How To Clean Induction Cookware/Cooktops

Induction stovetops provide you with a clean looking surface for making dinner.

However, it does not contain all of the nooks and crannies that gas or electric stovetops have.

They look fairly easy to clean and maintain. However, just because they look fairly easy to clean doesn’t mean that they are.

Because of the glass surface, induction cooktops are a bit harder to take care of; however, it’s not impossible to do so.

With a little bit of knowledge, you can keep your induction cooktop looking as good as new.

So how exactly do you clean induction cookware/cooktops?

Cleaning an induction cooktop is easier than it looks. Basically, you would clean any other cooktop except you need to use detergents designed especially for induction cooktops, and you also need to use non-abrasive sponges and cleaning materials.

Some types of spills, such as sugary or sticky messes need to be wiped immediately. Ultimately, it’s quite easy to clean the induction cooktop if you just maintain it regularly.

There are quite a few ways to keep your induction cooktop looking top-notch throughout the years. Let’s take a closer look at a step-by-step guide to clean your induction cooktop.

Step By Step Guide To Cleaning Your Induction Cooktop

Cleaning Of Induction Cooktops

Induction cooktops have glass-ceramic surfaces which suffer from scratches and abrasion apart from spills.

Over time if you leave it because of a lack of knowing how to clean it properly, your induction’s surface will not work appropriately due to deposited stains over it.

The heat production and magnetic field can get hampered by stains that lodge themselves on the surface, ultimately damaging the top.

Now there are many techniques that you can use to clean your induction cooktop effectively, and a clean induction will give you many years of great use.

Here are a few points to remember before cleaning your induction cooktop:

The first point is to ensure that you switch off the induction before you begin cleaning.

It seems harmless, giving you a false sense of security; however, it needs to be switched off prior to cleaning. This will save you from encountering burns, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Let the induction cool down before beginning the cleaning process. Don’t use any harsh chemicals on the hot plate as the fumes can be dangerous to your health.

Always wipe the bottom of the cookware before placing it on an induction stovetop. Don’t overfill your pots and pans to avoid spilling.

Things you should never use on inductions:

• Abrasive cloth
• Steel wool
• Harsh scrubs
• Flammable materials 
• Knives or sharp tools
• Chlorine-based bleaching agents such as those containing ammonia as these can permanently stain the cooktop.

Daily Cleaning Method

It’s best to use a soft cloth or soft sponge due to the glass surface of the induction cooktop.

Wait for the induction to cool down before wiping up any residue completely. Thereafter use a damp cloth or soft sponge to wipe off any residue.

This prevents dirt from staining on the glass surface and makes cleaning easier.

When you own an induction cooktop, it’s best to invest in a cooktop cleaner cream that is specialized for cleaning the glass cooktop.

Use a damp paper towel or damp cleaning pad to wipe the cream onto the surface and clean gently. A soft dry cloth should be used to wipe off the excess moisture.

It’s always a good idea to clean up regularly after use to ensure that your induction cooktop remains spotless at all times.

This will also prevent you from doing extensive cleaning after a long time.

How To Clean Up Very Dirty Inductions

For extremely dirty inductions or ones that have not been cleaned over a long period of time, wipe with a damp cloth.

Then scrape out the crust with a scraper gently at 45° angles. Please note that the scrapers should be designed for glass and ceramic. Don’t put too much pressure using the scraper.

Why Should Vinegar Be Used For Smudges And Hard Water Stains?

Mix white vinegar and water and rub over the area. Wipe a damp paper towel over it and then follow with a soft dry cloth to remove the excess residue.

Follow this cleaning process by using the specialized cooktop cleaning cream with the help of a damp cleaning pad that you wipe over the affected area.

Wait for a little while, and then use a dry cloth to remove the excess cream. A toothbrush can also be used to wipe the cream onto the surface of the glass.

On other parts of the induction cooktop, which are not made of glass such as the stainless steel parts, use warm soapy water and a toothbrush or soft cloth to clean.

In order to prevent corrosion and scratching, the cleaner should be nonabrasive and also ammonia-free.

Cleaning With Toothpaste

A very handy home remedy for cleaning is to use toothpaste on induction cooktops. Take a good amount of toothpaste spread it with your fingers to a larger area using round strokes.

Add a few drops of water with the help of the damp cleaning pad or sponge and then rub across the induction both in the stainless steel and glass areas.

