Looking after your ceramic hob, care, maintenance and tips

Ceramic Hob Cleaning and Maintenance Packs 

Certain manufacturers will offer their own cleaning and maintenance packs that are made specifically for this type of cooker. Typically, this pack will include a bottle containing the cleaning fluid, a silicone/glass scraper, and a cleaning cloth (usually micro fiber). There may also be a set of spare blades included that are meant to be fitted in the scraper. Using a manufacturer recommended cleaning product is usually enough to provide you with satisfactory results, provided you follow all instructions carefully. However, care should be taken to ensure that this cleaning fluid does not come into direct contact with any of the control markings. These markings can fade away if they are exposed to this cleaner on a regular basis. The glass scraper is a handy little tool that will allow you to scrape away those hard to remove, partly charred spillages without damaging the sleek finish of your ceramic hob.

Always make use of a safety cover when the scraper is not in use. The scraper blade is extremely sharp, and is liable to cause a serious injury if you are not careful.  Avoid the use of razor blades, knives, and metal scrapers; they are liable to cause irreparable damage to the ceramic finish of your hob.

How do you clean a ceramic hob – Is the process complicated?

A common enough query from most ceramic cooker owners is ‘how do you clean a ceramic hob?’ This is definitely an important issue because no owner wants to cause any type of damage to their cooker. Fortunately though, cleaning this type of cooker is not a complex process.

It is highly recommended that you clean the cook-top surface every time you notice the formation of a stain or if you spill something. However, it is generally advisable to allow the cook-top surface to cool down before you start the cleaning process. (The surface of a ceramic glass cooker can reach extremely high temperatures and may cause burn injuries.)

If a particular stain seems insignificant or small, you can try and wipe it off with a dry, high quality cloth (preferably micro fiber). For moderate stains, a mixture of lukewarm water with detergent may be applied with the help of a sponge. Clean in a gentle, circular manner before rinsing off with clean water and a cloth. Stubborn deposits may require the use of a specialized ceramic glass cleaning fluid along with a scratch pad. (Make sure that the scratch pad is of a non-abrasive type.) The worst stains may require the use of the glass scraper fitted with a razor blade. This should only be used when all the above methods have failed to remove the deposits.

After you have completed the cleaning procedure with a scraper, it is highly desirable that you treat the cooktop surface with a glass ceramic conditioner. The conditioner adds a thin protective film that renews the vibrant appeal of your cook top and ensures that any future stains or deposits can be removed easily.

Essentially, cleaning a ceramic glass hob is generally quite simple as long as you follow a safe, methodical procedure

Simple Maintenance and Cleaning Habits to Protect Your Ceramic Cooker 

As far as possible, make sure that the bottoms of pots and saucepans are clean and dry before you place them on your cooker. This prevents the transference of charred residue from pan surfaces to the cooker and will reduce the occurrence of those unsightly dirt rings on your ceramic hob.

Most manufacturers suggest regular maintenance in order to prevent the build up of stains. This includes cleaning the hob with warm water, or you may add a small quantity of commercial detergent to the water before applying with the aid of a sponge. You may use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the hob before polishing it off with a kitchen roll.

You may attempt to remove obstinate stains with the help of a scourer. However, make sure that you use a scourer that is specific to cleaning non-stick surfaces. A regular scourer will leave scratch marks on your hob.

As far as possible, avoid sliding saucepans across the cook top; always lift or lower a pan to the cook top surface to avoid the formation of unnecessary scratches.

It is always recommended that you refrain from peeling fruits or vegetables over the cook top during the cooking process. The grit stains formed by the peels can be extremely difficult to remove.

Always ensure that the cook top area is free of clutter and unnecessary items. Specifically, there should be no aluminum foil or plastic products in contact with your cook-top; there is every possibility that they could melt and fuse with the ceramic surface of the cook-top.

When cooking on a ceramic hob, always try and use a wide saucepan that can help prevent spillages likely to stain your cook-top. This is especially critical if you are cooking dishes with high sugar content, such as a jelly or jam. Sugar in any form is of particular concern because of its ability to cause permanent damage to a ceramic hob.

Avoid the use of glass or ceramic cookware with a ceramic hob as they tend to overheat and are frequently known to shatter. Copper cookware should also be avoided as it has shown a propensity to melt when used with a ceramic glass cook top. As far as possible, stick to using stainless steel, cast iron, or magnetic steel pots.

Although glass ceramics are incredibly tough and durable, they are not indestructible. Make sure you do not drop any heavy objects on to the cook-top.

Ceramic Hobs Cleaning Tips

Easy to follow ceramic hobs cleaning tips will ensure that your cooker looks and functions at its best for a long time.  

Normally, you are advised to allow the cook top surface to cool down before attempting to clean it. There are, however, a few exceptions to this rule. If you are dealing with a sugar stain, make sure you remove the maximum quantity of the deposit as quickly as possible. Speed is of the essence while dealing with sugar deposits. However, do exercise caution as you are dealing with a heated cooktop surface.

If you are dealing with molten plastic residue, you may attempt to remove it with a glass scraper. Do not wait for the deposit to cool. Hold the scraper at a 45 degree angle to avoid placing excessive direct pressure on the cook top surface. After you have scraped off as much residue as possible, apply some ceramic glass cleaner fluid to the affected spot and rub with a strong, circular motion.

Make sure that the cook top surface has been thoroughly rinsed following the use of commercial ceramic hob cleaners.

Avoid using any abrasive cleaning product that can leave scratches on your cook top.

If you clean your cook top with a detergent, ensure that is biological.

While cleaning a ceramic hob, restrict the use of towels or paper napkins. A good quality microfiber cloth is more likely to give you better results. They are also long lasting and reusable.

As far as possible, try to clean the cook top surface after you have used the cooker.

If you are dealing with particularly stubborn stains that cannot be removed with a cleaning fluid, you may choose to use bleach to clean your cook top. Create a cleaning solution by mixing 1 part of bleach with 4 parts of water. Dip a paper towel into this mix and place it over the affected area. Allow the towel to rest for about 45 minutes before rinsing off the bleach completely. This cleaning method may be particularly useful in situations where a metal pan has melted on your cook top.

Clean your ceramic cook top with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar on a weekly basis. This can prove to be effective in the removal of grease stains and food deposits.

Another simple stain removal technique is to dust a liberal amount of baking soda over a stain. Sprinkle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the baking soda and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes. The mix can be scrubbed off with a non abrasive scourer. (This method is particularly useful when dealing with burnt food deposits.)