Ceramic Hob Care: Removing Pan Marks Easily

Keeping your ceramic hob clean is essential to ensure it doesn't end up with food burned onto it or debris that can lead to scratches. While ceramic hobs are known for their sleek and shiny look, they can be a challenge to maintain. Luckily, there are several methods you can use to remove those stubborn pan marks and restore your hob to its former glory.

Using a hob scraper

• Clean off any debris: Start by removing any food debris, grease, and watermarks from your hob using soapy water or your preferred kitchen cleaning spray. Wipe the hob again with a clean, damp cloth and buff it dry.
• Use a hob scraper: To remove stubborn stains, a hob scraper can be very effective. While it is unlikely to damage your hob, it is important to maintain a small angle between the blade and the hob to prevent any scratches. Start from the outside of the ring and use firm, back-and-forth movements to gradually chip away at the stains, keeping the scraper relatively flat.
• Clean off any grime: Once you have removed the stains with the hob scraper, it is time to clean your hob again. Remove all the debris and grime that the burn marks have left behind.
• Use a hob cleaner: To finish off and remove any remaining stains, you may want to use a ceramic hob cleaner. This will help ensure that your hob is completely free of stains and looking its best.
• Admire your work: After all your hard work, take a moment to admire your shiny, clean hob! It should now be free of any smears, scratches, or marks.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove pan marks from your ceramic hob using a hob scraper. Remember to always be gentle and careful when using the scraper to avoid scratching your hob.

Vinegar and baking soda

To remove pan marks from a ceramic hob using vinegar and baking soda, follow these steps:

Step 1: Clean off any debris

Use soapy water or your preferred kitchen cleaning spray to remove any food debris, grease, and watermarks from the hob. Once you're done, wipe the hob again and buff it dry with a clean cloth.

Step 2: Apply vinegar

Spray a thin layer of vinegar around the ceramic hob rings, making sure that any burnt-on marks are well-covered.

Step 3: Apply baking soda

Sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar. Use enough to create a fizzing reaction, which will help break down the tough, burnt-on marks. Leave the solution for a few minutes.

Step 4: Scrub the hob

Begin to work the baking soda and vinegar solution into the marks using a newspaper. Scrub as hard as you can to help break down the marks, replacing the newspaper when it becomes greasy.

Step 5: Rinse and wipe the hob

Once you've scrubbed the burn marks, use a cloth to remove the baking soda mixture and grease. Then, wipe the hob clean with a clean cloth.

Additional Tips:

• Always use a soft cloth or sponge to clean your ceramic hob to prevent scratches.
• Clean your ceramic hob after every use to prevent food remnants from caking on.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaning pads such as steel wool, which can scratch the surface of the hob and damage the non-stick coating.

Baby oil

Removing Pan Marks from a Ceramic Hob with Baby Oil

Step 1: Clean the Hob Surface

Start by cleaning the hob surface with a mild detergent or soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Make sure to remove any food debris, grease, or watermarks. Wipe the surface again with a clean, damp cloth and dry it thoroughly.

Step 2: Apply Baby Oil

Pour a small amount of baby oil onto a soft, clean cloth. Gently rub the oil onto the pan marks in a circular motion. The oil will help to break down the burnt-on marks and make them easier to remove.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Let the baby oil sit on the pan marks for a few minutes. This will give the oil time to penetrate and loosen the burnt-on residue.

Step 4: Scrub with a Non-Abrasive Sponge

After a few minutes, use a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the pan marks. Work the sponge in a circular motion to lift the burnt-on residue. If the marks are stubborn, you can apply a little more baby oil and continue scrubbing.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once the pan marks have been removed, rinse the hob with warm water to remove any residual baby oil and detergent. Dry the hob thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth.

Tips for Maintaining Your Ceramic Hob:

• Always clean your ceramic hob after each use to prevent food buildup and stains.
• Use a microfibre cloth or soft sponge to wipe down the hob surface and avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the ceramic.
• Promptly wipe up any spills or splatters to prevent burnt-on stains.
• Use a special grease-removing spray or ceramic hob cleaning product for tougher stains.
• Remember to rinse the hob after cleaning with natural products to prevent burning onto the ceramic surface.

Hob cleaning products

Keeping your hob clean is essential to ensure it doesn't end up with food burned onto it or debris that can lead to scratches. While a ceramic hob is generally easy to clean, with a smooth surface that can be wiped down in a couple of seconds, you should still use the right products to keep it in tip-top condition. Here are some of the best hob cleaning products to help you keep your hob sparkling:

Hob Brite

Hob Brite is one of the most popular hob cleaners on the UK market. It's a non-scratch cream cleaning product that's designed to eliminate tough stains and burnt-on food grime. It can be used on electric, ceramic, halogen and induction hobs, and it's also antibacterial, killing 99% of bacteria. However, it does contain the hazardous chemical Citric Acid Monohydrate.

Wpro Hob Cream Cleaner

This hob cleaner is recommended by Hotpoint and can be used on induction, glass-ceramic and glass hobs, as well as stainless-steel surfaces such as cooker hoods, ovens and fridges. It effectively cleans and adds a protective layer to preserve the glossy finish without scratching or marking. It has a fresh lemon scent and is available to purchase online.

Astonish Hob Cream Cleaner

Astonish's hob cream cleaner removes burnt-on spills and dried-on food from the stove, leaving a protective coating to help prevent damage from future spillages. It can be used on ceramic, glass induction, halogen hobs and microwaves. Apply it with a soft damp cloth, wiping the stove gently in a circular motion. Rinse the cloth with warm water as needed and repeat. A little goes a long way with this product, but it does contain preservatives and chemicals.

The Pink Stuff

Recommended by Mrs Hinch, The Pink Stuff is a tough cleaning paste that's gentle on surfaces but tough on stove stains. It's a multipurpose product that can be used on household appliances such as ovens, saucepans, barbecues, ceramic tiles, sinks and more. Apply the paste directly to the stove and use a soft cloth to spread it evenly. Leave it on the hob for 10 minutes, then gently wipe away. For tougher stains, leave it on for longer. It's available at a low price from most supermarkets and homeware stores. However, some online consumers have complained about the packaging being flimsy.

Natural Solutions: Vinegar and Baking Soda

For a natural, chemical-free option, you can use vinegar and baking soda (bicarbonate of soda). Simply sprinkle baking soda onto the hob and spray vinegar on top, then leave for around 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. These are cheap, everyday items that you may already have in your kitchen, and they're a great option if you have children or pets. However, vinegar can leave a lingering strong smell.

Microfibre cloth

Everyday Cleaning

For a quick clean, use some soapy water and a microfibre cloth to rub over the top of your ceramic hob. This will remove any loose pieces of food and residue with ease. Remember to always wait until the hob has cooled down before you start scrubbing.

Removing Tough Stains

If your hob has some tough stains or burnt-on food, you can use a microfibre cloth with some warm and soapy water to get rid of the loose pieces of food and spills. Then, follow these steps:

• Spray a thin layer of vinegar on the hob rings.
• Sprinkle some baking soda onto the vinegar. Leave the mixture to settle for a few minutes.
• Place a soft cloth drenched in warm water on top of the baking soda and vinegar. Leave the mixture to soak for about 20 minutes.
• Wipe everything clean with a soft cloth.

If this process doesn't work the first time, you can try applying the vinegar and baking soda mixture to each stain again. You can also try using a specialist hob cleaning product, like a glass scraper, to remove the remaining residue.

Frequently asked questions