Cleaning a glass-top stove, although easier than tackling drip pans and coil heating elements, can still present a few challenges. When spills become baked on to a glass-top surface, they seem to defy all human attempts at cleaning. You may have seen commercial products designed exclusively to clean glass cooktops. These unitaskers typically contain chemical products, are expensive, and, in some cases, aren’t even all that effective. Read on for some environmentally friendly and cost-effective ways to keep that glass top looking like new.
First, the Small Print
No matter how tempted you may be, never (ever) try to clean your glass cooktop while it’s still hot, or even slightly tepid. The obvious reason is that you can suffer serious burns, but that’s not the only reason to let the surface cool completely. Many cleaning products, when applied to a hot surface, will burn onto the surface rather than clean it. Then you’ll have twice the mess. Also, many cleaning products contain flammable ingredients that, when put in contact with a hot surface, will ignite. Finally, your stove’s manufacturer likely recommends a specific product for use. If you choose to use one of the following methods instead, be sure to test it in a tiny back corner of the stove, lest it cause any harm.
Pay a Visit to Your Kitchen Pantry
Some of the most effective products for cleaning glass cooktops are probably already in your kitchen: baking soda, white vinegar and lemon juice. Take a quick detour to the medicine cabinet and grab some hydrogen peroxide too, if the situation is dire. Begin by removing any crumbs with a paper towel or damp sponge. Mix lemon juice or vinegar with hot water and spritz it on, then wipe with a clean cloth. For more stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the mess, then cover with a clean towel dampened well with hot water. Let sit for 15 minutes, then use the towel to wipe away the mess. If the stains persist, sprinkle on baking soda and just enough peroxide to make a paste. Using a clean cloth, rub the surface in a circular motion until the stains let go. Wipe up the paste then buff with a clean, dry cloth. Voila! Clean stove top.
The Best Cleaning Tool You’ve Never Heard Of: The SKrAPr
By now, everyone should have this tool in their cleaning arsenal, but for some strange reason, most people have never heard of this revolutionary resin scraper. Made from a composite of glass and plastic, the SKrAPr was designed specifically for cleaning glass cooktops. Using just a little bit of water, this miracle invention quickly and safely dispatches even the worst burned-on stains. Tthough the tool is meant for glass-top stoves, users quickly discovered that it was invaluable for safely removing all kinds of stuck-on things from delicate surfaces. Use this handy gizmo on non-stick pans, natural stone surfaces, floors, windows and furniture. It will even remove the soap scum from glass shower doors. The heavy duty version can be used to successfully scrape paint, sealants and adhesives.
In the Salt Lake City area, Complete Appliance Repair is the premier locally owned and operated appliance sales, service and repair provider. Although their experienced technicians probably won’t clean your kitchen, they will keep your glass-top stove (and the rest of your appliances) in tip-top shape.