Mistakes Everyone Makes When Cleaning Glass Stovetops

A flat glass stovetop with no messy burners or coils definitely seems like it'd be easy to clean, but if you're not doing it properly, you could actually end up damaging your stove. A big problem with cleaning glass stovetops is it's tempting to just treat them like the rest of your countertops, but your stovetop needs different cleaning supplies in order to stay in tip-top shape. Once you know which mistakes to avoid, a glass stovetop can be easy to care for, as long as you keep up with maintenance.

One of the main missteps to avoid when you're cleaning a glass stovetop is using anything that might scratch the surface. According to CNET, both steel wool and the rough side of a sponge can do some serious damage to a glass stovetop. The soft side of a sponge works fine, but the rough side can end up scratching the glass. It's the same with steel wool — while it's great for doing some tough scrubbing in your oven, it's way too abrasive for a glass stovetop, and can end up leaving tiny craters in the surface. And if you need to scrub your stovetop with a soft sponge, make sure you don't use too much pressure, or the glass could crack.

If you want your glass stovetop to last, you can keep it in good shape (and prevent it from getting too messy) just by taking a few seconds to clean it every day. According to HGTV, you can largely avoid problems like baked-on food spills just by wiping down your glass stovetop after every use. A soft sponge or microfiber cloth moistened with water or vinegar is all you need, and you can quickly wipe away any spills or drips. 

If you decide to use a cleaning spray for your daily maintenance or to tackle more stubborn stains, however, make sure you use one specifically made for glass stovetops. As CNET notes, your regular glass cleaner (like Windex) is too strong for a stovetop and can end up damaging it. And any time you're cleaning the glass, make sure the burners are off and completely cool before you start scrubbing so you don't accidentally burn yourself.

Sometimes you might forget to wipe after every usage though, and you'll end up with a few tougher marks on the glass. If that happens, according to HGTV, you can also do a deeper clean once a week by spraying your stovetop with white vinegar, then sprinkling a little baking soda on top. Lay a towel soaked in hot water on top, then let everything sit for about 15 minutes before wiping everything up with a microfiber cloth.

If you end up with baked-on spills that just won't go away, no matter how long you let the vinegar and baking soda work their magic, you might need to resort to using a scraper. According to Hunker, you can find scrapers that are specifically made for glass stovetops (from brands like Cerama Bryte), and they'll help you chip away at baked-on stains. Scrape at an angle until you've gotten rid of as much of the food as possible, then create a paste with baking soda and water to spread over the spot. Cover with a damp rag and let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away. With a little regular maintenance and the right care, you can easily keep your stovetop looking as good as new.