How to Clean Induction Cooktop? (5 Quick & Easy Tips)

Induction cooktops are quickly becoming the future of cooking. With convenience, safety, and energy efficiency, induction hobs are quickly becoming a must-have in any modern kitchen. That said, while cooking on these stoves is significantly easier than using a traditional gas range — the cooktops do require regular cleaning and maintenance.

Without the proper maintenance, your induction cooktop could develop problems. Luckily, cleaning your induction cooktop isn’t difficult and should be done regularly. Knowing how to clean an induction cooktop is just as important as knowing how to use your induction stove. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered.

With the help of this instruction, you can learn how to clean induction cooktop without leaving any scratches or stains and keep it looking brand new.

Cleaning the Appliance Before Using It

You must thoroughly clean the cooktop surface before beginning to cook any food.

Clean the glass plate with an approved ceramic/glass cooktop cleaner before using the appliance for the first time. This protects the glass surface and makes future cleanup easier.

Before Cleaning, Unplug the Appliance and Allow it to Cool

• Use a few drops of a non-abrasive cleaning solution. Only use cleaners and tools designed specifically for cleaning glass or ceramic surfaces. The owner’s manual usually includes a list of recommended cleaners for your induction hob.
• Smooth the cleaner all over the cooktop surface with a damp sponge or cleaning pad.
• Wipe up any cleaning residue with a dry microfiber cloth or paper towel and polish the cooktop surface.

Cleaning Schedule

Clean the cooktop surface regularly, ideally after each use. Before cleaning, turn off the cooktop and wait for the surface to cool. Using a cleaner on a hot surface can produce fumes that harm your health and may result in spotting.

• A few drops of manufacturer-approved cleaner should be applied to the cooktop surface.
• Remove all cleaner residue from the cooktop surface with a soft, moist cloth. If the cleaner residue is not removed, it will turn into the cooktop and stain the glass.
• Dry the surface completely before polishing it with a clean, soft towel.

Spills and Burned-on Residue Removal

Spills and burnt-on residue cannot be removed with dishwashing soap and water. You must use the proper cleaning tools to complete this task.

Remove the food scraps and loose dirt using a plastic scraper and a wet paper towel. Before using a plastic scraper, ensure the surface is cool because the plastic will melt at high temperatures.

Soak the spills and hardened residue with a soft cloth and a non-scratch cleaner. Scrub the area clean with a scrubbing pad designed for glass cooktops. Repeat until the residue has been removed.

Use a shielded scraper blade designed for cleaning burned-on deposits and hardened cooking spills without damaging the cooktop finish to remove the most stubborn residue. While scraping off the hardened residue, hold it at a 45-degree angle. Apply pressure with caution to avoid scratching the surface.

Pair the razor with a safe cooktop cleaner and a cleaning pad. Circularly scrub the spills with the pad until they are gone. Clean spills and spatters as soon as possible to avoid them becoming hardened and difficult to remove.

If left to cook on, dry sugar, high-sugar foods, and melted plastic can permanently damage the glass surface. The mess needs to be cleaned up as soon as possible. Remove sugary food spills with a razor blade scraper at an appropriate angle while the surface is still hot.

Turn off the heat and put on an oven mitt to avoid getting burned if the surface is still hot. Allow the appliance to cool before using the special induction hob cleaner and a cleaning pad to remove tough stains.

Cleaning Metal Scratches and Marks

Some cookware may leave metal markings on the cooktop surface. When moving cookware, lift the pans rather than slide them across the glass. Compared to stainless steel, uncoated cast iron pans are more likely to leave marks on the glass. Copper and aluminum cookware can leave stains that are difficult to remove.

Scratches on the glass cooktop are unsightly, but they do not affect the cooktop’s performance. Rough-edged cookware or the use of abrasive cleaning products can cause surface scratches. The texture of cleaning fluids must be completely smooth.

To avoid marks, always inspect the backside of cookware for rough spots before using it for the first time, and only use pans with a flat and smooth bottom.

Use a white vinegar solution to remove water spots and add a glossy sheen to the cooktop surface. Using a soft cloth, wipe down the cooktop and buff dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Things to Stay Away From

To avoid causing damage to the cooktop finish, avoid using rigid brushes, abrasive pads, or abrasive cleansers. Use only cleaners designed specifically for cleaning glass or ceramic surfaces and soft wiping materials.

Avoid cleaning products containing ammonia or chlorine bleach since they might permanently discolor the stove.

Caustic cleaning agents, flammable liquids, and petroleum products should not be used to clean the cooktop.

Do not scratch the hardened residue with a knife or other sharp tools to avoid damaging the glass surface.

