How To Clean A Ceramic Hob: Step-By-Step Guide
Ceramic hobs are popular for a number of reasons. They add a sleek style to your kitchen, making them an ideal fit for modern interiors. These hobs are also known to be easier to clean, especially compared to a more traditional stove. With fewer curves and the smooth surface at the top, you do not have as many areas to keep clean.
While a ceramic hob is easy to clean, you do need to be careful. Using the wrong products can result in potential damage. In this guide, you’ll learn the most effective way of cleaning your ceramic hob.
Materials needed to clean a ceramic hob
- Soft sponge
- 3 microfiber cloths or wipes
- A newspaper
- Warm water
- Mild cleaning liquid
- Vinegar and water
- Bicarbonate soda
- Spray bottle for applying the cleaning agents
- A soft brush to remove dirt
Products to avoid when cleaning a ceramic hob
You need to avoid harsh cleaning chemicals and equipment. They can damage the hob. Examples of such damaging products included abrasive sponges, brushes, scrub pads, clothes and cleaning agents. If you must clean stubborn stains on a ceramic hob, don’t use any of these (or other harsh) materials.
Use vinegar or bicarbonate soda as instructed in this guide. Just apply the material, let it soak for a while, and then wipe it clean. That’s how to clean a ceramic hob.
How To Clean A Ceramic Hob
One thing that you need to note is that a ceramic hob can scratch easily. If you fail to follow the appropriate cleaning instructions, there is a chance that you could damage the surface of the hob. If your hob has a touchpad, then certain products can also damage this part so make sure before you use anything, that it is suitable!
When cleaning a ceramic hob, you want to use soft cleaning products. This may include a sponge – use the soft side to help prevent scratches. Many people find that having a newspaper on hand is useful when they clean the ceramic hob.
There are a few options when it comes to using cleaning products on a ceramic hob. Some people find that some warm water does the trick. You can use a cleaning detergent with a sprayer. This makes the process of applying the liquid cleaner to the hob easier.
Alternatively, simply combine vinegar and water in a spray bottle. If this is your preferred method, make sure you have some bicarbonate of soda handy too.
Here are the steps that you should follow to give your ceramic hob a thorough cleaning:
1. Remove any debris on the surface
A good option here would be to use a kitchen cleaner. A spray bottle is generally preferred. This allows you to spray in specific areas.
2. Wipe off any debris on the stovetop
After applying the kitchen cleaner, use a cloth to wipe off debris that has collected on the stovetop. This includes grease that has accumulated.
3. Buff the ceramic stovetop
Once done, use another cloth to buff the ceramic stovetop. The surface should be dry after this step is completed.
4. Spray diluted vinegar water on the surface of the hob
Spray some of the diluted vinegar water on the ceramic surface of the hob. You should concentrate more on areas with marks. These areas should have more coverage with the vinegar water compared to other regions of the hob.
5. Add bicarbonate soda on the hob
Once the vinegar is applied, sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda over the hob. While sprinkling the powder, you should see some fizzing happen on the stove.
6. Use a newspaper to rub the surface
Wait a few minutes for the vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to work. Then take a newspaper and rub the surface. You may need to replace the newspaper a few times as it can get greasy easily.
7. Remove the bicarbonate of soda and vinegar from the stove
Use a cloth to remove the bicarbonate of soda and vinegar from the stove, along with the loosened debris.
8. Wipe the entire surface
The final step included one last wipe of the ceramic hob. Use a clean cloth for this part. Wipe the entire surface until it is dry.
Tip: If there are particles stuck on, feel free to use a plaster scraper, but BE CAREFUL not to scratch the surface. DO NOT USER A METAL SCRAPER!
How To Prevent Stains
There’s no doubt that stains on a ceramic hob look bad. It affects the modern and sleek design elements that the hob is supposed to bring to your kitchen décor.
The best strategy to prevent staining is to regularly clean the hob. Many people wait a few days before they clean their hob, even when they are using it on a daily basis. You want to avoid having debris sit on the surface for long. Unless you’ve had a cooking disaster simply a quite wipe after you’ve used it is all you’ll ever need. But I’m assuming as you’re reading this, like me, you’ve left it!
If you want to prevent stains, then you should be cleaning the surface of the hob every time you use it. There is no need to go through the entire thorough cleaning process every time. Simply use a damp cloth to wipe off the surface. Make sure you get any debris that was left by the food you just prepared. You should, however, wait for the plates to cool down completely before attempting to clean – wiping the surface while the plates are hot will cause the cloth and your hand to burn.
This frequent wiping is not all you can do. Make sure you do a more thorough cleaning at least two times a week if you use your ceramic hob daily. If you use it less frequently, then one thorough cleaning a week would probably do it.
Why is it important to clean a ceramic hob?
Cooking is messy and we all want our cooking area to be clean. So, it’s essential to clean your ceramic hob to keep it clean. It is even more essential to clean it regularly because stains become harder to remove if you allow them to settle.
Once that happens, you have to scrub hard to remove them, which could damage a ceramic hob’s surface. Ceramic hobs are delicate. So, regular cleaning and mild cleaning materials are crucial. They are arguably one of the most important tips you’ll find in any guide on how to clean a ceramic hob.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we have looked at the best way to clean your ceramic hob, there may still be a few questions on your mind. We look at a few frequently asked questions below.
Can You Use A Brillo Pad?
NO!
Brillo pads are commonly used to help clean out pots that have marks. These pads are made from steel wool and are abrasive. Thus, it is not advised to ever use a brillo pad to clean a ceramic hob. This is likely to leave marks on the glass surface. It could also damage certain parts of the hob.
How Often Should You Clean It?
There isn’t really a fixed amount. It depends on how often you use the hob. Give the hob a good wipe after it cools down when you use it. This will help to reduce the build-up of food and other spills.
Can You Repair Scratches?
Only surface scratches, which is why I recommend never to use any metal scraper, or a rough pad.
Ceramic stovetops can scratch. There are certain products on the market that aims to help remove the scratches. You can also try a paste that combines a bit of water and some baking soda. This combination is spread over the areas with scratches.
While ceramic hobs are useful and stylish, they scratch easily and need frequent cleaning. If you clean your hob after every use, then it is less time-consuming to keep it free of debris. Wiping the surface of the hob is usually enough. You should avoid any type of abrasive products when cleaning your ceramic hob.