I still remember the first time I tried to cook pasta sauce on my brand-new glass top range—one bubble-over later, I learned the hard way that cleaning a cooktop stove isn’t as simple as grabbing a sponge. Ceramic and glass cooktops look sleek and modern, but they can be tricky when spills dry and burn. Over the years, I’ve figured out exactly how to clean a ceramic cooktop without scratching it, and which glass top stove top cleaner actually works. In this guide, I’ll share my go-to methods, the best cleaner for glass top ranges, and the tricks that keep my stove looking shiny. Stick around—you’ll save yourself frustration and keep your cooktop spotless.
What Makes Ceramic & Glass Cooktops Tricky?
Ceramic and glass cooktops look modern and shiny. That’s why so many people love them. I did too—until I spilled soup and burned it on. That’s when I found out: ceramic and glass cooktops are smooth and flat, but they scratch and stain if you clean them the wrong way.
Many people ask—what’s the difference between ceramic and glass? Not much. A ceramic cooktop is made of strong glass. A glass cooktop is really the same thing. A glass top range is just a stove with this smooth cooktop on top. So if you’re cleaning a cooktop stove that is ceramic or glass, you’re in the right spot.
The real problem comes after cooking. Burnt food sticks like glue. Sugar spills? They dry fast and get hard. I once used the rough side of a sponge to clean it—and I scratched the surface. That mark is still there. Never use rough scrubbers or harsh cleaners on ceramic or glass cooktops—they can leave damage that won’t go away.
Everyday Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning
Not all messes need a big cleanup. Some just need a quick wipe. After cooking, I always check my glass top range for any spills or crumbs. If I see anything, I grab a soft cloth, spray a bit of mild cleaner, and wipe it down. That’s it. For everyday messes, a quick wipe with a soft cloth and gentle cleaner is the best way to clean a ceramic cooktop.
But sometimes, things get sticky. Grease builds up. Food burns and hardens. That’s when a quick wipe just won’t do. You need to go deeper. Deep cleaning a ceramic or glass stove top means removing burnt-on stains, grease, and spills using safe tools and products. I do this once a week or after a big cooking day.
It’s all about knowing which mess needs what kind of care. Treat your cooktop gently each day, and you won’t need deep cleaning as often. But when you do, don’t worry—I’ll show you how to handle it without scratching the surface.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Ceramic Cooktop
You don’t need fancy tools or harsh chemicals to keep your ceramic cooktop spotless. What you do need is a little care, the right routine, and a few things you probably already have at home. Let’s start with the easy stuff first.
Quick Daily Cleaning (5-Minute Routine)
Right after cooking, I let the cooktop cool down completely. It’s tempting to clean while it’s still warm, but trust me, it’s not safe—and the cleaner can leave marks. Always wait until your ceramic or glass cooktop is cool before wiping it.
Once cool, I spray a bit of gentle cleaner on the surface. Then I wipe it down using a soft microfiber cloth. That’s all it takes to lift away light grease and crumbs. If I’m in a rush, I’ll even skip the spray and just use a damp cloth. To finish, I dry it with a paper towel. Daily cleaning is simple: spray, wipe, and dry to keep your glass top range looking fresh.
This 5-minute habit saves me so much time later. And it keeps my cooktop shiny without any effort.
Deep Cleaning Burnt-On Stains
Of course, not every mess is that easy. When I forget a spill—or cook something messy like stew or sauce—I need to go deeper. That’s when I pull out my cleaning kit.
Here’s what I use for deep cleaning a ceramic stove top:
- A razor scraper (with a safety cover)
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- A soft sponge (non-scratch)
- A clean cloth for drying
To clean burnt-on food from a ceramic cooktop: I sprinkle baking soda over the spot. Then I spray white vinegar on top and let it fizz for a few minutes. This helps loosen the stain. Next, I gently scrape the spot using a razor held flat. After that, I wipe the area with a damp sponge, and then polish it with a dry cloth.
To remove burnt stains from a glass cooktop, use baking soda and vinegar, then gently scrape with a flat razor.
Once, I spilled black coffee that dried like glue. I tried my usual cloth and spray—it didn’t move. But the baking soda and scraper combo worked like magic. No scratch, no stain, just clean glass.
