Cleaning the hob – how to make ceramic hobs, induction hobs and co. shine like new
You love to cook, but there's one thing you can't stand: cleaning up afterwards. Your ceramic hob in particular always looks like a bomb has hit it after the kitchen battle. Don't worry, you're not alone, most people feel the same way. When cooking, no one makes sure that nothing goes wrong. However, it is then important to clean the hob properly again immediately after cooking. You can find out how to do this in our guide.
- How do I get my ceramic hob properly clean again?
- How do I get burnt-on stains off the ceramic hob?
- Why not clean the ceramic hob with washing-up liquid?
- Can I clean the ceramic hob while it is hot?
- What kind of dirt can be removed with the glass ceramic cleaning scraper?
- Can I clean my ceramic hob with scouring cream?
- Can you clean a ceramic hob with glass cleaner?
- Which cloth for ceramic hob?
- How do I get burnt-on residue off the induction hob?
- How do I get stains off the induction hob?
- What must not be placed under an induction hob?
- Which cleaning agent for induction hob?
- How do I get my gas hob properly clean again?
- Why are gas hobs more difficult to clean?
- Which cleaning agents are suitable for gas hobs?
- Which home remedies are suitable for cleaning a hob?
- Final summary of the topic
- Discover our product recommendations
(Discover helpful tips for cleaning induction hobs and ceramic hobs! Make hobs sparkling clean again! | 4 Min)
The best way to get a ceramic hob properly clean is to use special cleaners for ceramic hobs. However, there are also different home remedies that help with cleaning. However, before cleaning, the hob should be completely cooled down. If this is not the case, the cleaning agent used may burn in under certain circumstances. In addition to glass cleaner, which is good for removing dirt from the glass ceramic surface, home remedies such as baking soda, baking powder and vinegar can also be used. However, as the surface of a ceramic hob is very sensitive, it is better to avoid aggressive cleaning agents and use mild ones instead.
How do I get burnt-on stains off the ceramic hob?
Heavily burnt-on food such as grease or milk can easily be removed with baking powder. All you need to do is mix the baking powder with a few drops of water to make a thick paste. This is then applied to the corresponding areas and then it is a matter of waiting. The paste should be left on for between 1 hour and 1.5 hours. Afterwards, it is possible to wipe the burnt-on residue off the ceramic hob with a soft cloth. Afterwards, the entire hob should be wiped down again.
Why not clean the ceramic hob with washing-up liquid?
Cleaning a ceramic hob with washing-up liquid is therefore not recommended, as it is not able to remove limescale deposits. If these limescale deposits persist, they can burn in over time, then very unsightly stains appear that shimmer in colour. If you still want to use washing-up liquid to clean the ceramic hob, you should make sure that the surface is cleaned thoroughly with water afterwards. This is the only way to remove residues from the detergent. If residues remain on the surface, they could burn in the next time the hotplate is used.
As a general rule, the ceramic hob should not be cleaned while hot, because the risk of burns is simply far too great. In addition, the use of chemical cleaning agents can produce unpleasant fumes that can be particularly problematic for asthmatics and allergy sufferers. Another danger is that the cleaning agent can burn into the hobs. Although it is no problem to quickly remove a stain while cooking, the ceramic hob should be as completely cooled down as possible, but at most still lukewarm, before it is completely cleaned.
What kind of dirt can be removed with the glass ceramic cleaning scraper?
A glass ceramic cleaning scraper is always the tool of choice when burnt-on food residues cannot be removed with either home remedies or chemical cleaning agents. This scraper makes it possible to work on the surface of the ceramic hob without scratching it. Stubborn encrustations can best be removed by setting the blade of the scraper at a steeper angle to the plate. For light soiling, it is sufficient to scrape flat and parallel to the ceramic hob. These burnt-on residues are particularly easy to remove with the ceramic hob scraper if the hob has not yet cooled down completely.
Can I clean my ceramic hob with scouring cream?
Under no circumstances should scouring cream be used to clean the ceramic hob. The surface of ceramic hobs is very sensitive and scratches particularly quickly. The coarse scouring particles found in the scouring cream can cause scratches. Over time, the surface of the ceramic hob can then become blind [➤ Return to table of contents].
A little breather - popular kitchen gadgets in the spotlight
Since a ceramic hob is a glass ceramic hob, it can be cleaned with glass cleaner. The advantage of glass cleaners is that they clean the field without streaks and at the same time provide a beautiful shine. The disadvantage, however, is that glass cleaner can only remove simple stains. Stubborn stains cannot be removed with the glass cleaner. However, it can be used very well after the actual cleaning to get the surface nice and shiny.
It is relatively unlikely that anything will burn into an induction hob at all. However, if this should still be the case, for example because there is still grease or food residue on the bottom of a pot when it is used, the burnt-on residue can be removed in a similar way to the ceramic hob. A special glass ceramic cleaner is ideal, but a glass ceramic scraper can also be used to remove stubborn burnt-on food residues.
