How to Clean a Glass Cooktop and Get Rid of Burnt-On Food

It never fails. You’ve discovered an amazing five-star pasta recipe that you’re dying to try. You’ve got the prep work done, the beef browned, the ingredients sauteed and you crank up the heat. You’re distracted by a viral TikTok recipe and next thing you know, there’s marinara sauce burnt onto  your beautiful glass stovetop. Devastating!

But don’t despair. We’re here to help you clean it up. Bonus: This StoveShelf is assembly-free and frees up a ton of counter space!

How to Remove Stubborn Burnt-On Food

It’s important to remove burnt-on food as soon as possible to prevent the crust from building up on the cooktop. Be sure you’re using a non-abrasive option, like toothpaste, vinegar or The Pink Stuff to avoid scratching the surface. e. Just be sure the stove is off and the cooktop has cooled before getting started.

Method 1: Use Toothpaste

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For tough stains, you’ll need something powerful. Toothpaste that has baking soda in it will certainly do the trick. Rub the toothpaste on the areas of your stovetop with burnt-on food and let it sit for 15 minutes. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the toothpaste to reveal a shiny, clean cooktop.

Method 2: Clean with Vinegar

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Vinegar is one of the most versatile ingredients to keep in your pantry, so chances are, you already have it on hand. Lucky for you, it works as a wonderful degreaser and will clean your glass cooktop in no time. Transfer the vinegar to a spray bottle, generously spray it on your cooktop and use a damp cloth to wipe burnt food away.

Method 3: Grab the Pink Stuff

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The Pink Stuff really is miracle cleaning paste. It works on everything in your home from bathroom tile to pots and pans. So, why not use it on your glass cooktop, too? Wet a microfiber with water, then use a dab of The Pink Stuff to wipe off stuck-on food. Don’t miss before-and-after photos that show how well The Pink Stuff works!

How to Keep Your Glass Cooktop Clean

Method 1: Go Back to Basics

I rely on tried-and-true kitchen companions: baking soda and vinegar.

Begin by making sure that your stovetop is cool. Lightly spray or wipe white vinegar across the surface. This will remove crumbs and other light debris. Next, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda across the top. Soak an old towel (large enough to cover the stovetop) in hot water; lay it over the baking soda-covered surface. Let rest at least 15 minutes.

Use the towel to wipe away the baking soda—you’ll likely have to rinse your towel and wipe a few times. As a mild abrasive, baking soda will clear away all that gunk and residue, but don’t worry—it’s so mild that it won’t scratch your glass cooking surface at all. When done, rinse thoroughly.

Here are more chemical-free ways to keep your kitchen tidy.

Method 2: Use All-Purpose Cleaner

The baking soda and vinegar method is an easy way to clean your cooktop with ingredients you have on hand, but at home, I prefer to clean my stovetop with an all-purpose cleaner (I like Green Works, but Method or Seventh Generation products work, too).

To clean, spray the cooking surface with a generous amount of the cleaner. Then, using a nylon mesh scrubby, gently but firmly wipe the glass using circular motions. This generally removes all spills and brown marks.

Method 3: Use Car Wax

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Krazy Coupon Lady recommends using car wax to protect your cooktop—yes, car wax. Apply wax to the glass with the applicator, then wipe off with paper towels. This coating should help future spills wipe away with a soft cloth.

Your glass stovetop should now be gunk-, goo- and grime-free. It’s time to clean your oven window.