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

### 🧼 Cleaning Process:

1. **Let the stove cool completely** before cleaning — never clean while hot!
2. **Sprinkle baking soda** over the worst areas.
3. **Spray white vinegar** on top of the baking soda. Let it fizz and sit for 10–15 minutes.
4. Use a **damp microfiber cloth or sponge** to gently scrub in circular motions.
5. For stubborn, burnt-on spots, **carefully use a razor blade scraper**, holding it at a 45-degree angle to gently lift residue. Be patient — don’t gouge!
6. Wipe clean with a **damp cloth**, then dry with a clean towel.

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## 🚫 **What Not to Do**

* Don’t use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers — they’ll scratch the surface.
* Avoid harsh chemical cleaners like oven spray or bleach.
* Never use a dull or rusted razor — always use a new, clean blade.

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## 🔧 **Step 3: Inspect for Damage**

After cleaning, check for the following:

* **Light surface scratches?** These are mostly cosmetic and can be minimized with a polish.
* **Deeper scratches or cracks?** These may affect functionality or safety. If the glass is cracked, it **must be replaced** — continued use can be dangerous.
* **Pitted areas or discoloration?** These are usually permanent but won’t necessarily affect performance.

If you’re unsure whether your cooktop is safe to use, contact the **manufacturer or a repair technician** for advice.

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## 💡 **Step 4: Prevent Future Damage**

Glass stove tops require **gentle, consistent care** to stay looking good.

### 👍 Do:

* Clean after every use, even if it looks clean
* Use flat-bottomed cookware to ensure even heat
* Keep the bottom of your pans clean
* Use cookware that fits the burner size
* Wipe spills immediately (especially sugary spills!)

### 👎 Don’t:

* Slide pots and pans across the surface
* Place hot lids face-down (can create a vacuum and crack the glass)
* Use cast iron unless it’s enameled or you’re using a heat diffuser

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## 🧴 **Optional: Use a Glass Cooktop Polish**

A specialty polish or cream cleaner adds a **protective layer** that resists future stains and makes daily cleaning easier. Use it weekly for best results.

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## 🛠️ **When to Call for Help**

If your stove top is:

* **Cracked**
* **Malfunctioning**
* **Losing heat in specific burners**
* **Discolored in a spreading or uneven pattern**

…it’s time to **contact a professional**. In many cases, the glass top can be replaced without needing a whole new stove.

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## ✅ **Conclusion**

Just because your glass stove top looks gross doesn’t mean it’s beyond saving. With a few natural ingredients, the right tools, and some gentle care, you can remove grime, polish away the dullness, and restore that sleek, shiny finish.

And if it turns out to be more than just cosmetic? **Knowing when to clean vs. when to repair** can help you avoid costly mistakes.

**So don’t give up on your stove top just yet — give it a proper clean and a second chance!**

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Let me know if you’d like a printable cleaning guide or a checklist version of this article!