Cleaning a ceramic hob typically involves wiping up spills as they happen, using appropriate cleaners for more significant messes, and scraping off stubborn burnt-on food carefully.
Keeping your ceramic hob sparkling clean not only makes your kitchen look tidy but also helps maintain the appliance's efficiency and lifespan. The approach varies depending on the level of soiling.
General Cleaning and Daily Maintenance
For everyday cleaning or light spills:
- Ensure the hob is cool before starting. Cleaning a hot surface can cause damage or burns.
- Wipe down the surface with a soft cloth dampened with warm soapy water.
- Dry the hob thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth to prevent watermarks.
Cleaning spills immediately after the hob has cooled is the easiest way to prevent them from hardening and becoming difficult to remove.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains and Heavy Soiling
Heavier messes, like burnt-on food or stubborn stains, require a more focused approach. Based on guidance for heavily soiled surfaces:
- If the surface of your hob is heavily soiled:
- Apply a dedicated ceramic hob cleaning liquid or cream.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the cleaner.
- Wait until the cleaning product is absorbed well into the grime.
- Gently clean the surface of the hob using the sponge, and then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Rinse the cloth and wipe again to remove all cleaner residue.
- Dry the surface completely.
For extremely tough, burnt-on residue, you might need a specialized hob scraper designed for ceramic surfaces. Hold the scraper at a shallow angle (around 45 degrees) and carefully push the residue away. Always use the scraper gently to avoid scratching the surface.
Recommended Cleaning Products and Tools
Using the correct products is crucial to avoid damaging the delicate ceramic surface:
- Dedicated Ceramic Hob Cleaner: These are specifically formulated to cut through grease and burnt-on food without scratching.
- Soft Cloths or Microfibre Cloths: Ideal for wiping and drying.
- Non-Abrasive Sponges: Suitable for applying cleaners and gentle scrubbing.
- Specialized Hob Scraper: For carefully removing hard, burnt-on debris.
Avoid using:
- Abrasive pads or scourers
- Steel wool
- Powder cleaners
- Harsh chemicals like oven cleaner (unless specifically stated for hobs)
These can permanently scratch and dull the surface of your ceramic hob.
Maintenance Tips for a Clean Hob
- Clean up spills as they happen (once the hob is cool). Sugary spills are particularly problematic as they can melt onto the surface and cause pitting.
- Always ensure the hob is cool before cleaning.
- Use flat-bottomed pans that are the correct size for the cooking zone to ensure even heating and minimize spills.
- Regularly clean your hob to prevent build-up, making future cleaning much easier.
By following these steps and using the right tools and products, you can keep your ceramic hob clean and looking new.
