How to clean glass top range

How to Clean your Glass Top Range

The glass top range has become an extremely popular addition to a home. There is no other appliance that can add a more modern, clean look to your kitchen. That is, if they are properly maintained.

The glass top range must be cleaned after every second or third use. After every use would be better. If not cleaned regularly your beautiful glass top will become an ugly mass of stains and debris.

Regular cleaning

It must be understood that the cleaner is simply that - a cleaner. Its job is to remove the basic food and debris that will accumulate on the top during regular cooking. The consumer must provide the necessary amount of elbow grease and patience. To clean the top try the following method after every few cooking sessions:

Firstly, confirm that the glass top has fully cooled down before trying to clean. Most glass top ranges have a hot surface indicator light. It should have been off for a minimum of thirty minutes before cleaning.
Add a small amount of liquid cleaner to glass top. An amount about the size of a dollar coin should be sufficient.
Using your fingers quickly spread a thin layer of liquid cleaner over entire surface of glass top.
Allow cleaner to set for approximately a minute. It should change from a liquid to a milky, dry consistency. If you rush the job, and start cleaning while the cleaner is still wet, poor cleaning will result.
Using a clean dry cotton cloth clean the top thoroughly. A circular motion (such as when cleaning windows) seems to work best. Give extra attention to any areas that feel rough.
Once all the cleaner has been removed fold the cloth to expose a dry area. Clean whole top again using dry cloth. Clean any crevices along the edges of top. Do this by wrapping a section of cloth around a finger. Don't be tempted to use a sharp object such as a knife. Although the top is very durable, it can be scratched.
Using your fingers feel the clean top. It should feel smooth. If any roughness is felt repeat cleaning process. If roughness persists proceed to 'burnt-on stains' section.

Burnt-on stains cleaning

At times the stains or debris may become burnt onto the glass top. This usually happens when pots are allowed to boil over, or a pot with a dirty bottom is used during cooking. If this happens the following method is suggested:

Confirm that the glass top has fully cooled down before trying to clean.
Add a liberal amount of liquid cleaner to the area affected and Immediately use a razor blade knife to scrape away burnt-on debris. Use a slow, but firm, forward and backward motion with the cutting edge of the knife held flatly against the glass top. Do not use the corner of the razor blade, it can scratch the glass top.
If liquid cleaner goes milky or dry remove it with a clean dry cotton cloth. Then repeat above process using more liquid cleaner. Opposite to the regular cleaning method the cleaner must not be allowed to dry because the wet cleaner is being used as a lubricant for the blade.
Continue process until burnt-on debris is removed.
Finish by again cleaning the complete top as per the 'regular cleaning' method as described previously.

Is a glass top for you

If food or liquids spill onto the top during cooking it is advisable to wipe up spill as quickly as possible using a clean cloth. If not, spills can become bonded to the glass top making future cleaning much more difficult.

If this method seems a lot of work then a glass top range may not be something for you. Do they require more work to maintain than a regular range? Not really. What they do require though, is small amounts of consistent cleaning to maintain their sparkling appearance. If this is something you won't mind doing then this type of electric range is one you may want to consider when shopping for a new addition to your kitchen.

By Donald Grummett

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