If you have ever cleaned a stove that has traditional electrical burners and drip pans, you know what a dreaded chore it can be. Today, stoves with flat glass or ceramic cooking tops have made cleaning a lot easier, but they come with a whole new set of unique cleaning problems. While glass or smooth top stoves do not have drip pans that need to be scrubbed with steel wool pads, they do have some stains that need to be removed. Check out these tips for helping you keep your smooth glass or ceramic stove top looking like the day it was new.

Smooth Stove Tops Are Susceptible To Scratches And Pits

Being careful about the type of cleansers you use on your ceramic or glass stove top is important to avoid scratching it or causing tiny pits to form in its surface. Using only a soft towel or cloth to clean your stove top is also important to avoid scratching it. Choosing cleaners that are specially formulated for your stove top is a good idea. However, if you do not have any stove cleanser on hand, you can use a mixture of baking soda, a soft microfiber towel and dish detergent for getting the same results.

• Pour a few drops of dish detergent into a bowl and add hot water.

• Set aside the bowl of warm, sudsy water and sprinkle baking soda over your stove top, especially on areas there are blemishes like black marks.

• Be sure you have removed any food particles on your stove top before covering it with baking soda.

• Soak your towel in the hot water and soda, wring it out and lay it over the baking soda on your stove top. If you are trying to remove stain or spots on the entire area of your stove top, remember to choose a towel that will cover the entire area.

• Leave the damp towel on the baking soda for about half an hour, usually enough time to remove the most stubborn stains.

• Lightly scrub the stove top in a circular motion after it has set. Baking soda will absorb the stains, making them easier to remove.

• Use a dry microfiber towel to clean away left over baking soda after you have cleaned the stove top.

Once you have cleaned away the baking soda from your stove top, it is safe to use a window cleaner for increasing its shine.

Be Careful About The Pots And Pans You Use

To avoid scratching your clean and shining glass or ceramic stove top, being careful about the kinds of pots and pans you use on it is important. Many manufacturers recommend not using cast iron skillets or pots because their bottom surfaces are sometimes not smooth, leaving the chance of scratching into your stove's surface. For being on the safe side, choose cookware that is coated and has a smooth bottom.

The look of a clean, smooth glass top strove can add a heightened feel of modern design to your kitchen. Taking care to maintain your stove's appearance is important to keep it in line with your kitchen design.