HOW TO CLEAN AN INDUCTION COOKTOP WITHOUT SCRATCHING

Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat the pan directly rather than the glass surface, so spills are less prone to baking on, but their glass-ceramic surface still needs gentle care. Whether you're learning how to clean an induction stovetop for the first time or just looking for tips for the best way to clean an induction cooktop, this guide covers daily care, regular cleaning steps, deep cleaning for stubborn marks and answers to common questions about how to clean a stove top without scratching.

SHOULD YOU CLEAN AN INDUCTION COOKTOP AFTER EACH USE?

Yes—a quick wipe with warm water and maybe a little dish soap once the glass cools is a good idea after your meal. Cleaning a ceramic glass cooktop after each use—once it has cooled—typically only takes a few minutes with a soft, wet towel. This also helps keep residue from building up over time. Hard water spots and grease film are much simpler to remove when they're fresh, so a few seconds of care after cooking can save time during a deeper clean later. Always check your user manual first, before doing any of the treatments described in this article, to make sure it is compatible with your particular cooktop.

Induction is different from traditional electric or gas stovetops, in that it uses electromagnetic heat and turns the pan into the heat source rather than using the surface of the cooktop, so spills are often less prone to burning and adhering. That said, many cooktops have a hot surface indicator light. Make sure this light is off before you touch or clean the area. Let the surface cool completely before wiping it down with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, which is often enough to handle most day-to-day messes. A cooktop-formulated cleaner and a nonabrasive pad or cooktop scraper can help tackle dried-on spills that a quick wipe won't lift.

REGULAR INDUCTION COOKTOP CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

A regular, daily cleaning regimen covers everyday spills, smudges and light residue that build up after cooking. The suggested method is to clean your cooktop with a nonabrasive towel or sponge with some warm water and dish soap, followed by a gentle wipe-down using a damp, soft cloth and then a thorough drying.

Tougher residue like burnt-on food and white marks may need a deeper approach, using baking soda and vinegar, or else a cooktop cleaner and a cooktop scraping tool.

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

When deciding what to use to clean an induction cooktop, gather a few basic supplies:

mild dish soap
nonabrasive sponge or pad
baking soda
Vinegar
Cooktop cleaner
cooktop scraper
microfiber cloth

Gentle, nonabrasive products like these help keep the surface clean while helping to rescue the risk of scratching the glass. Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals like bleach, rust removers, ammonia, abrasive pads like steel wool and rough cloths or paper towels, since these can potentially scratch or harm the cooktop surface. Knowing how to clean a glass top stove without scratching it often comes down to choosing the right tools and using a gentle touch.

Step 1: TURN OFF THE COOKTOP AND LET IT COOL

Before touching the cooking surface, make sure the glass is cool. Select Maytag^® induction cooktops include a Hot Surface Indicator Light that illuminates when the cooktop surface is hot to the touch, even after the heating element has been turned off. This feature takes the guesswork out of knowing when the glass is cool enough to touch.

Step 2: LIFT LOOSE FOOD AND SPILLS

Start by wiping away cooled spills and loose residue with warm, soapy water and a sponge or cloth. If stuck-on bits remain after a first pass, a cooktop scraper can help lift them away. Angle the scraper at 45 degrees to help reduce the risk of scratching the stovetop. Knowing how to prevent scratches on an induction cooktop can help you keep your cooktop looking great for the long haul.

If more cleaning is needed, mist the surface with a vinegar-and-water mix and wipe it down using a soft cloth. Avoid glass cleaner, which sometimes contains ammonia. Gentle, nonabrasive products help keep the surface clean white reducing the risk of scratches to the glass-ceramic surface.

Step 3: APPLY COOKTOP CLEANER WITH A NONABRASIVE PAD

For deep cleaning, apply a small amount of cooktop-formulated cleaner to the surface. Work it in with a nonabrasive pad, following the label instructions on the product. If you don’t have a cleaner made specifically for cooktops, try using a baking soda and vinegar paste. And again, always check your product manual first, to be sure these cleaning methods are compatible with your appliance.

Step 4: WIPE AWAY RESIDUE & BUFF

Remove remaining cleaner and residue with a clean, dry cloth. Wipe the surface and dry it thoroughly. Using a dry, soft cloth, buff in circular motions to help avoid streaking and give the glass a uniform shine. A dry microfiber cloth often works great for this, as it helps bring out the finish and remove remaining residue.