How to Clean a Stove Top That is Ceramic (When Really Messy)
Some messes are just plain tough. Thick, sticky spills—like burnt sugar—can feel impossible to clean. I’ve had syrup boil over and turn to stone. At first, I panicked. But now I know what works.
The best way to clean a stove top that is ceramic and messy is to use a baking soda paste with a plastic scraper to lift thick or sticky spills. It’s easy, safe, and it works like a charm.
Here’s what I do. I mix baking soda and water to make a paste. Then I spread it on the messy spot and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. After that, I gently scrape it with a plastic scraper. I wipe it clean with a soft sponge and dry it with a cloth. That’s it!
Sugary spills are the worst. If left too long, they can actually damage the surface. So I always try to clean them while they’re still warm—but never while the stove is hot. Waiting just a few minutes makes all the difference.
Best Cleaner for Glass Top Range (Product Recommendations)
Over the years, I’ve tested more cleaners than I can count. Some smelled strong but didn’t do much. Others worked great, but scratched the glass cooktop the surface. So I stuck with what works—both store-bought and homemade.
The best cleaner for a glass top range is one that removes stains without scratching, like Weiman or Cerama Bryte.
For daily use, I love Weiman Glass Cook Top Cleaner. It’s soft, safe, and makes the surface shine like new. On deep-clean days, Cerama Bryte is my go-to. It cuts through grease and leaves no haze. Both are made in the USA and trusted by many appliance brands.
But you don’t always need to buy something. A mix of baking soda and white vinegar also works great as a natural glass stove top cleaner. For light spots, I spray vinegar and wipe with a microfiber cloth. For tougher messes, I sprinkle baking soda first, then spray vinegar and let it fizz. It’s cheap, safe, and eco-friendly.
Tips to Keep Your Cooktop Looking New
A clean stove feels like a clean kitchen. But keeping it that way takes more than just knowing how to clean a ceramic cooktop. It’s the little habits that make the biggest difference.
To keep your ceramic or glass cooktop looking new, clean up spills right away and avoid using rough cookware.
First, wipe spills as soon as the surface cools. Don’t let them dry or bake on. I always keep a soft microfiber cloth right next to my stove for this. One quick swipe, and I’m done.
Second, be kind to the surface. Avoid cast iron pans unless they have smooth bottoms. And never drag pots across the top. Even the smallest scratch can dull the shine.
I also use cookware with smooth, flat bottoms. It heats better and keeps the cooktop safe. If a pan has rough edges or wobbles, I don’t use it on my glass top range.
Here’s my favorite kitchen hack: I cut a small square of felt and place it under heavy pots while they sit on the cool stove—not during cooking, of course! It prevents scuffs when I move them around for cleaning or plating.
FAQs
Can I use Windex on my glass cooktop?
Windex is not recommended for glass cooktops because it can leave streaks or damage the surface over time. Stick to cleaners made for stove tops or use natural options like vinegar and baking soda. I only use Windex for glass windows—never on my stove.
How do you remove tough burnt-on food?
To remove tough burnt-on food, sprinkle baking soda, spray vinegar, and let it sit before gently scraping. I use a plastic or razor scraper held flat and always wipe with a soft cloth afterward. It works every time without harming the surface.
What should you never use on a ceramic cooktop?
Never use steel wool, abrasive pads, or harsh chemicals on a ceramic cooktop. These can scratch or dull the surface. I once made that mistake with a scrub pad—and regretted it instantly. Always go with non-scratch sponges and gentle cleaners.
Is baking soda safe for ceramic stove tops?
Yes, baking soda is safe and very effective for cleaning ceramic stove tops. It lifts grease and stains without scratching. I use it weekly, especially for deep cleaning. Just make sure to rinse and wipe dry so no residue is left behind.
Conclusion
Keeping your ceramic cooktop clean doesn’t have to be hard. Once you know the right steps—and what to avoid—it becomes quick, easy, and even a little satisfying. You don’t need fancy tools or harsh products. Just gentle care and a bit of routine make all the difference.
For me, cleaning my glass top range has become part of my cooking rhythm. It’s the final step after a good meal—wipe, polish, done. No stress, no stains.