Rub until the stains go away. After that, use a dry cloth to wipe up the toothpaste residue.

The Baking Soda Method

It’s straightforward to use vinegar and warm soapy water, however, when you combine a little bit of baking soda to the mixture, you make a powerful cleaning solution that is still gentle enough on your glass cooktop.

So leave the warm soapy water on for at least half an hour and then sprinkle a good amount of baking soda all over the induction’s surface.

Thereafter squeeze the rag in such a way that it’s wet but not dripping. Place the rag over the induction on top of the baking soda and let it sit for approximately 15 minutes.

If your cooktop is extremely dirty, then allow the cloth to sit overnight for 20 to 30 minutes. After that, rub over the induction on all sides with the damp cloth and remove access residue.

Baking Soda And Vinegar Cleaning Method

This is another easy cleaning solution that can be used to give your glass cooktop a brand-new look.

Mix equal parts of vinegar and water and spray or rub on over the induction glass cooktop and leave it to sit.

After a couple of minutes, wipe down and sprinkle a generous amount of baking powder all over the cooktop.

Let the baking powder sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Then wipe out the excess moisture with a cleaning cloth or sponge and then use a dry cloth to wipe out the excess residue.

Cleaning Burnt Residues

Remove the burnt residue with the plastic scraper. The induction should cool down, or it might burn the plastic scraper.

Use a cleansing cream with a scrubbing pad to wipe away the residue. If the burnt-on residue remains, use a plastic scraper specifically designed for glass.

Hold it at a 45° angle and gently scrape away the burnt residue. Then use vinegar and baking soda also to remove burnt deposits. A plastic scraper should be used on top of the mixture.

How To Clean Melted Sugar And Melted Plastic Off Your Cooktop

When you have a high sugar food spillage, it should be treated immediately.

Melted plastic as well can permanently damage your glass surface if you don’t attend to it immediately.

Remove the sugar spill or melted plastic while the induction is hot or with the help of oven mitts.

If you switch off the induction cooktop, wear oven mitts and remove the melted spill with the help of a razor blade scraper held at a 45° angle.

Allow the induction to cool down and then clean with your specialized cooktop cleaning cream and a soft cleaning pad.

To prevent further marks and scratches, remember to lift the utensils instead of sliding them across the glass.

Uncoated cast iron pans, aluminum, and copper cookware usually cause tough marks on the glass surface and is extremely hard to remove.

Utensils with rough edges, rings, and wedges at the bottom of the pan will cause marks on your cooktop. Apply white vinegar to tone down scratches and marks. Then wipe with a damp cloth and follow by wiping with a dry cloth.

Alternatively, use a specialized induction cleaning theme with a clean, soft sponge over scratches and then wipe with a wet paper towel followed by a dry cloth.

By using the steps mentioned above, you can keep your induction cooktop looking great all year round.

Is Dishwasher Safe?

Your induction cookware may or may not be dishwasher safe.

So always ensure that you refer to the manufacturer’s instructions prior to placing your induction cookware inside the dishwasher.

Some Additional Cleaning Tips

Induction cookware, although compatible with your induction cooktop, is not the easiest to clean since it is made of cast iron and stainless steel.

In fact, lots of people don’t even know how to care for their induction cookware.

If you’ve never used one of the sets before, it’s important to learn how to care for them to ensure their longevity properly.

Exercise special care when cleaning your induction cookware. The materials used here don’t want to wash it the same as a regular pot or pan.

When washing the inside of the pot, don’t you steel wool or an abrasive sponge. This will scrub off the coating of the pan and make it unusable.

Just hand wash the inside of your cookware and never put it in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer’s instructions say that it is safe to do so.

Just use hot soapy water and a soft sponge. If you have any greasy interior, you can use a nonabrasive cleaning pad or soak the pan in hot water.

Related Questions

Can You Use Steel Wool To Clean An Induction Cooktop/Cookware?

No, absolutely not. Steel wool will remove the non-stick coating on your cookware and leave scratches on your cooktop. It is best to use soft sponges and non-abrasive cleaning pads.

Do I Have To Clean My Induction Cooktop Daily?

It is not a hard and fast rule, however, if you clean it after every use, then it becomes easier to maintain and stays looking great as well.

Can You Purchase Specialized Cleaning Solutions For Your Induction Cooktop?

Yes, the induction cleaning cream is best for removing everything from light surface dirt to burnt-on grease.