Today, unless you go out of your way to get an old-fashioned coil stove, almost all electric stoves, including induction ones, have a glass top. And you may be wondering how you should clean them. The answer is “very carefully.”
You cannot use the same products and materials that you may be used to in order to clean a glass stovetop. It is easy to scratch both a black or white glass stovetop using the wrong products.
The trick is to use soft cloths, clean it while it’s still warm (not hot), use products designed for glass stovetops, and when you’re desperate, use a razorblade with care.
Hot soapy water with a soft cloth or soft sponge will remedy a multitude of sins. Also, try to clean the stovetop while it’s still warm. Water is the universal solvent, so water will help to dissolve most dirt on the stove. Don’t use the abrasive side of the sponge unless it is specifically designed for a glass stove.
Don’t clean the stove when it’s hot! When the stove is hot, you risk burning onto it some of the fibers from your cleaning cloth, especially if you are using something with synthetic fibers. Then you will have a burnt-on mess.
If you have done the best you can do with a soft cloth and hot water, but you can still feel some dirt on the stove, that’s when you can resort to a razorblade. But be careful. Go slowly, and you have to find the right angle—about 30 degrees—for getting the blade to remove the dirt. If you are not careful, you can scratch the top of the stove to pieces, so don’t be in a hurry. And don’t cut yourself!
With practice you will get used to cleaning the stove, and it will get easier. Some people love the sleek look of the glass top, but others hate the careful cleanup required. Remember that even if you do not have natural gas in your area, it is possible to get a propane stove that functions like a natural gas one, but it will require having a large propane tank outside somewhere.
Han Appliances are trusted appliance installation experts on the Lower Mainland, who work closely with many of the appliance dealers. If you need some appliances installed in the Vancouver area or you have any questions about this article, please call us at (604) 233-9216.
