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I just love the look of a glass stove top. When I first moved into my home, I was so impressed by the modern, sleek look of the glass stove top. The stove top added to the style and attractiveness of the kitchen.
However, as pretty as a glass stove top is, when cooking on a glass stove top, even the slightest spill or splatter can appear like you haven’t cleaned your stove in weeks.
Thankfully I’ve now mastered how to clean my glass stove top. Cleaning a glass stove top doesn’t have to be a challenge or a chore. Check out my step-by-step guide on how to clean a glass stove top without harming or scratching the stove’s surface.
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Cleaning Supplies Needed
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Microfiber Cloth
- Spray Bottle
- Mr. Clean Magic Erasers or Sponge
- Liquid Dishwashing Soap – I prefer the Dawn brand dish soap.
- Single-edge razor blade or razor blade cooktop scaper
*Before you start cleaning your glass stove top, ensure it is cool. This will prevent it from getting damaged.
How To Clean Glass Stove Top
Step 1 – Spray Vinegar
The first step is to fill up the spray bottle with white vinegar. Then, spray the white vinegar on the stove’s glass top.
Vinegar is a natural degreaser and its acidity will help to break down and cut through the deepest stains, dirt, and grease that might be on the stovetop. Vinegar is also nontoxic, mild, and chemical-free.
Step 2 – Add Baking Soda
Take the baking soda and spread it all over the glass stove top. Let the vinegar and baking soda soak for five minutes. The combination will create a small bubbling effect.
Baking soda will help to break down built-up dirt and grime and lift up caked-on food from the stove’s surface.
Step 3: Wipe it Off
Use a damp microfiber cloth or damp sponge to wipe off the stove. Depending on how caked on the food is, then you may need to use a bit of elbow grease. Wash out the cloth and wipe down the stove top again.
You can finish it off for a streak-free shine by buffing it with a dry microfiber cloth.
Optional Step 4: Use a Blade or Cooktop Scraper
If you still have gunk built up, caked-on messes, and other food residues on the stovetop, then you will need a single-edged razor blade or cooktop scraper to gently scrape it off. The idea of using a razor blade or scraper might sound intimidating at first, but it is fairly simple to use.
Hold the single-edge razor blade or scraper at a 45-degree angle and slowly and gently scrape the remaining residue with the scraper. Your goal is to get under the burned-on food and mess without scratching or damaging the stovetop.
If not done correctly, the razor can leave permanent scratches on the glass stove top, which can be hard to remove later. So take your time when using the razor blade.
And that should do it. You should now have a sparkingly clean glass stove top.
Are there other ways to clean a glass stove top?
Yes, there are other cleaning methods that you can use to clean a glass stovetop. They include the following:
- Use a commercial product – Using a commercial product is always an option to clean your stovetop. The best products are Bar Keepers Friend MultiPurpose Cooktop Cleaner, Affresh Cooktop Cleaner, and Cerama-Bryte. Before using a purpose cleaner, check the stove’s label and manufacturer’s instructions so that you don’t accidentally cause any damage with these cleaners.
- Combining baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide – You can create this powerful cleaning solution to clean your stovetop. Start by sprinkling dish soap on the glass stove top, followed by baking soda and then some hydrogen peroxide. Allow the solution to soak in, and then use a soft sponge to wipe it down.
- Toothpaste – Using toothpaste with built-in baking soda, like Arm and Hammer, is also an effective way to clean the stovetop. Just squirt the toothpaste over the messy areas of the stovetop and let it soak for 10 minutes. Use a sponge or wet cloth to wipe it clean.
Are there products you should avoid when cleaning glass cooktops?
There are products that you should try to stay away from when cleaning a glass stove top. They include:
- Glass Cleaner – it might be tempting to use a glass cleaner, but the ammonia in those cleaners can streak or stain the stove’s surface. Avoid using any glass cleaner, like Windex, not specifically created for this purpose.
- Chlorine bleach – using bleach on a glass stove top could potentially damage and discolor your stove. Using bleach can destroy the tint of your stovetop.
- Steel wool, Scrub brush, or Scouring pad – these abrasive cleaners can scratch or damage your glass stove top. Instead, use a clean cloth, sponge, or microfiber towel to clean your stove top.
Can I clean a glass-top surface while it is hot?
It is not recommended that you clean your stovetop while it is still hot. You must wait until it cools down to clean it. Cleaning the glass surface while still hot can crack the stovetop and cause severe, irreversible damage.
Why does the glass-top stove have discoloration?
Discoloration on the glass stove top can be caused by using harsh cleaning products such as bleach and ammonia on the stove. Discoloration usually presents itself after you have already used harsh chemicals or abrasive products.
Other reasons why you may see some discoloration can simply be from the foods or liquids that may have spilled on the cooktop service or from hard water leaving behind mineral deposits. This is usually reversible and can be fixed with the right cleaning solution.
Tips on maintaining your glass stove top
- Clean it regularly – Try to clean your stovetop regularly after each use by wiping it down with a damp cloth. Daily cleaning will help preserve the smooth, clean look.
- Minimize food spills – Try to avoid excessive spills when cooking. Spills can heat up and stick to the glass stove top, causing stubborn residue and tough stains that will require a more in-depth cleaning.
- Be careful with heavy cookware – Heavy cookware like a cast iron pan, frying pan, or soup pot can cause damage to a glass stove top if not properly handled. Try to avoid dragging these types of heavy cookware across the stove top since this can lead to scratches. Instead, lift when transferring your cookware on and off the burners of the stovetop.
I hope you have found these simple steps helpful. I’d love to hear your thoughts about this article, so leave a comment below. Feel free also to follow me on my social media pages – Pinterest and Instagram or subscribe to my mailing list for other design inspiration and home decor ideas.
Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.
