Induction hob technology is fantastic for contemporary kitchens. Applying the heat exactly where and when it is needed means that you can cook with maximum speed and flexibility, all while saving energy too.
But how easy is it to keep induction hobs clean?
Luckily, the glass ceramic surface only heats up the position of your cookware; the rest of the cooktop remains cool, making it much easier to deal with. Here are our 5 top tips on how to keep your induction hob clean and hygienic at all times:
1. Use the right pots and pans for your induction hob
First off, if you’ve made a substantial investment into upgrading your cooking appliances in your kitchen, it makes sense to use the correct cookware. Avoid pots and pans that can scratch the surface of a glass-top stove: glass, stoneware, aluminium, ceramic or cast iron. Instead, use cookware that is made of steel, and magnetic stainless steel that contains some iron.
2. Clean up immediately
To avoid any extra work later on, it’s best to clean spills and stains as soon as you can, ideally as soon as your stove is cool enough to the touch. Sugary or syrupy, sticky spills in particular should be removed as quickly as possible. Use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe up any stains as soon as you can.
3. Daily cleaning
Once your cooktop has cooled down, use a cloth or sponge and warm soapy water to wipe up any wet spills. Use a kitchen spray designed for grease removal if necessary, or any mild household detergent should do the job too. Rinse and dry, then apply white vinegar over the cooker top with a clean cloth for extra shine. Finally, buff with a clean, dry cloth.
It’s advisable to use a glass cleaner now and again to sanitise your induction hob.
4. Stain removal
For tough, caked or burnt-on food stains, you may need to use a scraper or razor; these should be purchased directly from the hob manufacturer and used with extreme caution so as not to cause damage to the glass surface.
Add a generous amount of liquid cleaning detergent to the affected area, then use the scraper to carefully remove the burnt-on stain. Holding the cutting edge as flat against the glass as possible, move the scraper in a forward and backward motion until the stain is gone.
5. What not to do
In order to protect the surface of your induction hood, it’s important not to use any abrasive or caustic cleaners. Keep away from detergents that contain bleach or ammonia or any scrubbing or scouring agent. Likewise, never use scouring pads, or steel wool to clean your hob. If the surface becomes scratched, food stains can actually become more embedded and permanently damage the glass.