Those annoying scratches on your induction cooktop – where do they come from, and how can you prevent more from appearing? As an induction cooktop owner myself, I totally get how irritating those scratches and scuff marks can be, especially on a newer cooktop.
The good news is that with some simple care and maintenance habits, you can keep your ceramic cooktop looking shiny and new for a long time. I’ll share the top 10 tips I’ve learned to protect my induction cooktop from daily scratching and wear. With just a little diligence, you can avoid so many pesky marks and scratches!
No#1 Prevention Tip: Use Induction Cooktop Mats. Click here to read a review on some of the best induction Hob Mats in the Market today
How do You Protect Induction Cooktops from Scratches? – 10 Tips
The trick is being proactive to prevent scratching in the first place. Then get into good maintenance routines to keep your cooktop pristine between deeper cleanings. Just follow these 10 simple tips to maintain that sleek, scratch-free induction cooktop surface for years.
1. Use the Right Cookware
Let’s start with the pots and pans touching your cooktop daily. Only use cookware specifically made for induction, with nice flat bottoms. Rough or warped pans will scratch the glass. Stainless steel and enameled cast iron are your best bets.
2. Clean Spills Quickly
Don’t let sticky food dry on there! Wipe up sugary or greasy spills ASAP before they bond to the surface. Burnt-on gunk takes more scrubbing which can scratch. Get those spills when they’re fresh.
3. Use a Cooktop Scraper
Invest in a good cooktop scraper for stuck-on messes. The thick rubber protects the surface while lifting gunk. Gently scrape in circles – no harsh metal tools!
4. Choose Non-Abrasive Cleaners
Steer clear of harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers. They degrade the glass over time. Use mild detergent and soft cloths or sponges only.
5. Rub in Straight Lines
When wiping down the surface, rub back and forth, not in circles. Circular scrubbing can leave slight swirl marks.
6. Apply Cooktop Wax
Wax helps protect from everyday scratches AND makes cleanup easier. Reapply every 1-2 weeks. Think of it like a protective shield.
7. Don’t Slide Pans
Lift pots straight up, no sliding. That enamel on pan bottoms will scratch if pushed around. Avoid shifting hot pans between elements.
8. Install Edge Guards
Guards around the perimeter cushion from dings, especially with metal pans. They also catch small spills.
9. Use Cooktop Mats
Silicone mats add a layer of scratch protection. They also prevent vibes and keep pans from shifting.
10. Hand Wash Gently Delicately
For portable cooktops, always hand wash, don’t dish wash. Even gentle cycles can damage over time.
More Tips!
Different factors come into play when it comes to scratches:
- The scratches could be a result of applying pressure on the induction cooktop surface. The pressure is mostly from placing an abrasive or heavy cooking pot on the cooktop.
- They could also result from the occasional movement of heavy cast iron cookware on the induction cooktop.
- They may also arise from piled-up dirt that sticks from spilled milk or saturated sugar.
- The scratches on your induction cooktop can be managed using the following simple steps:
- Clean your cooktop regularly. It is always advisable to clean your induction cooktop with mild detergent and a dry paper towel.
- Wipe and clean up spills immediately after they occur. Leaving them unattended increases their chances of sticking onto your cooktop or even baking on. Clean spills and residues using a friendly cleaner and a wet kitchen towel. Do not use abrasive cleaners, and always ensure that the induction cooktop is adequately cool.
- You should also keep off abrasive cookware material from your induction cooktop.
- Avoid moving the cookware back and forth over the cooktop’s burner. This tends to create scratches on your induction cooktop. Instead, you should lift your pans/pots from the surface and move them without touching the surface.
- Always use smoothly-bottomed pots and pans on your induction cooktop. Rough pans increase the chances of scratching/spoiling your cooktop.
- Always remember to use an induction cooktop cover. A protective cooktop mat should be placed in between your induction cooktop and your cookware to safeguard the cooktop from cracks and scratches. This mat helps retain your cooktop’s original shiny look and prevents your cookware from sliding while on top of induction cooktops.
- At no cost should you allow contact between your induction cooktop and aluminum foil!
Why Does Toothpaste Remove Scratches?
For years, non-abrasive toothpaste has been used to remove small and light scratches from many items. The method has also been used on induction cooktops. You should, however, note that toothpaste will not repair deep scratches or scratches on shiny surfaces.
The best way to use toothpaste in scratch removal would be to:
- Wipe the unit with a glass cleaner and a dust-free cloth.
- Apply a fingertip-sized toothpaste on the scratched area.
- Rub the toothpaste in slow circular movements. Be careful not to press too hard as this would remove the toothpaste coating.
- Smooth out the scratches using a slightly damp clean cloth.
- Wipe off the paste and observe as the scratches get polished.
Caution: Continuous application of toothpaste for scratch removal might ruin your unit’s physical appearance and reduce its effectiveness.
Here are additional questions and answers related to protecting your induction cooktop from getting scratched.
