These days, everybody wishes to have a spacious and stylish-looking kitchen. And why not? It is that one area where you spend a lot of time cooking delicious meals for your family.
If you ever think of getting a contemporary-looking kitchen, having a glass top stove is inevitable. It not only has a sleek look to it but is also easier to clean as compared to stoves with gas burners and electric coils with drip pans.
The term glass stove is actually a misnomer. It is not glass but a blend of glass and ceramic or a polycrystalline material that has the ability to withstand strong and changing temperatures. The majority of the cooktops are colored, usually white or black, and can be transparent or opaque. Most modern cooktops use radiant heat coils that heat the burner but allow surrounding surfaces to remain cool.
If treated properly, glass top stove and countertops require only a few easy steps to get cleaned. Let's take a look at how to clean a glass top stove and some of the things to keep in mind while cleaning.
- Cool the Stove Top
The primary thing to do is to turn off all the controls and allow the stovetop to cool before you start cleaning the surface.
- Use a Cleaner
Although you can use a commercial glass cleaner as well as an all-purpose cleaner that can effectively clean the stovetop, you can also make your own.
To make your own cleaning solution:
- Mix one cup of water with one cup of distilled white vinegar.
- Put it in a spray bottle and add half a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid containing grease-cutting elements.
- Shake to mix the solution well. You can use this solution every time you use the stovetop for the preparation of food.
- Apply the Cleaner
Keep in mind to spray the cleaner and don't wipe it right away. Wait for a minute or two so that the elements can work to break down the grease. Post that, use a non-abrasive sponge to wipe down the entire surface.
- Rinse and Dry
Use fresh water to rinse the sponge well and get rid of any soapy residue. Rinsing away any remaining cleaner is essential because it can burn on the cooktop. Use a dry microfiber towel to prevent lint or streaks.
- Remove Tough Stains
If there are still some tough food stains remaining, you need to put in extra effort to get rid of the mess. We advise you to begin with a safe abrasive cleaner before you opt for harsh methods. You can either go for some commercial pastes containing gentle abrasive or use a homemade paste.
Use distilled white vinegar and sprinkle the dirty area with a liberal amount of baking soda. Then soak a microfiber towel in warm water and squeeze until slightly wet. Cover the baking soda and vinegar with the towel and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Later, remove the towel and scrub the areas using a non-abrasive sponge. Baking soda works as an abrasive to remove the food particles. Repeat the above-mentioned steps if necessary.
Ultimately, rinse the stovetop using a fresh sponge dipped in water and dry it using a microfiber cloth.
When cleaning the cooktop, follow the same steps and skip the first one! Make sure that no food particles are left on the stovetop and the cooktop to maintain hygiene.
How to Clean a Glass Top Stove with a Razor Blade?
Using a razor blade is important only when you can't get rid of burned food. You can use a razor blade or a plastic scraper to remove the food effectively.
Firstly, dip a microfiber towel in hot water and squeeze till damp. Then place the damp towel on burned areas for at least 15 minutes to soften the food. Hold the plastic scraper or razor blade at a 45-degree angle, scrape away the burned food slowly.
Take a damp sponge and wipe away debris. You may be required to wipe the area again with a clean sponge. When the burned food is totally gone, clean the surface with water, distilled white vinegar, and a dishwashing liquid. Finally, rinse the glass cooktop with a wet sponge and use a microfiber cloth to dry the surface.
How Often Should You Clean the Glass Top?
Ideally, you should clean the glass top after every use. By wiping always spills regularly, you can prevent the build-up that burns onto the surface. If you allow grease and grime to accumulate, it will get burned from heat exposure, becoming even more difficult to remove. Even if you don't use the glass cooktop often, you must clean it once a week.
Why is it Important to Clean and Maintain the Stove and Countertop?
Needless to say, the kitchen is the heart of every home. You tend to spend a lot of time cooking meals for your family and friends in the kitchen. The glass top stove and countertop are frequently used, resulting in messes. This is why it's important to clean the stovetop and countertop regularly.
Whether you made eggs this morning or spilled some milk, it is important to know how to clean a glass top stove. Dirty cooktops are not just unsightly but also very unhygienic to cook.
When cleaning stovetops, remember to keep the gas taps off. You can use just soap and water but if it's not doing the job right, consider using cleaning products that are specially designed for stovetops and countertops.
With regular cleaning, you'll be able to prevent major build-ups that can lead to hours and hours of cleaning. Ultimately, with regular cleaning and maintenance, your stovetop should provide years of good service, thus helping you save money.