How to Clean an Induction Cooktop in 5 Easy Steps
Induction cooktops can not only enhance your cooking techniques, but they can also elevate your kitchen style with smooth, sleek designs. When the surface gets messy, you can quickly and effectively clean it with the right tools and tips.
Keep your ceramic glass cooktop looking brand new and learn how to polish it without leaving scratches or stains with this guide.
Cleaning induction cooktop or range instructions
Once you’re done cooking and loading up the dishwasher, likely the only thing standing between you and a clean kitchen is your ceramic glass cooktop. Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to direct heat to compatible cookware, so the cooktop surface cools off quickly and is easy to clean.
In fact, if spillage occurs with your homemade Bolognese sauce, the induction cooktop surface minimizes the chances of burnt-on or charred messes. However, hard water stains and white marks may still occur. No matter the mess, the step-by-step instructions below can help you get your induction cooktop clean.
If you have an oven, check out these tips for cleaning a self-cleaning oven for an effortless cleanup.
SUPPLIES
- Cooktop cleaning solution, such as affresh® Cooktop Cleaner1
- Or, baking soda and vinegar
1affresh® brand products and recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation
TOOLS
A cooktop scraper
Cooktop scrubbing pad
Cooktop cleaning wipes, soft cloth, sponge or nonabrasive pad
Oven mitt
For a more thorough approach, affresh® Cooktop Cleaner and cooktop cleaning kits include everything you need for tending to your induction cooktop surface. KitchenAid brand also offers stovetop scraping tools designed to help remove residue without scratching.
For best results, is it recommended to always clean your ceramic glass cooktop shortly after using it and after it has cooled down. This process takes roughly two to five minutes with a cleaning solution and a damp cloth. However, sometimes a deeper cleaning is necessary. With a cleaning kit, scraper and nonabrasive pad, your induction cooktop can be cleaned and ready for your next meal in under 30 minutes.
To avoid damage to your cooktop, remember to refer to your owner’s manual and follow the directions on all cleaning products before using them.
1: Scrape the cooktop surface
For burnt-on grease or residue, wait for the cooktop to cool down so it is warm, but not hot to the touch. Then, hold the scraper as flat as possible to loosen any residue without scratching the glass. Repeat the process as needed.
Note: Though induction cooktops do not radiate their own heat through the surface, hot cookware on top can still transfer heat. It’s still best to let it cool after you have removed the cookware and turned off the cooktop.
2: Spray the cooktop surface
Once your cooktop is completely cool to the touch, spray the surface with a cleaning solution or diluted vinegar mix. Let the solution rest for 10 to 15 minutes, and wipe the surface with a soft cloth or cleaning pad.
3: Apply affresh®glass and ceramic cleaner
Apply a dime-sized drop of affresh® Cooktop Cleaner to any stubborn messes. Using a nonabrasive scrubbing pad, rub the affected areas until the residue is loosened. Let the cleaning solution settle to a hazy white film before moving to the next step.
4: Polish the surface
Using a dry cloth, gently wipe and polish the cooktop surface. Continue rubbing until the white film disappears.
5: Repeat the cleaning process If needed
After scraping, cleaning and polishing, sometimes stubborn messes still remain. If this is the case, simply repeat steps one through four until your cooktop surface is clean.
Step 1: Scrape the cooktop surface.
Step 2: Spray the cooktop surface with a diluted vinegar solution or cleaner, then wipe away.
Step 3: Treat the surface with affresh®Cooktop Cleaner.
Step 4: Polish the cooktop.
Daily Maintenance Tips for Induction Hobs
For light or moderate messes, wait until the cooktop has cooled down and clean the surface with a damp sponge and cleaner.
- For heavy soil or stubborn residue, use a nonabrasive cleanser and scraper to get rid of the mess.
- To prevent scratches, avoid using abrasive cleaning agents, steel wool, hard water and hard scrubbing tools on your cooktop surface, as they can damage your cooktop.
What can you Use to Clean an Induction Cooktop
Soap, water, a soft cloth or sponge and affresh® Cooktop Cleaners are all safe to use on your induction cooktop. In some cases, you could also apply a baking soda and vinegar mixture to burnt-on residues before using a cooktop scraper to gently lift them away.
When understanding what to use to clean an induction cooktop, it’s important to always refer to your owner’s manual and the product’s instructions.
What NOT to Use to Clean an Induction Cooktop
To help prevent damage to your induction cooktop, avoid using the following products in your cleanup routine:
Steel wool
- Ferrous scrubbing brushes (brushes with steel bristles)
- Abrasive powder cleansers
Chlorine bleach
Rust removers
Ammonia
For best results, always refer to your owner’s manual and the instructions on your cleaning products before using them.
How to remove white hard water stains from an induction cooktop
Remove white hard water stains from your cooktop using vinegar. First, moisten a dry cloth with white vinegar and apply it to the stains. Let the vinegar settle for a few minutes, then rub the stains away. Lastly, rinse with a new clean cloth and cooktop cleaning solution or distilled water.
Shop KITCHENAID®induction cooktops and ranges
KitchenAid® induction cooktops are versatile with responsive heating to help elevate your cooking techniques. The smooth ceramic glass surface also allows for quick cooling and effortless cleanup after you are done cooking.
