How To Clean A Glass Stovetop

There are a lot of pros and cons to using a glass stovetop. The cons are that it doesn’t heat up as fast as a gas stovetop, nor does it have as precise of a temperature control. The pros are that it’s less expensive to install, and much, much easier to routinely clean. Below, we’ve laid out everything you need to know for how to clean a glass stovetop—from things to consider before getting started, to items you’ll need, to how often to clean it, and tips to prevent it from getting dirty in the first place.

Considerations Before Getting Started

Before cleaning a glass stovetop, there are a few considerations that you should keep in mind to ensure that you don’t damage the surface or create a hazardous situation. These are a few things to keep in mind, according to Jacqueline Stein, a professional cleaner in Austin, Texas. 

Wait For the Stovetop To Cool

Before you start cleaning, make sure that the glass stovetop has completely cooled down. “This is important because if you try to clean a hot stovetop, the cleaner can evaporate too quickly and leave streaks or stains behind,” explains Stein. “Or you could burn or hurt yourself if it’s still hot.”

Choose the right cleaner

Avoid using abrasive cleaners, like scouring pads or steel wool, as these can scratch the surface. “Instead, opt for a cleaner specifically designed for glass stovetops,” suggests Stein.

Use a Soft Cloth

When cleaning your glass stovetop, use a soft cloth that won't scratch the surface. Microfiber cloths or cotton rags are good options.

Avoid Excess Moisture

Too much moisture can damage a glass stovetop, so be careful not to use too much cleaner or water when cleaning. “Use a minimal amount of cleaner and a damp cloth to clean the surface,” warns Stein. “Wipe up any excess moisture with a dry cloth.”

Be Gentle

When cleaning your glass stovetop, be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure. Use a circular motion to clean the surface, and don't scrub too hard.

What You Need

• A mild soap (Dawn Dish soap) or multipurpose cleaner (Fantastik)
• Bucket of warm water
• Weiman Glass Cooktop Cleaner & Polisher
• A few clean, soft cotton or microfiber rags
• A soft brush or sponge
• Glass cleaner (Windex or Sprayaway)
• Paper towels or lint-free rags
  

How To Clean a Glass Stovetop

1. Remove any visible debris, such as food chunks, crumbs, or dust.
   
2. Wipe the stovetop with a damp soft cloth and warm water mixed with dish soap (such as Dawn Dish soap) or wipe with a multipurpose cleaner. This step is important to remove all gunk and stuck-on food before moving on to conditioning and shining the surface, according to Stein. 
   
3. If there are large stuck-on food chunks remaining, carefully scrape them off with a razor blade, being mindful not to scratch the stovetop. “I like the blade that comes with the Weiman Glass Cooktop Cleaning Kit,” says Stein.
4. Apply Weiman Glass Cooktop Cleaner & Polisher to the surface, spreading it evenly with a paper towel or soft cloth to cover the full surface, but not rubbing in just yet. 
5. Let the product sit for 15-30 minutes, depending on the level of grime.
6. Use a damp soft brush, cloth, or sponge to scrub the surface, removing stains without scratching the glass.
7. Wipe away any leftover product and residue with a wet cotton cloth or soft microfiber cloth.
8. Dry the glass stovetop completely to avoid water spots.
9. Repeat the process, if necessary, to remove any remaining debris. 
10. Polish the stovetop with a glass cleaner to add shine, using a lint-free cloth or paper towel to avoid streaks.
    

How Often To Clean a Glass Stovetop

To maintain a cleaner stovetop, Stein recommends giving it a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after each use (once it has cooled). “This helps to prevent buildup and allows you to go longer between deep cleans,” she says.

For those who cook often, aim to deep clean your glass stove top once a week. “It may seem like a daunting task, but you can maximize your time by cleaning other things while the cleaning products are sitting on the stovetop,” suggests Stein. “This will help to ensure your stove top stays in top condition and ready for your next cooking adventure.”

Tips For Keeping Your Glass Stovetop Clean

The more often you do small maintenance to your glass stovetop, the less often you will have to deep clean it. Below are Stein’s best tips for keeping your glass stovetop clean in the long run:

Give your stovetop a quick wipe after every use. This helps to prevent buildup and keeps your stovetop looking shiny and new.

Use a soft cloth and a mixture of warm water and a detergent or multipurpose cleaner to remove any gunk and stuck-on food before beginning the cleaning process. This will make it easier to deep clean your stovetop.

Be careful when using razor blades to remove stuck-on food. “It can be effective, but you don't want to scratch the glass,” says Stein. “Use a gentle touch and proceed with caution.”

Don't forget to dry the stovetop completely to prevent water spots.

Keeping your glass stovetop clean is not only important for a healthy cooking environment, but it also adds to the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. “With these tips, you can keep your glass stovetop looking its best and ready for your next culinary masterpiece,” adds Stein.