The induction hob also hardly differs from a ceramic hob when it comes to removing stains. Here, too, it is important to clean the stovetop directly after each use. A damp microfibre cloth or a soft sponge are good for this. For greasy stains, a little washing-up liquid can also be added. Scouring agents or pot cleaners should not be used on the induction hob either. Glass cleaner can be used to make the surface shine again.
The softest possible cloths should be used to clean a ceramic hob; microfibre cloths are recommended. A damp microfibre cloth is the easiest way to clean and care for a ceramic hob. It is important that the cloth used has no rough spots, the surface should be as smooth and soft as possible. Besides microfibre cloths, cotton products of all kinds are also suitable for ceramic hobs.
What must not be placed under an induction hob?
There are a few things that should not go under an induction hob. On the one hand, this includes pots, but tea towels also have no place there. The cutlery drawer should also not be underneath the induction hob, otherwise magnetic field interference may occur. If a panel is fitted below the induction hob, this can block the ventilation, so it should not be located there either [➤ Return to table of contents].
Which cleaning agent for induction hob?
The best cleaning agent for an induction hob is a special glass ceramic cleaner. These cleaners are precisely tailored to the requirements of induction hobs and are designed to clean thoroughly without damaging the surface. Simple stains can be removed with a damp microfibre cloth. More stubborn stains can also be treated with a little washing-up liquid. After cleaning, a glass cleaner can be used to give it a nice shine. Alternatively, lemon juice or vinegar can be added to warm water to clean the surface. Orange cleaner is also suitable as a cleaning agent.
On most gas hobs, the surface below the burners is made of stainless steel. At best, the surface should be wiped clean with a soft cloth directly after cooking. A kitchen roll towel, for example, is suitable for this purpose. This prevents burnt-in incrustations from forming. You should also refrain from using scouring agents or steel wool on a gas hob, as they will also scratch the stainless steel. Fresh dirt can also be easily removed with warm water and a little washing-up liquid.
Before cleaning, the burner rings should first be removed. Particularly heavy encrustations can be removed well with dishwasher tabs. Just rub the tab over the previously moistened area. Baking powder can also be used here. Again, a paste is mixed with a few drops of water and applied to the encrustation. Wait one hour and wipe away the baking powder with a soft cloth. Alternatively, special stainless steel cleaners are also available [➤ Return to table of contents].
Of all the hobs available, gas hobs are probably the most difficult to clean. The reason for this is the design of these hobs. They are equipped with raised burners and pot supports. As a result, there are many corners and edges where dirt can settle. Very careful cleaning is therefore essential. The cast-iron pan supports must be removed from the gas hob when cold and cleaned with a grease-dissolving agent. Only then can the surface underneath be cleaned. It is also important to pay attention to the burners when cleaning the gas hob. It is important to pay special attention to the gas nozzles, otherwise they could be damaged.
Which cleaning agents are suitable for gas hobs?
Special stainless steel cleaners are recommended for classic gas hobs that have a stainless steel surface. But a gas hob can also be cleaned with water and washing-up liquid and a soft sponge or cloth. Stubborn stains and incrustations can be removed with baking soda or dishwasher tabs [➤ Return to table of contents].
There are some home remedies that, in addition to the special cleaners, can also be used very well for cleaning hobs.
- Baking powder / baking soda: Baking soda is particularly good for removing stubborn stains and burnt-on food residues. All you need to do is mix the baking powder with a few drops of water to make a paste. This is applied to the corresponding areas and must be left to work for some time. After a good hour, it can be wiped off. The same applies to sodium bicarbonate.
- Glass cleaner: Glass cleaner is not necessarily the best home remedy for removing large stains, but it provides a great shine when used after the actual cleaning. Light stains can also be removed with a glass cleaner.
- Oven spray: Oven spray can be used for heavy incrustations. It loosens the encrustation and ensures that it can be easily removed.
- Lemon juice: The acid of the lemon juice not only cleans burnt-in spots very well, but also works effectively against limescale deposits.
- Vinegar: Vinegar has the same effect as lemon juice. Diluted in water, vinegar can be used to clean a hob. Limescale stains also have no chance.
- Dishwasher tabs: Dishwasher tabs work very well for stubborn dirt and burnt-on food residues. To do this, simply crumble a dishwasher tab and add a little water to make a paste. This is then applied to the corresponding area and wiped off again after a giving it time to work. Alternatively, it is also possible to moisten the spot yourself and spread the tab over it. More effective, however, is the use as a paste.
Cooking is really fun, but no one wants to think about cleaning up afterwards. Of course, it is important to clean your hob thoroughly after cooking. But if you choose the right cleaning products, you will succeed much easier. Prevention is also important. Remove small stains immediately after they have appeared. This way you can prevent them from burning in really hard and then becoming a problem. But even if food residues have burnt in, it is possible to remove these incrustations again with simple means. Don't let the pleasure of cooking be taken away just because the hob has to be cleaned afterwards. Using the methods mentioned, all this will no longer be a problem for you [➤ Return to table of contents].