How to clean glass top range

How to Clean your Glass Top Range

The glass top range has become an extremely popular addition to many consumers homes. There is no other appliance that can maintain all the functionality of a basic cooking device while at the same time adding a modern, clean look to your kitchen. That is, if they are properly maintained. But to maintain its appearance a glass top range must be cleaned after every second or third use using a special cleaner. If not cleaned regularly your beautiful glass top range can quickly become an ugly mass of stains and burnt-on debris.

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

Regular cleaning
It must be understood that the cleaner is simply that - a cleaner. Its job is to help remove the basic food and debris that will accumulate on a glass top during regular cooking. While the cleaners job is to capture the debris the consumer themselves must provide the necessary amount of elbow grease and patience.

To properly clean the glass top try the following method after every few cooking sessions:

1... 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.

2... Add a small amount of liquid cleaner to glass top. An amount about the size of a dollar coin should be sufficient.

3... Using your fingers quickly spread a thin layer of liquid cleaner over entire surface of glass top.

4... 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.

5... 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 to your touch.

6... 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 because even though the top is very durable it can be scratched.

7... 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:

1... Confirm that the glass top has fully cooled down before trying to clean.

2...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. The cutting edges should be held as flat against the glass top as possible while still maintaining contact between cutting edge and top. Do not use the corner of the razor blade, it can scratch the glass top.

3... If the liquid cleaner becomes milky or dry remove it with a clean dry cotton cloth. Repeat step 2 of the process, remembering to add addition liquid cleaner to the stain area every time this step is repeated. (Note ...The cleaner must not be allowed to dry. For burnt-on stains the liquid cleaner is not used as a cleaner, but instead as a lubricant for the cutting edge.)

4... Repeat process until all burnt-on debris is removed.

5... Finish by again cleaning the complete top as per the 'regular cleaning' method as described previously.

Is a glass top range for you?
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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