3 Easy Ways to Clean a Glass Stovetop

Glass stovetops look great in your kitchen, but it doesn’t take long for them to attract unsightly spills and splatters. Unlike traditional ceramic or gas stovetops, glass cooktops require a different type of care to avoid scratches and help extend its lifespan. They’re also prone to looking streaky, even when you’ve spent ages trying to get them clean.

In this article, you’ll learn how to clean a glass stovetop gently and effectively with our expert tips, using only natural cleaners and no nasty chemicals.

If you’d prefer to leave your stove top cleaning to a professional, you can always book a professional, affordable cleaner through Homeaglow.

Before you start

Although glass stove tops are designed to be durable, it’s important that you don’t clean them with harsh chemicals that can damage the surface or leave a permanent hazy residue. 

You should also avoid using steel wool or Brillo pads on this type of stove top, as they can scratch the delicate glass, making it harder to keep clean in the future.

We recommend using gentle, non-scratch cloths and our favorite natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar to get your glass cooktop sparkling again.

Check that you have these items on hand before you start cleaning:

• Microfiber cloths
• Sponges
• Paper towels
• Towel
• Liquid dish soap
• White vinegar
• Metal razor blade or glass cooktop scraper
• Spray bottle
• Kitchen scrubbing brush
• Non-abrasive scrubbing pad (check the label to ensure they’re safe to use on glass stovetops)
• Gloves

How to clean glass stove tops

For everyday spills and splashes, you can clean your glass stove top easily with items you’ll probably have in your kitchen already. 

These are our three favorite methods for getting the glass surface looking fresh and shiny. Try them in the order we’ve listed them. 

Before you begin cleaning, make sure your stove is turned off and the glass stove top is cool to the touch. Never try to clean a hot stovetop, as this can burn your hands and cause sponges and cloths to burn or melt onto the hot glass.

Option 1: Baking soda and vinegar

Pour some white vinegar into a small spray bottle, and spritz this evenly across the glass stove top.

Next, sprinkle baking soda on top of the vinegar. This will cause a fizzy chemical reaction that will begin working to break down the grease and dried food on your stove top.

While the vinegar and baking soda are doing their thing, fill a large bowl (or your sink) with hot water and a few squirts of your favorite grease-cutting liquid dish soap.

Find a towel that’s big enough to cover the entire glass stove top, and dunk this into the hot, soapy water. Wring out most of the excess water, then lay the towel down across your stove top. Leave the hot towel to sit for about 20 minutes.

The steam from the towel, together with the vinegar and baking soda mixture, will loosen most types of stovetop dirt—without needing a ton of elbow grease to get the job done.

Remove the towel and use a stiff-bristled dish brush or non-scratch scrubbing pad to remove any stubborn patches of grime. 

With a damp cloth, wipe down your entire glass stovetop to remove the baking soda mixture and any loose dirt.

Give your stovetop a quick final spray with the white vinegar, then dry and buff to a streak-free finish with a microfiber cloth.

Tip: Baking soda and vinegar is great for all kind of cleaning jobs, like cleaning a sink drain and cleaning oven glass.

Option 2: Liquid dish soap and vinegar

Generously squirt some liquid dish soap onto your glass stovetop and spread it evenly across the entire surface with a cloth or sponge.

Fill a small spray bottle with one part white vinegar and one part water, and then spray this on top of your soapy glass cooktop.

Let this mixture sit for 30 minutes or so, and then begin cleaning the dirt off your stove top with a glass-friendly scrub sponge or dish brush. 

Finish up by wiping away the soapy mixture and dirt using a damp cloth or sponge, and buffing to a streak-free shine with a microfiber cloth.

Option 3: Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

If your glass stovetop needs a deeper cleaning, try adding some hydrogen peroxide to your cleaning mixture. Don’t worry, it’s safe for your cooktop.

First, put on some gloves. 

Then squirt a little liquid dish soap onto a damp cloth and quickly wipe down your stovetop. This will remove any loose dirt before you begin the deep clean.

Next, mix some baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a plastic bowl until it forms a thick paste. Spread this across your glass stovetop using a cloth, paying attention to any stains and clumps of food.

Leave the paste on your cooktop for 15 minutes to loosen the buildup of food and grease. Then, with a dish brush or non-scratch scrubbing pad, begin scrubbing your stovetop in circular motions until the glass is clean.

With a warm, damp cloth or sponge, clean away the dirt and baking soda, and then finish by drying and polishing the glass using a clean microfiber cloth.

How to clean a burnt glass stove top

Even a small spill on your glass stovetop can quickly turn into a burnt nightmare that’s tough to remove. If you’re wondering how to clean a glass stove top with burnt-on food, it’s not as difficult as it looks.

First, lay a hot, wet towel down across your stovetop. Leave this for 15 minutes to loosen the burnt patches using the steam from the towel.

Next, use a single metal razor blade (or a cooktop scraper if you have one), held at a 45-degree angle, and gently scrape away all the burnt bits that are on the stove top. 

Most glass cooktops are incredibly durable and can handle being cleaned carefully with a sharp blade, but always check your stove’s manual and make sure it’s okay to use this method first.

Once you’ve removed the burnt patches, wipe the dirt away with a damp cloth and clean the stove top using one of the methods we mentioned above.

Clean your glass top stove regularly

Your cooktop is probably one of the busiest appliances in your kitchen, so regular maintenance is important.

Cleaning your glass stovetop every week, or as soon as spills happen, will help you avoid burnt-on food and other tough stains. It will also keep your stovetop shiny and free of streaky residue.

We recommend giving your stovetop a quick wipe-down after every cooking session. Keep a spray bottle of white vinegar on hand to give the glass a quick spritz, and then wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. Use a fresh microfiber cloth to buff the surface and remove any streaky patches.

Keeping your glass stovetop clean is (unfortunately) an ongoing chore. If you don’t have the time, Homeaglow is available to assist with a big choice of cleaners in your area. Find and book your perfect cleaner online today.