Electric cooktops are a convenient and popular choice, but they can easily show stains and scorch marks from everyday cooking. These burn stains not only make the surface look grimy but can also become harder to clean over time. We struggled with this for a long time, but found that with a few preventive steps, you can keep your electric cooktop looking spotless, minimizing the buildup of tough stains.

Tips to Prevent Stains on Electric Burners

Keeping your electric cooktop clean can be as simple as adopting a few good habits. Here are some top tips to prevent stubborn stains:

  • Wipe it down after each use. Make it a habit to wipe the stove surface with a damp cloth or damp sponge after each cooking session. Regular cleaning helps remove food residue, grease, spills, and crumbs before they harden.
  • Use the right cookware size. Using cookware that matches the size of the burner reduces the risk of food spilling over the sides and burning onto the cooktop.
  • Keep your cookware bottoms clean. Check that the bottoms of your pots and pans are clean before placing them on the burners. Any grease or food residue on the cookware will transfer to the cooktop.
  • Avoid high heat for extended periods. Cooking at high heat for long periods can increase the chances of stubborn stains and scorching, and burnt-on food. Try using medium heat settings whenever possible.
  • Use a splatter guard. When cooking foods prone to splattering, like sauces or fried items, a splatter guard can help keep spills and grease off the cooktop.
dirty non-stick cookware needs extra care.
Maintain your cookware and check for warping if you use it on an electric cooktop. Credit: Victoria Kotlyarchuk / Getty Images

How to Clean Buildup and Stains on Electric Burners

Sure, everyday wiping of the entire stove helps, but it's usually not enough to prevent mild buildup over time. For those times you need to extra cleaning power on the burner coils themselves, use a cooktop-safe cream cleaner and some elbow grease:

  1. Wait for the Cooktop to Cool: Always start with a completely cool surface to avoid burns and ensure proper application.
  2. Apply Cream Cleaner: Use a small amount of cooktop-specific cream cleaner on any stained areas. Spread it gently with a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratches.
  3. Let it Sit for a Few Minutes: Give the cleaning solution a few minutes to loosen stubborn stains, making them easier to remove.
  4. Buff with a Soft Cloth: Use a soft clean microfiber cloth to gently buff the cleaner away, removing stains without leaving scratches.
  5. Rinse and Polish: Finally, wipe the cooktop with a damp cloth to remove any leftover cleaner and dry with a soft cloth for a polished, streak-free finish.

As alternatives to a cream cleaner, we also like:

  • Homemade baking soda paste: a natural cleaning mixture made of white vinegar and baking soda and a bit of elbow grease is a great cleaning approach. If you have either/or, you could make a paste of warm water and baking soda, or dish soap and white vinegar.
  • A simple razor blade: you can usually shave off the toughest baked-on crud with a razor blade if you get the right angle and feel for it. Maybe avoid a razor on glass.
  • Soapy water: sometimes soapy water or hot water and a microfiber cloth on the entire surface works wonders. (Never use a paper towel, it can leave scratches.)

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How often should I give my cooktop a deep cleaning?

For most electric cooktops, a deep cleaning process every one to two weeks should be sufficient. However, if you cook frequently, have baked-on crud, caked-on grease, or use ingredients that tend to splatter or spill, you may need to clean more often. Regular, light cleaning and even daily cleaning of your stove surface or stove coils will make deep cleaning easier and faster.

Cooking broccoli on an electric cooktop.
Splashes and bits of food are quick to dirty a glass cooktop. Credit: Johner Images / Getty Images

Quick Tips for a Stain-Free Electric Cooktop

To keep your clean stove looking fresh and clean, consider the following additional tips:

  • Avoid Plastic Utensils: Plastic can melt if it touches a hot burner, and when it does, it'll leave stubborn burn marks. Stick with metal or heat-resistant utensils instead.
  • Inspect Cookware for Warping: Warped pots and pans don’t sit flat on the cooktop, especially on a glass stovetop, leading to uneven heating and spills. Make sure cookware bottoms are flat and stable.
  • Remove Salt Immediately: Salt can act as an abrasive cleaner and may leave micro-scratches on ceramic stovetops or glass cooktops. If you spill salt, wipe it away with a dry towel as soon as possible to avoid the risk of scratches damaging your pristine stove.