A Guide on How to Clean Hobs and Keep Them Sparkling
A gleaming hob can make the whole kitchen feel cleaner, but getting that sparkle without causing damage means knowing your hob type. While the basic process is similar for all – let it cool, wipe away crumbs, then clean – the products and techniques you use have to be right for the surface. What works wonders on a sturdy gas hob could permanently scratch a sleek ceramic or induction top.
Your Starting Point for a Spotless Hob
Before tackling spills and stains, a little prep goes a long way. The first rule is non-negotiable: always make sure the hob is completely cool to the touch. Cleaning a hot surface is a recipe for burns and can bake on cleaning products, making a bigger mess.
Next, have the right tools. Forget harsh scourers and abrasive powders, as they can cause irreversible damage, especially on glass. Your best friends here are soft microfibre cloths and non-scratch sponges.
Know Your Hob Type
The most critical step is figuring out what kind of hob you're dealing with, as the cleaning method depends entirely on it. Not sure what you have? This quick table should help you identify it and get started safely.
Hob Type and Initial Cleaning Approach
| Hob Type | Key Feature | Recommended First Step |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | Raised metal pan supports over visible flame burners. | Remove the pan supports and burner caps to soak separately in warm, soapy water. |
| Ceramic | A smooth, flat glass surface with heating zones that glow red when hot. | Wipe with a damp microfibre cloth to remove loose debris. A specialised ceramic hob scraper can be used for burnt-on food. |
| Induction | A smooth, flat glass surface that looks like a ceramic hob but uses magnets to heat the pan directly. The surface itself doesn't get hot. | Wipe with a damp cloth. Since spills don't bake on as easily, a simple wipe is often enough for daily cleaning. |
Once you've identified your hob and handled the initial wipe-down, you're ready for a deeper clean. And if you want to protect your worktops too, it's worth learning how to clean natural stone surfaces safely and effectively.
Cleaning Glass Ceramic and Induction Hobs
Glass ceramic and induction hobs look fantastic, but their smooth surfaces show up every streak and spill. Keeping them pristine isn't hard, but it requires a gentle touch to avoid scratches.
For daily wipe-downs, a simple paste of bicarbonate of soda and water works wonders. Apply it to the cooled hob, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away with a damp microfibre cloth.
For stubborn, burnt-on food, a specialist hob scraper is your best friend.
The key is to hold the blade at a shallow angle, around 30 degrees, and gently glide it underneath the burnt-on mess. This technique lifts the residue without digging into the glass.
To finish, get a streak-free shine by spraying the surface with white vinegar and buffing it dry with a clean microfibre cloth.
If your hob seems unresponsive after cleaning, it might be locked. Our guide on how to unlock your induction hob can help sort it out.
A Deep Clean for Gas Hobs and Burners
Gas hobs need a more hands-on approach. It's a bit of a disassembly job, but worth it for a proper clean.
Start by removing the pan supports and burner caps. Soak them in a sink of hot, soapy water to break down baked-on grease while you clean the main surface.
With the parts removed, wipe down the hob itself. A non-abrasive cream cleaner works well here. Use a soft cloth and work around the burner bases, being careful not to get cleaner or crumbs into the gas jets. If soapy water isn't cutting through the grime on your grates, you might need something stronger.
For the most stubborn, burnt-on residues, you could look into the safe use of carbon off cleaner. And if the burners won't ignite properly after reassembly, it's safest to call a professional for gas hob repairs.
Natural Cleaners vs Commercial Products
Should you reach for a commercial product or go the DIY route? Store-bought cleaners are engineered to cut through tough grease fast. Their power and speed can be a lifesaver, but they often contain harsh chemicals.
On the flip side, natural options like bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar are kinder to your wallet, surfaces, and the environment. A simple paste of bicarb and water can lift stubborn food residue without scratching, making it a safe bet for most hob types.
While commercial products offer convenience, a natural approach means you know exactly what ingredients you’re using. It's about finding the right balance between cleaning power and peace of mind.
Here's a quick comparison to help you decide.
DIY vs Commercial Hob Cleaners
| Factor | DIY Solutions (Bicarb, Vinegar) | Commercial Cleaners |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Very low – uses common household staples. | Higher cost, especially for specialist brands. |
| Effectiveness | Excellent for general cleaning and mild-to-moderate grime. | Highly effective on tough, baked-on grease and stains. |
| Safety | Non-toxic and food-safe. No harsh fumes. | Can contain strong chemicals requiring good ventilation. |
| Surface-Friendliness | Gentle on most surfaces, low risk of scratching. | Formulations can be abrasive; need to match to hob type. |
Ultimately, both have their place. A powerful commercial cleaner for the occasional deep clean, and a trusty bicarb paste for daily wipe-downs often works best. If you like the eco-friendly approach, our guide on how to clean an oven naturally has more great tips.
Common Hob Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing how to clean your hob is half the battle; knowing what not to do is just as important. A simple mistake can lead to permanent scratches or damage.
The most frequent error is using the wrong tool. Abrasives like steel wool or scouring pads on a glass hob will create a web of fine scratches. Stick to soft microfibre cloths and a proper hob scraper.
Pitfalls with Spills and Heat
Another common slip-up is timing. Never try to clean a hob while it's still hot. It’s a safety risk, and cleaning products can burn onto the surface, creating an even tougher mess.
A critical mistake with ceramic hobs is letting sugary spills sit. When sugar or jam cools and hardens on the glass, it can cause pitting and permanent damage as it contracts. Tackle these spills carefully once the hob is cool enough.
Your Hob Cleaning Questions Answered
How Do I Get Rid of White Stains on a Ceramic Hob?
Those cloudy marks are usually mineral deposits from hard water. To tackle them, lightly spray white vinegar onto the cooled hob and let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the vinegar to break down the minerals. Then, wipe it away and buff with a dry microfibre cloth to restore the shine.
Can I Put My Gas Hob Parts in the Dishwasher?
It depends. Many modern pan supports are dishwasher-safe, but older cast iron or enamel parts are not, as the dishwasher can cause rust or chipping.
Always check your hob's manual first. It's the only way to be sure. If in doubt, stick to handwashing.
The UK cleaning sector is now valued at a huge £66.9 billion, a sign that people often leave tricky jobs to experts. You can see the full breakdown in the British Cleaning Council's latest report.
If you're facing a stubborn hob issue or need a hand with any other appliance, the expert engineers at Go Assist are here to help. Book your repair online today and we'll get it sorted.
