Ceramic cooktops: keeping your cooktop clean and spotless

Ceramic and glass cooktops are popular for their sleek look and ease of cleaning. However, neglecting proper care can lead to scratches, stains, and a reduced lifespan for the appliance. No one wants to ruin their gleaming glass-top oven, so we’ll go over essential tips for experienced and first-time cooktop owners. By following these tips, you can keep your cooktop looking new for years to come and avoid costly repairs or replacements!

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

How to keep your cooktop looking like new

Regular maintenance and careful use can prevent damage and keep the cooktop looking like brand new. Here are some tips to help maintain the condition of your cooktop:

• Clean spills immediately: Wipe up spills as soon as the cooktop cools down. Sugary substances and acidic spills, like tomato sauce or lemon juice, can cause discoloration or pitting if left on the surface.
• Use proper cookware: Choose flat-bottomed and smooth cookware to prevent scratches and ensure even cooking. Avoid using cast iron or stoneware directly on the cooktop, as they can scratch the glass surface. Be cautious with aluminum or copper cookware, which can leave residue that appears as scratches (these can often be cleaned off).
• Lift, don’t slide: Always lift pots and pans when moving them on or off the cooktop. Sliding cookware across the ceramic glass can leave permanent scratches.
• Check your cookware bottoms: Regularly clean the bottom of your cookware to remove any built-up grease or debris that can be transferred to the cooktop and cause scratches.
• Prevent overflows: Use pots and pans that match the burner size to help prevent boil-overs. Overflows can bake onto the surface, making them harder to remove and potentially damaging the cooktop.
• Avoid heavy objects: Never stand on your cooktop or place heavy objects on it that could crack or break the glass.
• Protect the surface: When not in use, you can place a soft towel or cooktop cover over the glass to protect it from accidental scratches or impacts.

Use the right cleaner

Cerama Bryte cooktop cleaner is a popular cleaning solution designed specifically for the maintenance and care of ceramic and glass cooktops. This cleaner is formulated to effectively clean these surfaces without scratching or damaging them, making it a go-to choice for those looking to keep their cooktops looking new and in great condition.

Key features and benefits

• Cerama Bryte is highly effective at removing everyday spills, burnt-on food, and stubborn stains from ceramic and glass cooktops. It works without the need for harsh abrasives.
• The formula is gentle and designed to be safe for all ceramic and glass cooktop surfaces, ensuring it cleans without leaving scratches or marks.
• Beyond just cleaning, Cerama Bryte also polishes the cooktop surface, leaving it with a brilliant shine that helps make the kitchen look cleaner and more inviting.
• Regular use of Cerama Bryte can help create a protective barrier on the cooktop, making future spills and stains easier to clean up and reducing the risk of damage from spills.

How to Use Cerama Bryte cooktop cleaner

1. Make sure the cooktop has cooled down completely to avoid the risk of burns or damaging the cooktop surface.
2. For the best results, use a cooktop scraper before applying the cleaner. This is a tool specifically designed to safely scrape away burnt-on food from glass and ceramic surfaces.  
3. Squeeze a small amount of Cerama Bryte onto the cooktop. For general cleaning, a few drops may be sufficient. For tougher stains, a larger amount or a specific cleaner for burnt-on residue may be needed.
4. Use a cleaning pad to gently rub the cleaner over the surface. For stubborn stains, you may need to apply a little more pressure or let the cleaner sit on the stain for a few minutes.
5. Once the stains and spills have been removed, use a clean, soft cloth to wipe away any remaining cleaner from the cooktop.
6. For an extra shine, buff the surface with a dry cloth. For stainless steel models, use a brightener to improve the appearance of the rest of the appliance also. 

How to restore an already damaged cooktop 

Restoring a damaged cooktop with the right products can help minimize the visibility of scratches or remove stains without causing further damage. Here are steps and tips for attempting to restore a damaged cooktop:

For minor scratches and stains:

1. Clean the cooktop to remove any surface dirt, grease, or residues. This will allow you to clearly see the extent of the damage.
2. Use a cooktop polish or scratch remover designed for ceramic or glass cooktops. These products can fill in minor scratches and make them less visible. Apply the polish according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually by rubbing it into the scratch with a clean, soft cloth in a circular motion.
3. Buff the area with a microfiber cloth to restore shine. This can also help blend the treated area with the rest of the cooktop.

Prevent further damage:

• Regularly use products like cooktop protectants that can help minimize the risk of future scratches and stains.
• Always lift cookware instead of sliding it across the cooktop, and avoid using cookware that can scratch the surface (e.g., cast iron without a smooth bottom).
• Keeping the cooktop clean can prevent debris from becoming burnt on, which is often a precursor to scratches as you try to remove the debris.

For deeper scratches and chips:

Deep scratches and chips might be beyond a simple cleaning. Assess the damage to see if it’s superficial or if there are any cracks that affect the cooktop’s function. If the cooktop is extensively damaged, it may be more cost-effective and safer to replace it rather than attempt repairs. 

Wrapping up

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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