Wondering How to Clean an Induction Stovetop? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Oven cleaning experts always say that induction cooktops need to be handled a bit differently from gas or ceramic stoves.

The main difference is the glass surface, where every splash, streak, and smudge is quite visible in comparison to other stove tops. You’re also risking permanent scratches if you’re using the wrong cleaning method.

In Aussie kitchens, it’s usually burnt-on spills, greasy splatter, and persistent water marks that cause trouble. While it may seem simple enough to wipe, your technique matters. So, find out exactly how to clean an induction stovetop the right way.

What makes induction cooktops different?

The best thing about induction cooktops is their slick, elegant look, but that same smooth design makes them pretty vulnerable. 

There is a very good reason why you should keep your induction cooktop clean, and it isn’t for appearances. 

With constant use, you will find that spills, splatters, and water marks are piling up. After a while, cooking will take a lot longer, eventually producing heavy smoke, too.

You can avoid all this just by giving your appliance some care. The truth is, cleaning induction cooktops needs a little more know-how than regular ranges. Here’s why:

• They have a flat glass surface. The cooking area is one smooth sheet of glass, so spills sit right on top. With the absence of raised burners or grates to catch the mess, dried-on food is a lot more visible.
• They heat up and cool down quickly. Splashes of oil or sauces get stuck on the surface in literally seconds, and they don’t take too long to solidify as well. 
• The glass shows scratches and streaks easily. The dark, glossy surface highlights even small scuffs, water spots, or streaks. Using the wrong cloth or cleaner can leave marks that stand out immediately. This can be irreversible.

What can you use to clean your induction stovetop, and what should you avoid?

A quick wipe with the wrong tool will leave scratches behind, while jumping in too soon can make burnt-on messes harder to remove. That’s why you need to figure out exactly what you can use to clean an induction cooktop with and what you should avoid. 

There are dozens of commercial cleaners in local stores that you can use. However, only a few are specially formulated for glass or induction surfaces. Always read the packaging carefully. 

Sprays or creams that lift grease and charred food without scratching are pretty easy to apply. Plus, they often take minutes to work and are perfect for tough stains or heavier build-up, like burnt-on oil after a BBQ or sugary spills.

Luckily, the price of the cleaner is of little importance because essentially any product that’s compatible with glass cooktops or induction surfaces will do. 

Alternatively, if you prefer a homemade cleaner, adding warm water to a few drops of mild dish soap is a known favourite. You could also create a spray from a simple vinegar and water mix in equal portions. 

These are perfect for light spills and streaks, whereasa thick paste made of baking soda and water is great to tackle tougher stains. 

To have a well-rounded idea about the process, think about what you should not use on an induction cooktop. 

Steel wool, harsh scouring pads, and stiff brushes are not really your friends as they will scratch up the surface of the stovetop. Ammonia-based cleaners and any chemical cleaner that’s not safe to use on glass will cause heavy damage, too.

Even ordinary sponges turn problematic under heavy pressure, and repeated scrubbing with force creates scuffs that build up gradually. Your cooktop will really appreciate a gentle touch. 

How to clean an induction cooktop

If you believe that cleaning an induction cooktop is just another demanding chore on your long to-do list, we hear you, but it really doesn’t have to be. Your secret weapon is knowing that you have to use gentle cleaning tools and techniques. 

When you do that, the actual cleaning of your induction stovetop becomes easy pease lemon squeezy. . It’s not even a task that will take too much of your time, especially with regular care. 

The below items are all you need to clean a glass cooktop:

• Soft microfibre cloths;
• Warm water;
• Mild dishwashing liquid;
• White vinegar;
• Baking soda;
• Induction-safe scraper or plastic spatula.

Cleaning your induction hobs daily (light spills)

Addressing light spills immediately stops most induction cooktop issues before they develop. 

When you use basic household items, the glass will remain protected from any damage. Cleaning an induction stovetop with vinegar is a popular choice in many Aussie homes. For light spills, follow these steps:

1. Leave the surface to cool down. Give the induction cooktop time to reach room temperature first for your safety.
2. Wipe. Gently use a damp microfibre cloth with a few drops of mild dish soap, or a spray of equal parts white vinegar and water. 
3. Dry and polish. Use a clean, soft cloth afterwards to dry everything. This prevents smudges and keeps that glossy appearance intact.

How to clean a burnt induction cooktop

Regular household ingredients are one of the best things you can use to get rid of burn marks on an induction hob. 

Baking soda and vinegar are ideal for cleaning an induction cooktop burn when combined with the right tools and without applying unnecessary pressure or force as you work. In general, testing scrapers on hidden areas first helps if you’re uncertain about the technique. 

Here’s how to clean serious messes burnt on an induction stovetop:

1. Apply a paste. Add some water to the baking soda until a thick paste forms, then apply it to the affected spot. Lightly spray or dab it with white vinegar to create a fizzing reaction to easily lift the grime.
2. Scrub gently. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes, then rub in small circular motions with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. 
3. Scrape carefully. Resistant residue needs an induction-safe scraper or plastic spatula angled slightly. Work slowly to lift burnt material without creating gouges.
4. Wipe clean. Get rid of all the remaining residue with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly to restore that sparkling shine.

Getting white marks off your induction cooktop

In many parts of Australia, hard water can leave annoying white or cloudy marks on any polished surface. These spots are mineral deposits from water droplets that dry on the glass or metal, but if left too long, they can be difficult to remove.

No real harm comes from these annoying white marks on your induction cooktop, but they dull the original sheen of the glass. 

Just follow the steps below to remove cloudy marks on the induction hob safely and effectively:

1. Dampen a cloth. A soft microfibre cloth dampened with equal parts vinegar and water does the job well. Mineral buildup dissolves under this mild solution without harming the glass.
2. Rub gently. Work on the affected spots gently in small circles. Tougher areas need additional vinegar applied directly.
3. Apply a baking soda paste if needed. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, then let it sit for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse and dry. Wipe away all residue with a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly with a clean cloth to prevent streaks.

How often should you clean an induction cooktop?

It’s not one clear answer when it comes to the frequency of cleaning your induction cooktop. But now that you know how to clean it, you should consider a few factors if you want to figure out how often you should do it.

The basic rule is to wipe down the surface of your induction stovetop after every single use. And a more thorough cleaning with the techniques mentioned above should be done every week. That said, the way you cook is a huge factor to consider. 

For example, if you lean more towards frying, high-temperature cooking, and rapid pan techniques on a regular basis, oil droplets will always settle across the glass. 

What you cook matters just as much, since anything that boils over dries quickly on the surface, like soups and sauces, and would require more attention.

Professional oven cleaners can give you a hand if you’re dealing with stubborn burnt deposits or water marks that won’t budge no matter what you do.

Tips to maintain an induction cooktop cleaner for longer

A few small habits go a long way to maintain the effort you’ve put in cleaning the induction cooktop as follows:

• Remove spills immediately. When anything drips or boils over while you’re cooking, wipe it off as soon as the area cools down. 
• Check your cookware. Moisture or grease on the base often produce visible marks on glass. A brief inspection and wipe beforehand prevents numerous issues.
• Lift instead of slide. Shifting heavy items in direct contact risks permanent scratches. Gentle lifting and then repositioning is much safer.
• Keep sugar and sauces off the surface. They tend to solidify quickly under heat and latch on stubbornly because of their sticky nature.