Quick Tips for Cleaning an Induction Cooktop

• If you want to learn how to clean an induction cooktop, you’ll need some pointers to keep your appliance in good working order. Always remember that this cooktop is very delicate and should be handled cautiously. Here are some pointers to help you learn how to clean an induction cooktop quickly.
• Never leave a cooking pot unattended. Always lock your door while working with the induction coil for your safety. The best way to clean an induction cooktop is to always keep a good bottle of cleaner on hand. Because this instrument is more delicate and expensive than others, there are several other safe cleaners on the market that are specifically designed to be used on the surface of your cooker. It will be easier for you to clean it without leaving any dangerous chemicals or residue if you keep your cleaner nearby.
• Never use too much cleaning solution on your induction cooktop. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before mixing your cleaner with water. If you’re using juice, you only need a quarter cup for every quart of water. This type of mixture will not affect the quality of your food and will also keep black rings from forming on your appliance.
• When cleaning your cooktop, never use an acidic or harsh liquid cleaner. These ingredients can cause damage to your cooker and even destroy the material inside. Use non-acidic, non-scratchy liquid cleaners that are gentle on their surface that will not damage your cooker. Make sure you read the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some detergent brands contain acids that can burn or scratch your cooktop.
• On your induction cooktop, never use a glass cleaner. Glass fragments can scratch your cooker as well as the material inside. Glass cleaners are designed to clean aluminum and stainless steel. The acid in the glass can eat away at the material as well. So, if you want to extend the life of your cooker, avoid using this type of cleaner.
• On your induction cooktop, never use vinegar or citrus cleaners. Like other cleaning agents, these cleaners can damage your cooker over time. They can form a film on your cooking surface, preventing heat from conducting properly. The film also makes removing heat from your pot difficult, and it can shorten the lifespan of your cooking vessel. So, when cleaning your induction cooktop, stick to borax and water.
• Glass cleaner containers should never be used on an induction cooktop. These containers are extremely sharp and can shatter on any surface. If you drop a container of glass cleaner on your cooker, you could cut yourself with shards of broken glass. It is far preferable to use plastic or ceramic containers. If you must use glass containers, make sure they are specifically designed for induction cooktops.

Keep in Mind When Cleaning Different Types of Induction Cooktops

Cooktop Made of Ceramic

Cleaning a Ceramic Cooktop: After removing all of the pots and pans from your induction cooktop, take a soft cloth and use a very mild soap to rinse the entire surface.

If any stubborn marks or stains remain on the cooktop after rinsing, repeat the previous step until they are completely removed. Remember to use a soft cloth after removing all the soap residues and other residues, such as baking soda.

Cooktop Made of Aluminum

Cleaning an Aluminum Cooktop: Aluminum, like ceramic tiles, will discolor if not cleaned regularly. Cleaning with an abrasive cloth will almost certainly not work on this type of material.

You’ll need to use specialized cooking utensils designed for cleaning aluminum instead. These utensils can be found in specialty stores, where you can also buy them in bulk.

Induction Cooktop with Glass Surface

Cleaning a Glass Surface: Never use abrasive cleaners or acidic cleaning products on glass surfaces because they can cause permanent damage.

Cleaning glass cooktops with a glass surface scrubber or glass tile cleaner is usually simple. Scrub the entire cooktop in small sections. Never scrub large pieces of glass, as this can cause severe burns.

Induction Cooktops Made of Copper

Cleaning Copper Induction Cooktops: Cleaning copper induction cooktops follows the same guidelines as cleaning other types of metal and glass surfaces. Copper should never be cleaned with acidic cleaners.

However, cleaning products are available specifically designed for copper surfaces. These products do not scratch or damage the surface. If you accidentally damage copper, you can cover it with a thin aluminum oxide layer.

Stainless Steel Induction Cooktop

Cleaning a Stainless Steel Induction Cooktop: Although stainless steel is extremely durable and hard-wearing, it is susceptible to scratches and micro-abrasions. When cooking, a pan or wok can transfer heat from the cooking surface to the pan’s sides, causing micro-abrasions.

If you have a stainless steel induction cooktop, it is critical to use the proper cleaning products and treat the pan immediately after cleaning. Although stainless steel is nonstick and thus easy to clean, it will scratch if you use the wrong cleaning materials or leave the pan to dry on its own. Special stainless steel cleaners are also available for stainless steel induction cooktops.

Conclusion

To avoid buildup and burns on your induction cooktop’s surface, clean it clean frequently. After each use, clean your Induction Cooktop.

Let’s wait for it to cool down and quickly clean up the mess with a moist cloth. You should wipe off the stove after each usage which will help you to get rid of stains and grease buildup!

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