How to Clean and Maintain Your Induction Cooktop

One of the great advantages of induction cooktops is their ease of cleaning. The smooth, flat ceramic glass surface has no grates, drip pans, or crevices where food can accumulate. Because the surface remains relatively cool during cooking, spills are less likely to bake on, making cleanup faster and simpler than with gas or traditional electric cooktops. With proper care, your induction cooktop can maintain its showroom appearance for many years.

Daily Cleaning After Each Use

The key to keeping your induction cooktop in pristine condition is regular, gentle cleaning after each cooking session. Wait until the cooktop has cooled sufficiently—the residual heat indicator light should be off—then wipe the surface with a damp microfibre cloth. For most everyday cooking, this simple wipe-down is all that's needed to remove minor splatters and keep the surface looking clean.

For slightly more stubborn residue, add a small amount of dish soap to your damp cloth. The smooth ceramic surface releases food particles easily, so aggressive scrubbing isn't necessary. After wiping with soap, follow up with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue, then buff dry with a dry microfibre cloth to prevent water spots and restore the surface's shine.

Microfibre cloths are ideal for induction cooktop cleaning because their fine fibres pick up grease and debris without scratching the ceramic glass. Avoid using paper towels for regular cleaning, as they can leave behind lint and may not be as effective at removing oily residue. Keep a dedicated microfibre cloth near your cooktop for quick post-cooking cleanups.

Dealing with Burnt-On Spills

Despite induction's cooler surface temperatures, occasional burnt-on spills do occur—particularly beneath the cookware where some heat transfer to the glass does happen. Sugar-based spills are especially problematic, as melted sugar can bond with the ceramic surface if left to cool. Address spills as quickly as safely possible for easier cleaning.

For burnt-on residue, a ceramic cooktop scraper is your best tool. These inexpensive scrapers feature a razor blade held in a safety housing, allowing you to gently lift burnt material from the glass surface. Hold the scraper at a 30-45 degree angle and push forward, letting the blade slide under the residue. Work carefully to avoid scratching, and never use the scraper on a dry surface—always work with the surface dampened or with a ceramic cooktop cleaner applied.

Deep Cleaning and Polishing

Weekly or fortnightly deep cleaning keeps your cooktop looking its best and prevents buildup of residue that can become harder to remove over time. Use a specialised ceramic cooktop cleaner—products like Weiman, Cerama Bryte, or similar brands are widely available in Australian supermarkets and hardware stores. These cleaners are formulated to cut through grease and light staining without damaging the ceramic glass surface.

Apply the ceramic cleaner according to product directions, typically spreading a thin layer over the surface and allowing it to sit briefly before wiping away. Use a clean microfibre cloth or paper towel to remove the cleaner, then buff the surface to a streak-free shine. Some cleaners leave a protective coating that helps repel future stains and makes daily cleaning easier.

For a natural alternative, a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water works well for general cleaning. Apply the paste, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth. Follow with a spray of white vinegar to remove any remaining bicarbonate residue and add shine. While effective, this method requires more effort than commercial cleaners and may not address heavy staining as effectively.

What to Avoid

Protecting your induction cooktop's surface requires avoiding certain cleaning products and practices. Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool—these will scratch the ceramic glass and create a dull, damaged appearance that can't be repaired. Scratched surfaces are also harder to clean as residue can accumulate in the scratches.

Avoid using glass cleaners like Windex on your cooktop. While technically designed for glass, these products can leave residue that burns onto the surface during subsequent cooking, creating stubborn stains. Similarly, oven cleaners are far too harsh for ceramic cooktops and can damage both the surface and the graphics printed on it.

Never slide cookware across the cooktop surface, particularly cast iron or cookware with rough bases. Dragging creates scratches that accumulate over time and mar the cooktop's appearance. Lift pots and pans when repositioning them, and inspect cookware bases periodically for burrs or rough spots that could cause damage.

Maintaining the Control Panel

The touch control panel requires its own care considerations. Clean the control area with the same damp microfibre cloth used for the cooking surface, ensuring no moisture enters any gaps around the controls. Some users find that residue on touch controls interferes with sensitivity—regular cleaning maintains reliable operation.

Many induction cooktops include a control panel lock specifically for cleaning. Activating this lock allows you to wipe over the controls without accidentally changing settings or turning on cooking zones. Check your cooktop's manual for the specific lock activation procedure.

Long-Term Care Tips

Beyond regular cleaning, a few practices will help your induction cooktop perform optimally and look its best for years to come. Use cookware with smooth, flat bases that make complete contact with the cooking surface—this ensures efficient heating and prevents uneven wear patterns on the glass. Inspect your cookware regularly and replace pieces with warped or damaged bases.

Consider using a silicone cooktop mat when the cooktop isn't in use. These inexpensive covers protect against accidental scratches from objects placed on the surface and keep dust at bay between cooking sessions. Remove the mat before cooking, as it cannot withstand the heat of operation.

If your cooktop develops persistent staining that resists normal cleaning methods, professional ceramic restoration services can sometimes revive heavily marked surfaces. However, prevention through regular care is far preferable to restoration—a few minutes of cleaning after each use saves significant effort and expense in the long run.