If you cook daily like I do, you know how quickly grease and burnt-on stains build up on your cooktop. I’ve been using my induction cooktop since 2015, and despite cooking on it every single day, it still looks nearly new. The secret? A simple monthly deep-cleaning routine that takes just 15-20 minutes. In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to clean induction cooktop surfaces and get rid of that stubborn, baked-on grease that makes your stovetop look worn out.
What You’ll Need to Clean Induction Cooktop Glass
Before we start, gather these supplies:
- Degreaser spray (Dawn, or regular dish soap)
- Non-abrasive scrubber
- Glass cooktop cleaner (Bar Keeper Friend or DIY alternative)
- Razor blade scraper (Optional)
- Damp towel or microfiber cloth
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Induction Cooktop Surfaces
Step 1: Spray with Degreaser
Start by spraying your entire cooktop with a degreaser. I personally love Dawn Power Wash dish spray because it cuts through grease instantly, but regular dish soap mixed with water works just fine too. Don’t skip this step—it loosens up all that cooked-on grime.
Step 2: Scrub Gently
Here’s something important: you need a scrubber that’s tough on grease but gentle on glass. Glass and ceramic cooktops scratch easily, so avoid anything too abrasive like steel wool. A soft sponge is perfect for this job. Scrub the entire surface, paying extra attention to the burner areas where grease tends to accumulate.
After scrubbing, rinse with a damp towel. You’ll probably notice some burnt-on spots are still there—that’s completely normal.
Step 3: Apply Cooktop Cleaner
Now it’s time to bring out the big guns. Apply Bar Keeper’s Friend glass cooktop cleaner (or your DIY alternative—more on that below) directly to the surface. Work in small circles, really focusing on the two front burners since those usually see the most action. You’ll actually see the grime start breaking down as you scrub. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes, then wipe everything down with a damp towel.
At this point, your cooktop might already look spotless. If so, just buff it dry with a microfiber towel and you’re done.
Step 4: Tackle Stubborn Spots with a Razor Blade (If Needed)
If you still see some really stubborn burnt spots, a razor blade scraper is your best friend. But you need to use it correctly to avoid scratching:
Important safety tips:
– Always keep the surface lubricated with cleaner while scraping
– Use a fresh, sharp razor blade (dull blades can gouge the glass)
– Hold the blade at a low angle—don’t dig into the surface
– Let the blade do the work; don’t press down hard
– Move back and forth in smooth, gentle motions
Once you’ve scraped away those tough spots, rinse the entire surface one more time with a damp towel.
Final Buff
The last step is buffing with a dry microfiber towel. This not only dries the surface but also removes any remaining streaks, leaving your cooktop sparkling like new.
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DIY Alternative: How to Clean Induction Cooktop Naturally
If you prefer natural cleaning solutions, you can easily make your own cooktop cleaner at home:
DIY Glass Cooktop Cleaner Recipe:
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Mix these ingredients into a paste. Follow the exact same steps above—just substitute this DIY mixture for the commercial cleaner. It works surprisingly well because baking soda is mildly abrasive (but still safe for glass), dish soap cuts grease, and vinegar breaks down mineral deposits.
For the degreaser spray, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of dish soap and shake well.
Glass and ceramic cooktops will develop some light scratches over time, especially if you use heavy cast iron cookware or slide pots around. That’s totally normal and doesn’t affect how your cooktop works. My cooktop from 2015 has a few small scratches, but because I clean it regularly, it still looks great overall.
The method I’ve shared here is exactly what I use every month, and it’s kept my cooktop in excellent condition for nearly a decade. Whether you choose commercial cleaners or go the DIY route, the key is being gentle with your cooktop while still being thorough with the cleaning. Give it a try, you’ll be amazed at how much better your kitchen looks with a sparkling clean cooktop.
FAQ
How to clean induction cooktop naturally?
Use a mixture of baking soda, dish soap, and white vinegar as described above. For everyday cleaning, simply spray with diluted vinegar and wipe with a soft cloth. Lemon juice also works great for cutting through grease naturally—just squeeze fresh lemon directly onto the cooktop and scrub with a soft sponge.
How to clean burnt induction cooktop?
For burnt-on food, make a thick paste with baking soda and water. Spread it over the burnt area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then scrub with a non-abrasive pad. If the burn is really stubborn, carefully use a razor blade scraper at a low angle while the surface is lubricated with cleaner. Never scrape on a dry surface.
How do I keep my induction cooktop looking brand new?
Cloudy marks usually come from hard water deposits or residue from cleaners. Spray white vinegar directly on the cloudy areas and let it sit for 5 minutes. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. If that doesn’t work, use your glass cooktop cleaner and really buff the area in circles. Sometimes cloudy marks are actually tiny scratches from abrasive cookware—unfortunately, those can’t be fixed, but regular cleaning minimizes their appearance.
How to fix cloudy marks on induction cooktop?
Cloudy marks usually come from hard water deposits or residue from cleaners. Spray white vinegar directly on the cloudy areas and let it sit for 5 minutes. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. If that doesn’t work, use your glass cooktop cleaner and really buff the area in circles. Sometimes cloudy marks are actually tiny scratches from abrasive cookware—unfortunately, those can’t be fixed, but regular cleaning minimizes their appearance.
How can I prevent food from spilling and making a mess while cooking?
Use lids on pots and pans whenever possible—they trap splatter and keep heat in. Don’t fill pots more than three-quarters full. When boiling or simmering, reduce the heat once the liquid starts bubbling; there’s no need to keep it at full power. Keep a damp towel nearby to immediately wipe up any spills that happen during cooking. Also, consider using splatter screens for frying.
When should I clean my induction cooktop?
Light cleaning: After every use. Just wipe with a damp cloth once the cooktop cools down.
Deep cleaning: Once a week if you cook daily, or at least once a month if you cook less frequently. Do it more often if you notice grease building up or if you regularly cook greasy foods like bacon or stir-fries.
Immediate cleaning: Anytime something sugary spills (like jam or syrup)—sugar can pit and damage the glass if it hardens.
