Burnt-on stains on a glass-ceramic hob – how to clean it
Difficulty: Easy · Time: approx. 20 minutes
Boiled-over milk, splashes of sauce or sugar that has burnt into the hot glass: it looks stubborn, but it can almost always be removed without expensive special products. All you need is the right tool – a hob scraper – and a little patience.
The golden rule: never use abrasive scouring agents or steel wool, or the glass surface picks up fine scratches that trap even more dirt later on. Allow around 20 minutes, most of it soaking time.
What you'll need
- Hob scraper (blade scraper) with a sharp, fresh blade
- Soft microfibre cloth
- Baking soda or washing-up liquid
- Special glass-ceramic cleaner (optional)
- Warm water
Step by step
- 1
Let the hob cool down
Let the hob cool down completely before you start – on a hot surface any product evaporates instantly and you risk burns. The only exception is melted sugar or plastic (see the warning).
- 2
Lift off the worst with the scraper
Hold the hob scraper flat at roughly 30–45° and slide it under the crust. The sharp blade lifts the residue off without scratching – always push, never tilt it up.
- 3
Let a household remedy soak
Mix baking soda with a little water into a paste, spread it over the residue and lay a damp cloth on top. Leave it 10–15 minutes to soften what's left.
- 4
Wipe off and scrape again
Wipe the loosened paste away with the cloth. Tackle anything still stuck with the scraper again. Repeat on stubborn spots rather than rubbing hard.
- 5
Polish
Finally wipe with clean water and buff dry with a dry microfibre cloth. A drop of glass-ceramic care product adds shine and makes the next burn-on harder to stick.
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Upload a photo →Frequently asked questions
- Will the hob scraper scratch the glass?
- No, as long as the blade is sharp and undamaged and you keep it flat. Replace blunt or bent blades – those leave marks. Replacement blades are cheap.
- Can I use oven spray?
- Better not. Harsh oven cleaners can attack the surface and the printed markings. Stick to the scraper, baking soda and products made specifically for glass ceramics.
- How do I stop it burning on again?
- Wipe up boil-overs early, don't put oversized pots on small zones, and apply a care product now and then. A smooth, sealed surface holds on to dirt far less.