How to Clean Glass Stove Tops

Glass stove tops need routine cleaning.

Glass stove tops add a sleek, modern look to kitchens while retaining all the functionality of traditional electric stoves. You must clean your glass stove top on a regular basis to keep it looking shiny and to prevent the risk of fires, notes Mary N. Harrison at the University of Florida IFAS Extension. These stove tops can quickly turn into an unsightly mess covered with food splatters and burnt-on stains. Fortunately, your glass stove top should be easy to clean with the proper cleaning tools and cleansers.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge
• Soft cloths
• Soapy water
• Paper towels
• Non-abrasive liquid cleanser
• Scraper
• White vinegar
• Clean cloth
• Commercial glass cleaner or polish

Instructions

1. Wipe your glass stove top after every use, with a damp sponge or a soft cloth dipped in hot, soapy water. Make sure that the "hot surface" light is off to verify that the cooking surface is cool enough to clean. Rinse with clean water and dry with a paper towel.

2. Remove burnt-on foods and debris by applying a non-abrasive liquid cleanser to the dirty areas. Using a scraper made specifically for glass stove tops, gently scrape off the stuck-on bits. Repeat these steps until all the food and debris comes off your stove. Rinse the surface and dry with a paper towel.

3. Remove grease and water stains by pouring full-strength white vinegar onto a clean rag and lightly rubbing. Repeat this process until all the stains are gone. Rinse your stove top with clean water and wipe dry.

4. Clean the seal on your stove top by laying a wet cloth on the seal around the edge of the glass and letting it sit for two or three minutes to loosen up any debris trapped in the seal. Pick up the wet cloth, wrap a small section of it around your finger and clean out the seal. Dry the seal with a clean cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspect the bottom of your pots and pans before using them on a glass top stove. Any debris on the bottom of your cookware can adhere to the glass.

• Don't use the corners of any sharp object to scrape your stove because it will scratch the glass.

• Never clean your glass stove top with any abrasive materials or scouring powders because it can damage the glass and leave it looking dull.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Keeping it Clean: Cleaning the Kitchen Stove, Range Top, and Oven; Mary N. Harrison

Resources

• MG Appliance Services Newsletter; How to Clean Your Glass Top Range; Donald Grummett