Can Cast Iron Scratch on an Induction Cooktop?
Yes. Cast iron bottoms are usually very rough and damaging. Unnecessary movement of cast iron cookware on a ceramic cooktop can leave sore scratches. You should avoid using this type of cookware alongside those made of stone and porcelain.
You can, however, use cast iron while on a heat diffuser. A heat diffuser will not only help with distributing heat around the cooktop but also ensure that the food is gently and evenly cooked
What Should You Not Use on an Induction Cooktop?
Apart from cast iron, do not use any of the items I’ve mentioned below if you want a scratch-free unit.
- Knives or sharp pointed objects should not be used to remove burnt spillage from your cooktop. Instead, use a metal cleaning scraper.
- Resist using steel wool on your cooktop as it will end up scratching your unit.
- Keep off any aggressive scouring cream. Such detergents only end up damaging your lovely ceramic cooktop
Limit the use of an oven cleaner on your ceramic cooktop. - Do not experiment with every ceramic cleaning procedure you bump onto on the internet. Some cleaning tips are bizarre, and you will only end up harming your cooktop.
What Pans Should not be Used on Ceramic Cooktops?
The proper way to use a ceramic-glass cooktop is to ensure you use suitable cookware. Be cautious of cookware that may scratch the glass in the ceramic or interfere with the heating element. You should also avoid cookware with rough finishes, as well as those with rounded-edge bottoms. Such cookware blocks heat distribution.
The best pots and pans for a ceramic cooktop are made of enameled aluminum, carbonized, or stainless steel. Your cookware should also be flat with a smooth bottom to avoid damage. These materials not only conduct heat marvelously but also ensure that your food is evenly cooked.
Tip: We recommend using well-sized cookware that sits comfortably at the center of your cooktop and completely covers the coil. Always make sure that your saucepan is in good contact with your cooktop. Be very careful when using metal cooking spoons. If possible, avoid them as they may allow current to flow through your body.
Which is the Best Way to Clean a Ceramic Glass Cooktop?
How to Clean an Induction cooktop Naturally – infographic
Cleaning a ceramic glass or frigidaire cooktop does not have to be a daunting task. Follow the guide below for a spectacular ceramic clean-up!
- Always use a glass-ceramic cleaner when cleaning a ceramic cooktop. This detergent is suitable for removing grease splatters, and burnt-on dirt while leaving your unit shiny and spectacular.
- Wipe off the dampened messy sight with a dry paper towel.
- Reseal your cooktop after cleaning it, especially if you are not using it immediately after cleaning.
Read Our Article on the Best Cleaner for Induction Cooktop
Ensure you clean your cooktop after each use and immediately after spillage to continue enjoying the great features that cooktops have to offer. Follow our website for more insightful posts!
Common Questions
Why are induction cooktops prone to scratching?
Induction cooktops are made of smooth glass which can get micro abrasions and scuffs over time from daily cooking and cleaning. The surface lacks the durability of metal electric or gas cooktops. Even minor scratches accumulate and degrade the appearance.
What types of cookware cause scratches?
Heavy cast iron, warped pans, and cookware with rough bottoms can all abrade the glass surface leading to scratches and swirls. Only use very flat, smooth cookware designed specifically for induction cooking like stainless steel and enameled cast iron.
How does cleaning cause scratches?
Using harsh chemicals, abrasive pads, metal tools, and circular scrubbing motions during cleaning can all gradually mark and scratch the cooktop surface. Dried-on food debris that requires aggressive scrubbing to remove is also high risk for scratching.
How often should you wax an induction cooktop?
Applying a cooktop wax or polish every 1-2 weeks provides excellent protection in between deeper cleanings. The coating helps fill in micro-abrasions and makes daily cleaning easier by preventing buildup. Reapply wax anytime the surface appears cloudy.
What temperature cooktop mats can withstand?
Quality silicone induction mats are designed to withstand temperatures up to 600°F. Certain types can go up to 1000°F for brief periods. The mats provide a barrier between cookware and cooktop to absorb vibration and prevent scratching.
Should edge guards be attached or removable?
Removable edge guards are preferred for easy cleaning access to the entire cooktop surface. Attached edge guards often use adhesives which leave residue. Look for guards that use friction and weight to stay in place but lift off easily when needed.
Why hand wash portable induction cooktops?
Even gentle dishwasher cycles can lead to scratches on the induction surface over time. The high pressure spray, hot temperatures, and tumbling can damage the cooktop. For portable units, careful hand washing is the safest method.
How can you remove light scratches?
Gently polish with a ceramic glass cooktop cleaner and very fine grit pad to buff out minor scratches. Avoid circular motions. For deeper scratches, use a cooktop repair kit with heavier duty abrasives to sand down the markings. This should be done sparingly.
Is cooktop scratching inevitable over time?
With proper care and preventative measures, induction cooktop scratching can be minimized significantly. However, some micro-abrasions are inevitable from prolonged daily use. Following these tips will help maintain the best appearance for years.