Step 5: WIPE THE CONTROL AREA AND COOKTOP EDGES

Activate the control lock feature on your cooktop, if you have it, so you don’t accidentally engage any buttons while cleaning. Then, wipe the touch-control area gently with a soft cloth, slightly dampened with soap and water, to help remove fingerprints and smudges. If using a compatible spray cleaner, do not spray directly onto the control panel. Rather, spray it on your cloth or towel and then use it. Pay attention to the edges or trim where spills tend to collect, as food and liquid can settle into those gaps over time. Dry these areas thoroughly. Use nonabrasive cleaners and tools on the control area just as on the cooking surface. A gentle wipe-down helps keep the whole cooktop looking clean and working smoothly.

DEEP INDUCTION CLEANING FOR FIGHTING STUBBORN BURN MARKS AND RESIDUE

A regular clean handles many everyday messes, but sometimes residue sticks around. This deep cleaning section covers tips for how to clean a burnt induction cooktop when a quick wipe isn't enough. Read on for more information on how to help clean burnt-on food, pale film and other marks.

BURNT-ON FOOD AND BURN MARKS

Burn marks on an induction cooktop may come from boil-overs heated by the pan or residue carried on pan bases rather than the glass itself getting hot. For black glass or induction surfaces, let the cooktop cool first, then use a cooktop scraper at 45 degrees to gently lift away burnt-on residue. After cooling, mist the glass with a compatible cleaning solution or a vinegar-and-water spray or paste, allowing it to rest for 10-15 minutes so stains can soften. Avoid abrasive cleaners, bleach, rust removers, ammonia, steel wool pads and rough cloths or paper towels, since these can potentially scratch or harm the cooktop surface.

WHITE MARKS AND CLOUDY FILM

White marks on an induction hob can come from a few different sources. Mineral deposits from hard water leave white spots and cloudy film, while cookware bases can leave marks on the glass—often due to tiny bits of food or oil residue stuck to the surface—during cooking. Leftover cleaner film can also dry into a hazy residue if not buffed away completely.

For white spots and hard water stains, wait until your cooktop is cool, then use plain distilled white vinegar mixed with baking soda in a spray or a paste. Soak the area, let it sit, and then wipe it up, using a cooktop scraper to help, if necessary. Avoid abrasive cleaners, bleach, rust removers, ammonia, steel wool pads and rough cloths or paper towels, since these can harm the cooktop surface.

MARKS THAT REMAIN AFTER CLEANING

If a mark, such as a scratch or discoloration, remains after following the deep cleaning steps above, it may not be a removable residue. In that case, repeated scrubbing may not help. Again, avoid abrasive cleaners, bleach, rust removers, ammonia, steel wool pads and rough cloths or paper towels, since these can harm the cooktop surface. Consult your owner's manual for guidance on specific marks, or consider seeking service if the issue seems to go beyond surface residue.

INDUCTION COOKTOP CLEANING FAQS

Explore the following frequently asked questions when it comes to cleaning an induction cooktop.

If you're wondering, “can you use glass cleaner on a glass top stove?” it’s better to avoid it. Some glass cleaners contain ammonia, which should be avoided on your cooktop. Stick with cleaners OK’d by your user manual, such as those made for glass-ceramic cooktops. A damp microfiber cloth alone can handle many everyday smudges without any cleaner at all.

Always check your user manual, but yes, in general, vinegar is usually a suitable cleaner for an induction cooktop, especially for white spots and hard water stains. A baking soda and vinegar spray or paste is also often a good option for cleaning induction cooktops.

Only use a steam cleaner if your appliance owner's manual says it is okay to use. It’s always best to stick to guidance from your user guide if you’re unsure.

For spills that have seeped under the cooktop, consult the owner's manual or seek service before proceeding. Avoid pushing liquid further under the cooktop.

SHOP MAYTAG^® INDUCTION COOKTOPS

Maytag^® induction cooktops deliver power and precision with a smooth glass surface that's built to handle mealtime. Select models feature Temp Cook^™ Induction Technology, which automatically adjusts heat to help keep temps steady.