Removing Pan Marks: Induction Hob Cleaning Tips

Induction hobs are sleek and efficient, but they can be a pain to clean. Burnt-on food and fat build-ups can stop pans from sitting flat on the surface, and it's important to clean your hob regularly to ensure it works effectively. Here's how to get rid of those stubborn pan marks.

Characteristics of getting pan marks off an induction hob

Use a damp soft cloth to wipe away spills and stains

To keep your induction hob in good condition, it's important to clean up spills and stains as soon as they happen. This will prevent a big clean later on and avoid food hardening on the glass.

If you don't have a damp cloth to hand, you can pour a little water on top of the spillage and leave it to soak for at least 30 minutes. It should then lift off without any difficulty.

To avoid scratches, never use paper towels, steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive cloths on the hob's surface. These can cause tiny scratches that won't come off.

It's also important to let the hob cool down before cleaning it. Using chemicals on a hot induction plate will create toxic fumes that are dangerous to your health.

Avoid using paper towels, scouring pads, steel wool, abrasive cloths, coarse scrubs, knives and sharp tools

To clean an induction hob, it is important to avoid using certain tools and materials that can cause scratches and damage to the glass surface. Paper towels, for instance, can cause tiny scratches that will remain permanent on the hob. Instead, use a microfibre cloth to wipe away any moisture and buff the hob dry.

It is also crucial to avoid scouring pads, steel wool, abrasive cloths, coarse scrubs, knives, and sharp tools. These abrasive materials will scratch the glass surface of your induction hob, providing crevices for food grime to become embedded, which will ultimately damage the glass.

To clean tough, caked, or burnt-on food stains, it is recommended to use a scraper or razor designed specifically for use with ceramics. These tools should be purchased directly from the hob manufacturer and used with caution to avoid damaging the glass surface.

Additionally, avoid using any cleaning products containing bleach or ammonia, as these can permanently stain the stove. Instead, opt for a non-abrasive, chlorine-free cooktop cleaning cream and a damp cleaning pad or paper towel to clean your induction hob.

Remember, always allow your induction hob to cool down before cleaning, as using chemicals on a hot induction plate will create toxic fumes that are hazardous to your health.

Use a non-abrasive cleaner, such as distilled vinegar, applied with a soft cloth

To remove pan marks from an induction hob, a non-abrasive cleaner such as distilled vinegar is ideal. First, ensure the hob is switched off and cool. Then, apply the vinegar with a soft cloth. You can either apply the vinegar directly to the cloth and then onto the hob, or dilute it by spraying it onto a damp, natural cotton cloth. Work the vinegar into the stain in a circular motion. You may need to repeat this process a few times to remove the mark completely.

Distilled vinegar is one of the best cleaning agents for removing burnt-on stains from induction hobs. It is important to use a non-abrasive cleaner, as abrasive materials can scratch the hob's surface. Paper towels, scouring pads, steel wool, abrasive cloths, coarse scrubs, knives and sharp tools should all be avoided. Instead, opt for a soft, damp cloth to apply the vinegar.

If you don't have any distilled vinegar to hand, there are other household products that can be used to clean an induction hob. These include toothpaste, liquid soda crystals, dish soap and lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide. Simply follow the same process as you would with vinegar, applying the product with a soft cloth and working it into the stain in a circular motion.

For stubborn stains, use a paste made from baking soda and vinegar

To remove stubborn stains from an induction hob, a paste made from baking soda and vinegar can be very effective. This method is also cheap and easy to do at home.

Firstly, ensure that the hob is switched off and has completely cooled down. It is important to avoid using a hot hob, as chemicals can create toxic fumes when applied to a hot induction hob. Once the hob is cool, combine one part baking soda with one part white vinegar in a small bowl to create a paste. You can also do this in a spray bottle if you prefer. Cover the hob with the paste and leave it to sit for around 30 to 45 minutes. The length of time you leave it on for will depend on how stubborn the stains are.

After the solution has been left to work, use a warm, damp, soapy microfibre cloth to wipe away the paste. You can then dry the hob with paper towels. For an extra sheen, use a second microfibre cloth, dampened with a little white vinegar, and buff the hob dry. This will add a sparkling shine to the hob.

This method is a good option for removing stubborn stains, as the baking soda and vinegar work together to break down and lift grime from the hob. It is also a gentle method, which is important when cleaning an induction hob, as they can be prone to scratches and scuffs.

Buff the hob with a dry cloth to make it shine

Once you've cleaned your induction hob, you'll want to buff it with a dry cloth to make it shine. This is an important final step to ensure your hob looks as good as new.

Firstly, ensure you use a microfibre cloth, as this will be soft and non-abrasive. You should also ensure the cloth is completely dry and clean. You don't want to risk getting it damp and leaving watermarks or streaks on the hob.

Next, wipe the hob in a circular motion, applying light pressure. This will buff the surface to a shine and help remove any remaining streaks or watermarks. If you notice any areas with remaining marks, spray the hob with a glass cleaner and buff again until the stains are removed.

Buffing your hob with a dry cloth will ensure it is left with a smooth, shiny finish. This is an important step to ensure your hob is sparkling and ready for use.

Frequently asked questions