How to clean an induction hob

Start by removing the burnt-on or stubborn mess. For this step, we’ve used a mild abrasive paste cleaner (we used the Pink Stuff but Barkeeper’s Friend is also good), but you could as easily use a gentle cream cleaner, or white vinegar (leave for 30 mins to work). Apply with a soft cloth, or a sponge, and rub gently – too much pressure risks scratching the surface. If you’re not sure that the cleaner you’ve chosen will be suitable, try it on an inconspicuous area first, such as a corner.

Wipe away the cleaner using a wrung-out damp cloth soaked in hot water. The burnt-on debris should wipe away too. If not, it should now be softened, which means you can use a blunt plastic scraper to remove anything left behind. Wipe away any residue.

While your hob’s surface may already be looking sparkling, cream and paste cleaners can sometimes leave smears behind, and may not always remove lingering grease. A kitchen degreaser is an excellent follow-up product for cutting through fatty streaks – as well as a good one to keep on hand for everyday cleaning. Spritz it lightly across the hob – there’s no need to soak the surface in product. 

Wipe the degreaser away with a damp soft cloth – you shouldn’t have to give it a full rinse. We’ve used microfibre cloths to prevent fibres being left behind, but any soft, lint-free cloth will do. Washing-up liquid suds can be used in a pinch too. For a natural alternative, try using half a lemon. Rub it across the hob’s surface and wipe away with a warm, damp cloth. You can use the same method on a glass oven door. Lemon juice can also be used if fresh lemons aren’t to hand.

Your hob is now hygienically clean and mess-free. But for a sparkling finish, you can’t beat glass cleaner – it’s great for bringing back that shiny showroom look, and getting rid of any watermarks or streaks. Lightly spritz over the surface – again, just a few sprays should do the whole hob.

Polish the glass with a soft, dry lint-free cloth – we’ve used a microfibre cloth again. Avoid using paper towels as they’ll leave fibres behind. Again, you can use natural products for this step if you would like to – just mix a solution of two parts warm water and one part white vinegar in a spray bottle and use in place of the glass cleaner. Some recipes for homemade glass cleaners will include drops of essential oils for a pleasant smell, but it’s best to avoid them for this type of cleaning.

Stand back and enjoy your good-as-new looking induction hob. Keep a soft cloth and kitchen degreaser nearby, so you can prevent greasy build-up with a regular clean, once cooled, in future.