Cooktops deal with a lot: splattered oil, boiled-over sauces, burnt-on food, fingerprints and the occasional cooking disaster. But when it comes time to clean them, not every cooktop should be treated the same way. Glass and induction cooktops need a different approach from stainless steel, while enamel stovetops and traditional solid hotplates have their own cleaning and maintenance requirements.
Using the right cleaning method and products for your cooktop can make removing everyday cooking mess easier while helping to maintain the surface over time.
In this blog, we help you Tackle Cooktop Grime: A Guide to Cleaning 4 Types of Cooktops.
Before You Start: Know Your Cooktop Surface
Before reaching for a cleaner, identify the surface you are cleaning and check the appliance manufacturer’s care instructions.
Common cooktop surfaces include:
- Glass, ceramic glass and induction cooktops
- Stainless steel cooktops
- Enamel cooktops
- Solid cast iron hotplates
Gas cooktops can have either a stainless steel or enamel surface beneath the burners, so the best cleaning method depends on the material rather than simply whether the cooktop is gas or electric.
Handy Hint: Always make sure the cooktop is cool enough to clean safely and check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some coated, printed or specialty surfaces may have specific cleaning requirements.
How to Clean Glass, Ceramic and Induction Cooktops
Smooth glass cooktops are relatively easy to wipe over after everyday cooking, but spills can quickly become baked onto the surface if they are repeatedly heated.
Where possible, deal with spills promptly rather than allowing layers of food and grease to build up. For baked-on spills, carefully remove the residue while the cooktop is still warm using a damp cloth or sponge. If required, a cooktop scraper can be used gently on ceramic glass surfaces, if recommended by the appliance manufacturer.
Once the cooktop is cool, apply Magic Cooktop Cleaner & Protector to soiled areas and work it over the surface using the built-in sponge applicator. Remove the residue with a damp cloth, then polish the surface while it is still slightly damp. Its non-scratch formula removes food, oil, watermarks and stains while polishing the surface and leaving a protective film that helps make future cleaning easier.
Avoid: Abrasive scourers and unsuitable cleaners that could scratch or damage the glass surface.
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Cooktop
Stainless steel is durable and stylish, but fingerprints, grease, water spots and cooking splatters can quickly leave the surface looking dull or streaky.
Once the cooktop is cool, wipe away loose food and spills before cleaning.
For everyday marks, use Magic Stainless Steel Wipes or apply a small amount of Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner & Protector to a clean, dry cloth or paper towel rather than directly onto the cooktop. Wipe in the direction of the stainless steel grain, then remove any excess with a clean paper towel. The non-abrasive formula removes everyday grime, fingerprints, water spots and smears while leaving a protective coating that helps repel new marks.
What About Burnt-On Mess?
Everyday stainless steel cleaners aren’t necessarily designed to tackle layers of burnt-on food and grease.
For heavier cooking mess on suitable stainless steel stovetops, Magic Oven & Rangehood Cleaner can help break down stubborn grease and baked-on food residue. Follow the product directions and allow the cleaner time to work on the build-up before wiping the surface clean. For particularly stubborn mess, repeat the process rather than reaching for a harsh abrasive scourer that could scratch the stainless steel.
Always take care around burner openings, ignition components, controls and electrical parts.
How to Clean an Enamel Cooktop
Enamel cooktops are common on traditional freestanding stoves and gas cooktops. Although enamel is a hard-wearing surface, cooking spills, grease and burnt-on food can build up around burners and hotplates over time.
Once the cooktop is cool, remove any loose food and debris.
For grease and burnt-on cooking mess, use Magic Oven & Rangehood Cleaner to help break down stubborn build-up. Follow the product directions, wipe the surface clean and repeat if necessary for heavier deposits. Pay particular attention to the areas around burners and hotplates, where spills can become baked onto the surface with repeated heating.
Avoid harsh abrasive scourers that may scratch or dull the enamel finish, and always check your appliance manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before use.
How to Clean a Gas Cooktop
Gas cooktops have a few more components to think about than a flat glass cooktop.
Before cleaning, make sure all burners are switched off and the cooktop is cool. Remove the trivets and removable burner components according to your appliance manufacturer’s instructions.
Then clean the main cooktop according to its surface:
- Stainless steel: Use Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner & Protector for everyday fingerprints, smears and grime. For heavier burnt-on cooking mess, use Magic Oven & Rangehood Cleaner where suitable.
- Enamel: Use Magic Oven & Rangehood Cleaner to help remove grease and burnt-on cooking residue.
Removable trivets and burner components should be cleaned according to the appliance manufacturer’s instructions, as materials and finishes can vary between appliances. Take particular care when cleaning around gas outlets, ignition components and controls, and avoid cleaning products from entering these areas.
How to Clean and Restore Solid Cast Iron Hotplates
Traditional solid cast iron hotplates need a different approach from glass, stainless steel and enamel surfaces. Cast iron can be susceptible to rust, so the aim isn’t simply to clean the hotplate, it is also important to maintain and protect the metal.
Start by removing food, burnt-on material and any existing rust. When the hotplates are cold, wipe them with a damp cloth and allow them to dry thoroughly. Then apply a small amount of Magic Hotplate Restorer using the built-in sponge applicator and rub it into the hotplate.
Turn the hotplate to medium heat for approximately five minutes. Some smoke will appear as the product cures. Turn the hotplate off and, while it is still warm, use a clean cloth to rub in the restorer and remove any excess. Regular treatment helps protect cast iron hotplates against rust, flaking and pitting while restoring their appearance.
Important: Don’t use acidic cooktop cleaners on solid cast iron hotplates, as they may encourage rust over time. (Read What is pH mean in cleaning products blog) Use a product specifically designed for restoring and protecting cast iron hotplates.
How to Clean the Metal Rims of the Hotplates
Older electric stovetops often have metal rims surrounding the solid hotplates. Over time, these can become dull, stained, tarnished or develop surface rust.
Magic All Metal Polish can be used on suitable metal hotplate rims to remove tarnish, oxidation and surface rust and help restore shine. Apply a small amount to a clean, dry surface with a soft cloth and rub gently. Buff the surface with a clean cloth to finish. Don’t apply metal polish to the cast iron cooking surface itself; use Magic Hotplate Restorer for the hotplates.
Don’t Forget the Rangehood
If your cooktop needs a good clean, there’s a good chance the rangehood above it does too. Airborne grease from cooking can gradually build up on the rangehood and filters, creating a sticky surface that attracts dust and grime.
Magic Oven & Rangehood Cleaner is designed to cut through grease and baked-on cooking spills and can be used on suitable rangehood surfaces and filters. Regularly cleaning the rangehood and filters helps prevent layers of old grease from becoming increasingly difficult to remove.
Always follow the rangehood manufacturer’s instructions for removing and cleaning filters, and avoid spraying cleaner into vents, fans, lights or electrical components.
A Little Regular Cleaning Makes a Big Difference
Whatever type of cooktop you have, cleaning spills regularly is much easier than tackling layers of burnt-on grease and food later. Wipe up fresh spills when it is safe to do so, give the cooktop a more thorough clean regularly and choose products suited to the particular surface.
Most importantly, don’t assume that the same cleaning method is right for every cooktop. Glass, stainless steel, enamel and cast iron are very different surfaces. Matching the cleaning product and technique to the surface can make the job easier and help keep your cooktop looking its best for longer.