How do you clean the top of a cooktop?

You can clean the top of a cooktop using a sponge and warm, soapy water or a stovetop cleaner paste made from baking soda and warm water.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Cleaning Your Cooktop: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning your cooktop regularly will keep it looking its best and prevent stubborn stains. Here's a comprehensive guide:

Remove Loose Debris: Before you begin cleaning, remove any loose debris like crumbs or food particles. You can use a dry paper towel or a soft brush for this.
Apply Cleaning Solution:
- Soapy Water: For light cleaning, use a sponge and warm, soapy water.
- Baking Soda Paste: For tougher stains, create a paste of baking soda and warm water. The paste should be thick enough to adhere to the cooktop surface. This is a natural and effective cleaner.
Let it Sit (If Necessary): If using the baking soda paste, let it sit on the stained areas for 10-15 minutes to help loosen the grime.
Scrub Gently: Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the cooktop. For baked-on food, a plastic spatula or plastic knife can be used to gently scrape away the residue without scratching the surface. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers, as they can damage the cooktop.
Wipe Clean: After scrubbing, wipe the cooktop clean with a damp sponge or cloth to remove the cleaning solution and loosened debris.
Dry the Surface: Finally, dry the cooktop with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water spots.

Glass Cooktops: These are prone to streaks. Use a glass cleaner after the initial cleaning and buff with a clean, dry cloth for a streak-free shine. Special glass cooktop cleaners are also available.
Ceramic Cooktops: Similar to glass cooktops, these require gentle cleaning to avoid scratches.
Electric Coil Cooktops: Remove the coils and reflector pans (if applicable). Wash these separately with warm, soapy water. The reflector pans can also be cleaned with the baking soda paste. Wipe down the cooktop surface underneath the coils as described above.
Gas Cooktops: Remove the grates and burner caps. Wash them with warm, soapy water or the baking soda paste. Clean the cooktop surface underneath as described above. Ensure the burner ports are clear of debris.

Clean spills immediately: The quicker you address spills, the easier they will be to clean.
Use appropriate cookware: Ensure your pots and pans have smooth bottoms to prevent scratches.
Avoid sliding cookware: Lifting cookware prevents scratches and wear.
Regular cleaning: A quick wipe-down after each use can prevent build-up and make deeper cleaning less frequent.

By following these steps and tips, you can keep your cooktop clean and in good condition for years to come.