Home Garden

Recommended Cleaning for a Smooth Top Range

Smooth top stoves look sleek and attractive in kitchens, but like most cooktops, they become dirty quickly. Food and grease accumulate, and the reflective surface also makes water spots and stains more noticeable. However, with the proper precautions and cleaning materials, cleaning your smooth top range can be a fairly simple task.
  1. Cleaning

    • Wait for the range to cool before you clean it. Wipe the surface of the stove top with a nonabrasive sponge. Apply a liquid glass stove top cleaner, according to the directions on the bottle. If you do not have a glass cleaner, dip sponge into hot and soapy water. Wring out the excess water and wipe the surface of the smooth top. Rinse the stove top with clean water and allow it to dry completely before you use it.

    Stains

    • Remove a tough stain by sprinkling baking soda over it and wiping it off with a damp washcloth. Sometimes burned stains will not come away from the surface after you scrub on them and may need to be scraped off the stove top with a razor blade. When you use a razor blade, always hold it at a 45-degree angle and apply a slight pressure to prevent scratching the stove. Wipe the stain residue off the stove with a damp washcloth to remove any lingering debris.

    Care

    • To prevent burns, always clean the surface of a smooth top stove before you turn on the heating elements. Dry the bottom of pans before you place them onto the heated stove because the water will create a burn stain. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting needed for cooking to prevent spills. Always wipe wet spots immediately to prevent them from burning. Apply a glass stove polish to the surface to keep it shiny and in good condition. Purchase a specialized smooth range cleaner in the cleaning supply aisle at your local convenience store.

    Warnings

    • Never place aluminum foil on the hot burners because the foil can melt and damage the stove top. Avoid sliding pans across the surface of the stove top to prevent scratching the surface. Never use scouring powders, pads, or other abrasives because they will scratch the surface. Never use a dull or nicked razor blade because you can scratch the surface. Remove black discolorations from the stove top before turning the heating element on again, because it can permanently discolor the stove top.