My glass stove top looks gross and may even be damaged. What should I do?

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My Glass Stove Top Looks Gross and May Even Be Damaged — What Should I Do?

Glass stove tops are sleek, modern, and easy to clean—until they’re not. If yours looks cloudy, burnt, stained, or scratched, you’re not alone. From boiled-over pasta water to stubborn grease splatters, glass stove tops take a beating. But before you start shopping for a new one, there’s hope.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean, restore, and protect your glass stove top, even if it looks like a lost cause.

🔍 Step 1: Assess the Damage

First, figure out what you’re dealing with. Ask yourself:

Is it just dirty (grease, food residue, or stains)?
Is there burnt-on gunk that’s stuck?
Are there scratches or cracks in the glass?

Important: If the glass is cracked, stop using the stove and call a professional—it can be dangerous. Minor surface scratches, however, can often be improved.

🧽 Step 2: Deep-Clean the Surface (No Scratching!)

You’ll need:

Baking soda
White vinegar
Dish soap
A non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth
A razor blade scraper (for stuck-on messes only, used carefully)

Instructions:

Let the stove top cool completely.
Spray the surface with white vinegar.
Sprinkle baking soda generously over any dirty or stained areas.
Lay a warm, damp cloth over the area for 15 minutes. This loosens stuck-on residue.
Gently wipe clean using the cloth. Rinse and repeat as needed.
For stubborn gunk:
Use a razor blade scraper at a 45° angle, slowly and gently, to lift burned residue. Be very careful to avoid scratching.

💎 Step 3: Tackle Cloudiness and Surface Scratches

For a dull, cloudy look or minor scratches, try this method:

Mix a paste of baking soda and water.
Rub gently into the glass with a soft cloth in a circular motion.
Buff out with a clean microfiber towel.
Optional: Use a dedicated glass stove top polish (available at most hardware stores) to restore shine and reduce the appearance of minor scratches.

🚫 What Not to Do

Avoid abrasive scrubbers like steel wool or harsh scouring pads—they can permanently scratch the surface.
Don’t use oven cleaner, bleach, or ammonia-based sprays, which can damage the glass or leave streaks.
Don’t press too hard with razor blades—always glide them gently to avoid gouging.

🛡️ Step 4: Prevent Future Damage

Now that your stove top is clean, keep it looking great with these habits:

Wipe spills immediately after cooking (once cool).
Use flat-bottomed cookware to avoid scratching.
Never drag pots or pans across the surface.
Keep a glass stove top cleaner on hand for regular quick wipes.
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