How to Clean Induction Cooktops

The only part of the induction cooktop that gets hot is the area under the pot or pan. The surface around the cookware remains relatively cool, so most liquids will not burn on the surface, with the exception of liquids that get caught between the hob and the bottom of the pan. The induction hob is much easier to clean than a gas burner. The smooth glass surface makes maintenance easier and the touch control buttons are also easier to clean than control buttons.

However, since the glass top is prone to scratches, some precautions need to be taken when cleaning your induction cooktop. You should not use rough and abrasive products as they may leave scratches on the surface.

1. Cleaning Before Putting the Appliance in Use

You must thoroughly clean the hob surface before you start cooking food.

Before using the appliance for the first time, clean the glass top with an approved cleaner for ceramic/glass hobs. This helps protect the glass surface and makes later cleaning easier.

1. Unplug the device and allow it to cool before cleaning.
2. Apply a few drops of a non-abrasive cleaning fluid. Only use cleaning products and tools that are specifically designed for cleaning glass or ceramic surfaces. The user manual normally includes a list of recommended cleaning products for your induction cooktop.
3. Use a damp sponge or cleaning pad to spread the cleaner over the entire cooktop surface.
4. Wipe away cleaning residue with a dry microfiber cloth or paper towel and polish the cooktop surface.

2. Regular Cleaning

Clean the hob surface regularly, preferably after each use. Before cleaning, turn off the hob and wait until the surface has cooled down. Using a cleaner on a hot surface can produce harmful fumes that can cause staining.

1. Apply a few drops of the manufacturer’s approved cleaning agent to the cooktop surface.
2. Wipe the hob surface with a soft, damp cloth and remove any cleaning agent residue. If left uncleaned, cleaning agent residues will burn into the hob and cause stains on the glass.
3. Dry the surface completely and polish with a clean, soft cloth.

Recommended product: Cerama Bryte Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner

3. Removing Spills and Burned-on Residue

The spills and burnt-on stuff cannot be wiped off with detergent and water. To complete this task, you must use the appropriate cleaning tools.

Remove food particles and loose dirt with a plastic scraper and a damp paper towel. Make sure the surface is cool before using a plastic scraper as the plastic would melt at high temperatures.

Apply a non-scratch cleaner using a soft cloth to soak spills and hardened residue. Use a glass cooktop scouring pad and scrub the area clean. Repeat until the residue is gone.

For the toughest residue, use a shielded scraper blade that removes baked-on deposits and hardened cooking residue without damaging the cooktop surface. Hold it at a 45-degree angle as you scrape away the hardened residue. Apply pressure gently to ensure the blade does not scratch the surface. Use the razor blade with an approved cooktop cleaner and a scrubbing cleaning pad. Scrub the spills with the pad in a circular motion until they disappear. Clean spills and splashes before they harden and become difficult to remove.

Dry sugar, foods high in sugar, and melted plastic can permanently damage the glass surface when cooking. Such contamination must be removed as quickly as possible. The best way to remove sugary food particles while the surface is still hot is to use the razor blade scraper at an appropriate angle. Turn off the stovetop and wear an oven mitt to avoid burns if the surface is still hot. Allow the device to cool down and use the special cleaner for induction hobs and a cleaning pad for stubborn stains.

4. Cleaning Metal Marks and Scratches

Some cookware can leave metal marks on the hob surface. Raise your pans when you need to move them instead of sliding pieces of cookware over the glass. Uncoated cast iron pans are more likely to stain the glass than stainless steel pans. Copper and aluminum cookware can leave marks that are difficult to remove.

Scratches on the glass hob can be unsightly but do not affect cooking performance. Surface scratches can be caused by rough edges of the cookware or by using abrasive cleaners. Cleaning fluids must have a completely smooth texture. To avoid stains, always check the back of the cookware for rough spots before first use, and only use pans with flat, smooth bottoms.

Apply a small amount of white vinegar to the stovetop to eliminate water stains. Wipe the hob surface with a soft cloth and then buff it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Things to Avoid when Cleaning an Induction Stove Top

• Do not use rigid brushes, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners to prevent harm to the hob surface.  Only use cleaning products specifically designed for cleaning glass or ceramic surfaces and use soft wiping materials.
• Avoid cleaning products that contain ammonia or chlorine bleach as these ingredients can permanently discolor the cooktop.
• Do not use caustic cleaners, flammable liquids, or petroleum products to clean the hob.
• Using a knife may cause harm to the glass surface, so it is best to avoid it. Also, avoid any sharp tools to scratch the hardened residue.

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