If you've recently renovated your kitchen, you might have updated your gas or electric stove to an induction cooktop. Induction cooking has been routine in Europe for several decades but is just starting to pick up in popularity on this side of the pond due to its energy efficiency, superior temperature control, and easy cleanup.
An induction cooktop is comprised of a flat glass panel that covers coiled copper wires underneath that conduct electromagnetic energy to heat your compatible pots and pans directly. No heat is generated on the surface of the cooktop—just on pots and pans made from cast iron, enameled iron, many types of stainless steel, or any cookware that has a magnetic bottom layer.
Because the actual surface of the glass doesn't get hot, there's less of a chance of spills burning onto the glass. Still, while providing an easier cleanup than a gas or electric cooktop, it helps to know the right way to clean an induction model. Ahead, we spoke with experts to learn how to clean an induction cooktop to keep it in good working order.
- Mary Gagliardi (aka "Dr. Laundry"), Clorox's in-house scientist and cleaning expert
- Amanda Herman, brand manager for Affresh Appliance Care
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How Often to Clean an Induction Cooktop
Routine cleaning is paramount to keeping your cooktop looking like new, so experts recommend cleaning it after every use (and make sure to consult your cooktop's Use and Care Guide or Manufacturer's Guide before the first cleaning). "The best way to keep a cooktop clean is to wipe it down after every use (once it’s cooled down/not hot to touch)," says Amanda Herman, brand manager for Affresh Appliance Care. "Use a wet soft towel after cooking to maintain your cooktop’s shiny appearance."
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Materials to Avoid When Cleaning an Induction Cooktop
It's important to note that there are certain materials you should not use on an induction cooktop to avoid damaging the surface. Everything from highly abrasive cleaning tools to products with bleach or ammonia should be avoided. "Avoid using anything that can scratch the surface, like abrasive scouring powders, heavy-duty scrubber sponges (some manufacturers recommend against even light-duty scrubber sponges, so check the use and care guide!), steel wool, and products formulated with ammonia or bleach, and rust remover products," says Mary Gagliardi (aka "Dr. Laundry"), Clorox's in-house scientist and cleaning expert.
Your cooktop might be made of glass, but don't use glass cleaner. "While it may seem logical to use glass cleaner on your induction cooktop, these cleaners contain ammonia," says Herman. "Ammonia can leave streaks and stains (sometimes permanent!) on your glass cooktop."
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather the necessary materials to clean your induction cooktop properly.
- Cooktop scraping tool
- Nonabrasive scrubbing pad
- Dry cloth towel or microfiber cloth
- Safe cooktop cleaning solution, mild dish soap and water, or baking soda and vinegar
How to Clean an Induction Cooktop
Cleaning an induction cooktop is pretty straightforward. Let it cool completely before attempting to clean—even though the cooktop itself doesn't radiate heat, heat from your pots and pans can still transfer. Avoid abrasive materials and consult your care guide before you clean it.
"Make sure your cooktop is cool before cleaning, but don’t wait too long as some stains, especially sugary ones, are harder to remove the longer they sit," says Herman.
- Scrape the surface of the cooktop using your scraping tool to pull up any stuck-on bits, grease, or residue. Hold the scraper at a flat angle to avoid scratching the glass. Repeat as often as you need.
- Spray your cleaning solution onto the surface of your cooktop. Using a nonabrasive scrubbing pad, gently work the cleaning solution into the glass, being mindful of any areas that need more attention. For heavily soiled areas, let the cleaner sit for a few moments before scrubbing it.
- Wipe the surface dry with a dry cloth towel or microfiber cloth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cleaners for cleaning an induction cooktop?
Besides warm water and gentle dish soap, you can also use a vinegar and baking soda solution, or purchase a specialized induction cooktop cleaner like affresh Cooktop Cleaner, Weiman Glass & Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner, or Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner. All of these cleaners are safe for glass and ceramic cooktop surfaces.
How do you get burn marks off an induction cooktop?
If you do happen to have burn marks on your cooktop, whether from waiting too long to clean up a spill or something sugary, use your scraper at the flattest angle you can get it to gently remove sticky residues, then apply white vinegar to the surface, followed by a sprinkle of baking soda. Let this combination sit for a minute or two while the vinegar and baking soda react to fizz and help dissolve the stain. When the fizzing has ceased, wipe clean and repeat as necessary to remove the stain.
Can you use glass cleaner like Windex on an induction cooktop?
Using Windex or any other specific glass cleaner is a no-no. Most glass cleaners contain ammonia, which is a particularly strong cleaning chemical that can damage the delicate surface of your cooktop. You can also inadvertently void your manufacturer's warranty if you cause damage to your cooktop by using an ammonia-based cleaner (or sometimes any cleaner that's not recommended by the manufacturer, which is why it's important to read your care guide first).
