How to Clean Stubborn Stains on a Glass Stove Top

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It takes a little elbow grease and the right tools, but you can clean your stove top to make it fresh and clean again.
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Are stubborn stains making your glass stove top look dirty and outdated? Discoloration often comes from scorch marks or burnt-on food. It takes a little elbow grease and the right tools, but you can clean your glass stove top to make it fresh and clean again.

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Wipe the Stove Top

The best way to clean a glass-top stove is to start by wiping it down. Wait until the stove top is completely cool before cleaning to prevent burns. Using cleaners on a hot surface can damage the finish on your stove top.

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Wiping removes any loose debris, such as crumbs or burnt-on food. It also helps get rid of grease that might interfere with your glass cooktop cleaner. The moisture from a soft, damp cloth can also help soften some of the cooked-on debris to make it easier to remove.

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Rub With Silicone

Did you crank up the heat a little too high on your glass stove top burners? The silicone spatulas you use to mix up ingredients can help remove the leftover black marks. Rub the spatula over the marks in circular motions while the cooktop is completely cool to help fade the marks. Then, proceed with additional cleaning methods to remove the rest of the stains.

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Use Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are safe household items that help soften and remove stains from glass stove top surfaces. Using chemical cleaners can cause the chemical residue to burn off the next time you use the burner. Baking soda and vinegar help you avoid that issue.

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Spritz distilled vinegar over the stove top surface and then cover the surface with baking soda. Dampen a large towel in warm water, wring out the extra water and lay it over the stove top. Wait at least 15 minutes.

Wipe off the residue with a clean, soft cloth. Rinse the cloth and continue wiping until all residue is gone. You may need to spray the surface with more vinegar to remove everything. Repeat this stain cleaning treatment if some cooked-on food remains.

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Scrape With a Razor Blade

A razor blade fitted into a holder is an effective scraper for burnt-on food that doesn't come off with cleaning products. Use the razor blade carefully to avoid damage to the stove or cuts to yourself. Using the corners of the razor blade to dig into the stains can cause major scratches on the glass surface.

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Soften the food stains with a little vinegar before you start scraping. Hold the razor blade firmly at a slight angle and scrape at the stained areas. Wipe away the debris as it comes loose. Continue wiping and scraping until everything is gone.

Use a Glass Cooktop Cleaner

Once you remove all of the cooked-on gunk, go over the glass stove top surface with cleaner. You can use a commercial glass cooktop cleaner or simply use vinegar. Use a soft microfiber cloth to wash away all remnants of food and cleaner to leave your stove top shiny.

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Avoid Harsh Cleaners

It's tempting to go tough on stove top stains, but many tools and cleaners are potentially damaging to your cooktop. Avoid any abrasive cleaning tools, such as hard-bristled brushes, steel wool or the scratchy side of your sponge. They can leave little scratches on the surface.

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Skip the glass cleaner on your stove's surface. The harsh ammonia can damage the glass surface. Stick to cleaners designed for glass stove tops or distilled vinegar and baking soda, which are safe for the glass surface. Always rinse your stove top well even when you use safe cleaners so the residue doesn't burn the next time you use your stove.

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