When it comes to cleaning, the most dreaded room in the home for Americans to tackle is the bathroom. But the kitchen comes in second place.
With so many different foods leaving messes behind and various surfaces to clean, it can be tough to figure out what type of cleaning solutions and materials to use in each spot in your kitchen. One question many people find themselves asking is how to clean a glass stove top without damaging it.
How to Clean a Glass Stove Top
Glass stove tops are a popular choice in many kitchens. From the sleek finish to the easy of using various pots and pans on them, these stoves are simple to use and can match any kitchen style.
Unfortunately, while the glass top makes it easy to cook on, it can be a challenge to clean. Glass is easy to scratch or damage. And once that damage is done, it can’t be reversed, leaving your stove top looking far from new and even making it more difficult to clean the surface.
Luckily, once you know what you’re doing, it’s easy to clean your glass stove. Keep reading to learn what to use on your stove top and how to clean it without damaging it.
Wait Until the Surface Cools
One big mistake that many homeowners make is trying to tackle cleaning the stove top before it has a chance to cool.
This logic makes sense; after all, your stove likely got dirty while it was turned on and in use. Maybe a pot you were cooking in boiled over. Or you spilled some while trying to transfer it onto plates.
But trying to clean something off while the top is still hot is a big mistake. Even if you don’t burn yourself, you could accidentally ignite the paper towel or cloth that you’re using to clean up with. If the stove isn’t piping hot but still warm, trying to clean up liquids will likely wind up just smearing the glass.
Instead, wait until everything has cooled, that way you can clean up messes easily and without burning yourself.
Skip the Heavy Chemicals
Chemicals do have a place in cleaning up some parts of a home. However, when you’re trying to clean a stove top that you’re later going to use, skip them.
The problem with using chemical cleaners on a stove top is that when you turn your stove back on, the residue left behind will begin to burn off. Besides the foul smell, you’ll also be breathing in the residue as it’s released back into the air.
Additionally, some abrasive chemical cleaners may scour or scratch your glass stove top, even if you’re using a soft cloth or sponge.
Check Your Manufacturer’s Directions
Before you even start trying to clean up your glass stove top, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions for doing so.
Depending on how your stove top is made and the types of materials used, the manufacturer may recommend using certain cleaning solutions or tools. They may also warn against using others.
Following these instructions will help you clean your stove top without damaging it. But, perhaps even more importantly, it will also help prevent you from accidentally voiding any warranties you might have.
Keep it Simple
Now that you know a few things you should avoid using when you’re trying to clean a glass stove top, it’s time to learn what materials are right for the job.
When your stove is dusty or has a few drops of food or liquid from your last meal, keep your cleaning simple. Vinegar makes a great kitchen cleaner because it’s non-abrasive and non-toxic.
A spray bottle of water with a small amount of distilled white vinegar will help you wipe up the mess without scratching the glass or leaving dangerous residue behind.
After you spritz on the water and vinegar and wipe down the surface, use another cloth (more on choosing the right one in a moment) to buff the surface dry and prevent streaks.
Choose Your Tools Wisely
Choosing the right cleaning solutions is only half the battle. You also need the right materials to help you scrub and sanitize the glass surface.
Scouring pads, kitchen brushes, and other cleaning tools with stiff bristles or rough surfaces can all damage and scratch the glass. Even if you can’t see the tiny scratches on the surface, over time, these will make it harder to get the surface clean and will eventually become noticeable, and impossible to fix.
Instead, you want soft, non-abrasive cleaning tools. Microfiber cloths or gentle sponges are good choices.
Cleaning a Dirty Stove Top
Regularly wiping up your stove top will help keep it clean on a day-to-day basis. But when you have a big spill or a small mess that’s been left too long for regular cleaning to work, you need something a bit stronger.
To clean a caked-on mess, start by spritzing the surface of your glass stove top with vinegar. Then, sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface. Run a soft cloth under hot water, wring out the excess water, and lay it over top of your stove top.
Let your creation sit for at least 10 minutes.
The reaction of the baking soda and vinegar, with the heat from the cloth, will help loosen residue without requiring harsh scrubbing that might damage the surface.
After 10 minutes, remove the towel, and use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the wet baking soda. Use another towel and more vinegar to gently buff away the rest of the solution and clean the surface. Finally, use another clean cloth to dry the surface and prevent streaks.
Keeping Your Kitchen Safe and Clean
Learning how to clean a glass stove top can be a bit of a challenge. With so many common household cleaners and materials to avoid, making a mistake is easy enough, and can result in scratches to the surface of your stove.
But if you love to cook, you likely find yourself needing to clean your stove at least a few times a week.
If your stove needs a deep cleaning, but you’re pressed for time or worried that you aren’t going about the process right, we can help.
Cleaning the stove top comes included in our Standard and Neat Freak Services. Check out our cleaning options and get a free quote today to find the right option to help you keep your home clean, even when you’re short on time.