Burning food on your glass top stove is a common kitchen mishap. That delicious pasta recipe can quickly turn into a cleaning nightmare when marinara sauce is baked onto your smooth surface. But don’t worry! Removing burnt-on food from your glass top stove is easier than you think. This guide will provide effective methods and preventative measures to keep your cooktop sparkling.
Burnt food can be stubborn, but prompt and proper cleaning is crucial. Allowing the mess to linger will make it harder to remove later. Always ensure your stove is off and completely cool before starting any cleaning process to avoid burns and further damage.
Effective Methods for Removing Burnt-On Food
Here are a few tried-and-true methods for tackling those tough, burnt messes on your glass stovetop.
Method 1: Baking Soda Toothpaste Power
For particularly stubborn burnt-on food, toothpaste containing baking soda can be your secret weapon. The mild abrasive properties of baking soda help lift the grime without scratching the glass.
- Apply a generous amount of baking soda toothpaste directly to the affected areas of your cooled stovetop.
- Let it sit for approximately 15 minutes to allow the toothpaste to penetrate the burnt residue.
- Use a damp, non-abrasive cloth to gently wipe away the toothpaste. You may need to apply some pressure, but avoid harsh scrubbing.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining toothpaste residue.
Method 2: The Magic of Vinegar
Cleaning a glass cooktop with vinegar in a spray bottle.
Vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent found in most pantries, making it a convenient solution for cleaning your glass cooktop. Its degreasing properties help loosen burnt-on food.
- Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle.
- Generously spray the affected areas of your cool glass cooktop with vinegar.
- Let the vinegar sit for a few minutes to help break down the burnt residue.
- Use a damp, non-abrasive cloth or sponge to wipe away the softened food particles.
- For tougher spots, you can create a paste by mixing vinegar with baking soda for added cleaning power.
Method 3: Unleash The Pink Stuff
The Pink Stuff has gained popularity as a miracle cleaning paste, effective on various surfaces, including glass stovetops. Its gentle abrasive quality helps lift stubborn residue without causing damage.
- Wet a microfiber cloth with water.
- Apply a small dab of The Pink Stuff to the damp cloth.
- Gently rub the affected area with the cloth, using circular motions.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue from The Pink Stuff.
Preventing Future Burns: Keeping Your Glass Cooktop Clean
While knowing how to remove burnt-on food is essential, prevention is even better. Incorporating these simple habits into your cooking routine will keep your glass cooktop clean and prevent future messes.
Method 1: Back to Basics – Baking Soda & Vinegar
This method utilizes the natural cleaning power of baking soda and vinegar.
- Make sure the stovetop is cool. Lightly spray or wipe white vinegar across the surface.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda across the top.
- Soak an old towel in hot water; lay it over the baking soda-covered surface. Let rest at least 15 minutes.
- Use the towel to wipe away the baking soda. Rinse thoroughly.
Method 2: The Convenience of All-Purpose Cleaners
All-purpose cleaners offer a quick and easy solution for maintaining your glass cooktop.
- Spray the cool cooking surface with a generous amount of all-purpose cleaner (such as Green Works, Method, or Seventh Generation).
- Using a nylon mesh scrubby, gently but firmly wipe the glass using circular motions.
Method 3: Car Wax Protection
Applying a thin layer of car wax can create a protective barrier on your glass cooktop, making future spills easier to wipe away.
- Apply car wax to the cool glass cooktop with an applicator.
- Wipe off the excess wax with paper towels.
- This coating helps prevent food from sticking and makes cleaning spills much easier.
Conclusion
Burnt-on food on a glass top stove is a common kitchen problem. However, with the right techniques and preventative measures, keeping your cooktop clean and sparkling is achievable. Whether you choose toothpaste, vinegar, The Pink Stuff, or preventative car wax, these methods will help you maintain a pristine cooking surface. Now that your stovetop is clean, consider cleaning your oven window for a complete kitchen refresh.