You need to know more than how to clean a glass stove to avoid this problem. But, the good news is there are changes you can make to prevent scratches and marks from occurring in the future. Here, we take you through the tips and tricks to follow to keep your glass stove looking as good as new.
1. Don’t scrape your pans across the surface
First of all, don’t drag your pans across the glass surface as you cook — always lift them away. Most of us are guilty of forgetting this cardinal rule when we shake and mix our ingredients — that’s what causes zig-zag scratches on your burners, and it’s why most of them are pointed in the same direction. Even if you’re using a lightweight pan, the base can scratch and pit the surface as it drags, so don’t do it. Make sure you’re gently lowering your pans onto the stove as well; smashing them down can scuff or even crack the glass.
2. Choose the right cookware
Following on from using your cookware correctly, make sure you’re choosing the best cookware for your stove. This refers to the material of the base of the pan, which ideally you want to be stainless steel. Stainless steel is best used on glass stove tops because of its smooth surface, plus it has enough weight to keep it stable during cooking. This is not to say you will be free from stove top scratches should you switch to stainless steel, but it will generally be kinder to the surface in use.
3. Clean the bottom of your pans
When we clean our pans, we often don’t give as much attention to the bottom as we should. Firstly, because the stains on the underside tend to be baked on and very difficult to clean. Secondly, because we figure our food’s not touching it, so does it really matter? Actually it does. If your pan has stains and residue baked onto its base, it will be much easier for it to scratch and damage the glass surface of the stove. In extreme circumstances, it will also prevent your pan from distributing the heat evenly as it cooks, not to mention it can cause unpleasant smells as it heats. To clean the base of a pan, simply mix a paste of baking soda with water and apply across the surface. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then scrub it away using a non-abrasive sponge or an old toothbrush. See our guide on how to clean a burnt pot if the rest of your pan has seen better days.
4. Clean the stove top regularly
Get into the habit of cleaning your stove top after each use once it’s cooled down. Wiping down the surface quickly will remove any spills or crumbs which could potentially bake-on or catch under your pans to cause more scratches. Remember to deep-clean your stove top when necessary as well. You should do this once a month for general guidance, but if you notice burn marks appearing around the elements, that means it’s time for a clean. Keeping your stove top in a clean condition will help it last longer, but be sure to only clean it once it’s cooled down.
5. Invest in a cover
6. Be careful with cast iron
Cast iron deserves a special mention because while it is an amazing material for cooking, it is extremely heavy and can do some serious damage to glass stove tops. Take extreme care whenever placing your cast iron cookware on the surface and be sure not to drag it over the glass — the weight will increase the chances of deep scratches. Looking for a new addition to your cookware? Check out our best cast iron skillets.
What to do if your glass stove is scratched?
Your glass stove top should still function properly with light everyday scratches, although if it’s chipped or cracked you should stop using it and replace it. If you want to lessen the appearance of the scratches, try cleaning the surface thoroughly as recommended by the manufacturer, or follow our guidance on how to clean a glass stove if none is given. A lot of marks actually turn out to be burnt residue, and a scraper tool can make a huge difference. For more cooking tips, tricks, and how-tos, check out our guides on the best electric ranges, how to clean cast iron stove grates and 15 things you should never put in a washing machine.
