How to Care for a Smooth Top Cook Top

Cook with smooth-bottomed pans made of materials such as aluminum, copper or glass for best results. Don't slide the pans across the stove, as this could leave scratches or stains. When using large or heavy pans, such as Dutch ovens or canners, be very careful not to set the pan down too hard, as this could scratch or even crack the glass or ceramic stove top.

Wipe up spills with rags or paper towels as soon as possible. If food that isn't sugary boils over and you aren't able to get to it right away, let the spill cool, then scrape up with a plastic scraper, taking care not to scratch the cook top. GE, a manufacturer of glass and ceramic cook tops, recommends using a razor scraper for stubborn, burnt-on food, after first spraying the food with cleaner to soften it. Hold the blade at an angle against the stain and exert gentle pressure while scraping the stain away.

Remove sugary spills or burned plastic from the cook top right away. Allowing these spills to cool and harden will make them very difficult to remove. Turn off the burner and protect your hand with an oven mitt. Carefully scrape up the spill and transfer it to a plate or move it to a cooler part of the stove, then wipe it up before it has a chance to harden.

Polish your smooth cook top with a cream cleaner made for ceramic stove tops. Apply the cleaner with a soft cloth and polish until the cook top shines.