean becomes almost effortless. A few habits help:
Wipe spills once the hob cools (leaving them until later always makes things harder).
Lift pots instead of dragging them across the surface.
Use pans with flat, smooth bottoms – it really makes a difference.
Give the hob a quick once-over at the end of the day.
These little things stop grime from building up and keep the glass looking glossy.
Book a Professional Kitchen Cleaning Service on Homerun
If you reach a point where the cooker top needs more help than you can give it, or you simply want someone else to deal with the whole kitchen, you can book a professional kitchen cleaning service on Homerun. They know the right techniques for glass hobs and can sort out burnt stains safely.
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