So we told you that cleaning a ceramic hob is important for both aesthetic and hygienic reasons? Regular cleaning not only keeps the hob looking good but also prevents bacteria buildup and optimal cooking performance by promoting even heat distribution. You just need a few very simple and common cleaning materials such as baking soda, warm water and a damp microfibre cloth and you’re good to go. Is that not enough? Well, get into the details of cleaning a ceramic hob (or a glass hob, gas hob or induction hob for that matter) safely and effectively without having to hire a professional cleaner.

Equipment Needed to Clean a Hob

Even though you can go for the most expensive hob cleaning product in your local supermarket – and it may do a good job – you don’t need to break the bank to get the job done. With some simple cleaning equipment that is found in every home you can clean your ceramic hobs with ease and safest way possible. When cleaning an electric hob make sure the appliance is switched off and cool before you start cleaning. Some warm soapy water and dry fiber clothes are a must when cleaning ceramic hobs and glass hobs. The warm water is enough to break down the common types of food residue on the ceramic hob’s surface, while the microfiber cloth will help you remove the loose debris and remaining residue from the surface of the hob without scratching it. Using abrasive materials is not recommended as it may scratch the surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners to scratch the surface.

Using a soft cloth is essential to prevent scratching and ensure the longevity of the hob’s surface.

For stubborner grease, burn marks, and caked on the food you might need the heavy artillery. Burn marks and even food remnants are easily removed from the hob’s rings and the hob surface by using the time-tested mix of baking soda and white vinegar. The white vinegar, with its acidic properties, will disintegrate the food remnants and the burn marks, while the soda has a mildly abrasive quality that is enough to remove the residues from the hob’s surface without actually damaging it. Naturally, you will need a dry microfiber cloth to wipe everything off again.

If you’re not a fan of DIY cleaning solutions, you can use a dedicated ceramic hob cleaner instead. Just read the label of the product you are buying to make sure it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that can harm you or other members of your household. The good news is that in recent years many companies have come out with mild eco friendly dedicated hob cleaners that should be able to help you shine your glass hobs, gas hobs and even the hard to reach parts of the hob rings with ease.

A soft sponge and a kitchen roll are other must have tools when doing regular cleaning and even heavy duty cleaning that’s outside your daily cleaning routine.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

The basic steps for cleaning ceramic hobs are as follows:

1. Gently wipe the surface of the hob with a moist microfiber cloth to remove dust and loose dirt, including loose food particles. A microfibre cloth is effective for removing stains and preventing scratches. This initial step is crucial in the cleaning process to ensure that loose debris is removed before applying any cleaning solutions.
2. Create a baking soda paste by mixing 1:1 parts baking soda and white vinegar and smear it on the stubborn spots. Alternatively, use a dedicated hob cleaning product.
3. Scrub gently the area under the paste with a microfiber cloth.
4. Apply white vinegar alone to burnt marks. Let it sit on the burn mark for fifteen minutes and use a microfiber cloth or a paper towel to scrub the vinegar along with the burn mark.
5. Use the hob scraper for burnt-on food spills. Keep your motions light to avoid scratching the hob’s surface. For a deep clean, you may need to repeat these steps or use a more intensive cleaning solution.

You can repeat as many times as you like to get your ceramic hobs shining again. Check the user manual that came with your hobs to see if the manufacturer has any recommendations on how to treat your hobs. For a deeper clean use specialized cleaning products and techniques to remove stubborn stains and grime.

Can you use CIF ceramic hob cleaner on a ceramic hob?

Proper ceramic hob cleaning methods are crucial to avoid damage. Most manufacturers advise against using harsh CIF cleaners even for deep cleaning ceramic hobs as they will damage the surface of the hob more than dedicated hob cleaning products and water.

Can I use a scraper on a ceramic hob?

When you’re in the supermarket looking at the cleaning equipment you might find a tool called a ceramic hob scraper. The hob scraper is one of the most important tools to remove stubborn stains like caked on food and heavy duty spills from your ceramic hobs. The ceramic hob scraper is designed so it won’t damage the glass surface of your hobs. When cleaning induction hobs use non abrasive tools to avoid scratching the surface. If you’re going to do more than just regular maintenance on your ceramic hobs get yourself a plastic scraper. You’ll find it far more useful than harsh chemicals that promise to remove caked on food without you lifting a finger.

How do I prevent scratches on my glass hob?

You need to be careful and make sure you use the right tools to prevent scratches on the surface of your hobs. Use soft cloths to prevent scratches and maintain the integrity of the hob’s surface. Clean your ceramic hob regularly to maintain its appearance and functionality and to prevent food from caking on. When treating caked on food particles on the glass surface of your hobs and especially burnt on residue make sure to leave the cleaning product to sit and do its job before you start with microfibre cloths and the plastic scraper. Same goes for burn marks.