And its design blends in ever so nicely with your kitchen. But we’d be remiss not to mention that very inconvenient splitter-splatter mess that happens every time you venture to cook on it.
We have so been there. (In one chili-making-incident, our glass cooktop looked more like a dirty plate than a proper appliance.) Over the years, we’ve had to confront all kinds of baked-on messes to save the clean aesthetic of our space. And we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. If you’re currently experiencing the what-do-I-do-now panic of more spaghetti carbonara on the cooktop than in the pan, you’ve come to the right place.
A few tips to start:
- Let it cool: When it comes to glass stove tops, patience is key. Unlike cleaning the grates of your grill which benefits from the grates being very hot, glass cooktops need to completely cooled down before you begin the cleaning process. That might mean grabbing another drink or watching the end of your show before you can return to the scene of the crime. Consider it a gift of self-care in disguise.
- Take it easy: Much like the previous tip, this one is all about taking it easy. Don’t feel like you need to break out harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges to clean the top of your glass stove top. Glass is fragile so the way you clean it needs to be, too. Resist the temptation to bust out every tool in your toolbox, we’ll show you how to get a perfect clean without the firepower.
- Check the manual: Every cooktop brand is a little different, so it’s always best to consult your manual before you make any big cleaning decisions. The last thing you want to do is make your owner’s warranty null and void, so a little extra research is worth it.
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.
Your plan of cleaning attack depends on the level of destruction currently sitting on your stove top. Got a little splatter here and there? That’s a lot different than a baked-on grease explosion. Luckily, we’ve experienced every extreme on the spectrum. And the extra good news is that for messes of any kind you can turn to your Mr. Clean Magic Eraser made especially for the kitchen. All it takes is wetting it down, then squeezing a few times to activate the foam and cleaning enzymes. Wipe any affected areas, rinse, and dry with a microfiber cloth. That’s it!
For more convenient solutions using products you already have at home, read on.
A little mess
It’s nearly impossible to cook a proper meal without a little sacrifice. In this case, that comes in the form of greasy splatters on your stove top. No problem. Vinegar is here to save the day. Once your cooktop is completely cooled, spray a little white distilled vinegar on top and wipe it away with a non-scratch cloth, like microfiber. It’s amazing how powerfully a simple spritz of vinegar cuts through any tough grease. If you’ve got any leftover streaks, use a dry cloth to buff them out.
A moderately messy mess
Okay. In this case, the cooking process got a little chaotic at some point. Maybe your water over boiled or your chicken hit some really hot oil. We’ve all been there. In this situation, you’re going to need to take a three-step approach. First, make sure your stove top is completely cooled down. Then, spray down the entire surface generously with vinegar. Next, sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar you just sprayed and cover it with a slightly damp cloth. Let everything sit for about 15 minutes and then wipe it all clean with a microfiber cloth. You can definitely repeat this process as many times as you need until your cooktop is completely clean.
A mess explosion
Things happen. And sometimes those things are violent sauce explosions. Other times, it’s forgetting about the spastically bubbling bacon in your frying pan. For those moments, there is the trusty razor. To combat any kind of burnt grease or rings around the burners, first, wait until the cooktop is completely cool, then spray down the surface with vinegar. Holding a regular razor blade as flat to the surface as possible and being careful not to use the edges (those will scratch the stove top), scrape away the gunk. Wipe the surface clean with a microfiber cloth.
One thing we especially love about glass stove tops is how resilient they are. No matter what kind of food-related insult has been hurled at them, they are generally pretty easy to get back to that dignified cooktop you fell in love with. Yes, even after your very meanest steaks do their hot, butter-splattering thing. You’ve got this.