> [!tip] Quick answer: Let the stovetop cool, sprinkle baking soda over the surface, lay a vinegar-soaked towel over it for 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge. Use a razor scraper held at a low angle for stuck-on food. Polish with a microfibre. ## How to clean a glass stovetop in 2026 Glass and ceramic stovetops look beautiful and clean up easier than they look, but they scratch and crack if you use the wrong tools. A few key rules: never scrub when hot, never use steel wool or abrasive pads, and never let acidic spills (lemon, tomato, vinegar) cool on the surface. The baking-soda-and-vinegar method covers 95% of stovetop cleaning. For burnt-on food, a razor scraper at a low angle handles what scrubbing can't. ### What you should plan for - Time: 5 minutes daily wipe; 20 minutes weekly deep clean - Tools: Baking soda, vinegar, soft cloth, razor scraper, dedicated cooktop cleaner - Cost: Under $15 for all supplies - Frequency: Wipe after every cooking session; deep clean weekly - Critical: Always wait until cool; cleaning hot glass risks burns and cracking ## The weekly deep clean 1. Wait until the stovetop is fully cool. Cool to the touch. 1. Wipe off loose crumbs with a damp cloth. 1. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the entire stovetop surface. 1. Soak a clean kitchen towel in warm water mixed with a half-cup of white vinegar. 1. Lay the towel over the baking soda so it covers the stovetop fully. 1. Let it sit 15 to 20 minutes. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda and loosens stuck-on food. 1. Remove the towel and gently wipe in circular motions with a damp soft sponge. 1. For stubborn spots, use a razor scraper held at a 30-degree angle. Push gently; never gouge. 1. Rinse with a clean damp cloth to remove residue. 1. Polish with a dry microfibre for a streak-free shine. ## What you'll need ## Cleaning specific stains ### Burnt-on food Razor scraper at 30 degrees. Push the blade gently across the burnt area; the food lifts off in flakes. Follow with baking soda and vinegar. ### Sugar spills (most damaging) Sugar bonds permanently to hot glass and can pit the surface. If you spill sugar, wipe it off immediately, even if you have to turn off the burner and wait 30 seconds. Don't let it cool on the glass. ### Hard-water spots from boiling pots 50/50 vinegar-water spray, let sit 2 minutes, wipe clean. ### Rainbow heat marks Caused by mineral residue from cookware. Use Cerama Bryte or a baking-soda paste, scrub gently with a soft sponge. ### Acidic stains (tomato, lemon, vinegar) Wipe immediately. Acid etches the glass if left to cool. For old etched spots, Cerama Bryte helps but may not fully restore. ## Common mistakes 1. Cleaning while hot. Cool stovetop only. Hot glass risks cracking and you risk burns. 1. Using steel wool or scouring pads. Scratches the glass permanently. 1. Using glass cleaner with ammonia (Windex). Can streak and damage some finishes. 1. Letting acidic foods sit. Tomato sauce, lemon juice, and vinegar etch glass. Always wipe spills immediately. 1. Using the razor scraper at a steep angle. Gouges the glass. Always 30 degrees or less, gentle pressure. ## Daily maintenance After each cooking session, once the stovetop has cooled (5 to 10 minutes): 1. Wipe down with a damp microfibre and warm water 1. Spot-clean any visible spills with a tiny amount of dish soap 1. Polish dry This 60-second routine prevents 90% of the buildup that makes weekly cleaning a 20-minute job. ## When to replace instead of clean - Visible cracks (replace immediately; cracks spread) - Pitting from sugar spills that won't come out - Cloudy areas that no cleaner can restore (etched from acid) - Surface that feels rough or bumpy A replacement glass cooktop runs $200 to $600 for the glass surface alone, plus installation. Often it's the moment to replace the whole stove if the unit is more than 10 years old. ## FAQs about cleaning a glass stovetop Can I use a Magic Eraser on a glass stovetop? What's the best commercial glass stovetop cleaner in Canada? How do I get burnt sugar off a glass stovetop? Why does my stovetop look streaky after cleaning? Is induction cooktop cleaning the same as glass?