How to clean an induction or glass-ceramic hob without scratches
Burnt-on spills, limescale rings and scratches spoil a glass hob. A safe, simple routine for induction and ceramic hobs in Spanish homes and holiday rentals.
· 2 min read
Why glass hobs are easy to ruin
Most modern Spanish kitchens have a vitrocerámica (glass-ceramic) or induction hob. The surface looks tough, but it scratches and stains if it is cleaned with the wrong products.
The usual culprits are scouring pads, abrasive powders and sugar or milk that is left to burn on. In areas with hard water, such as much of the Costa del Sol, limescale rings add a cloudy film on top.
The everyday routine
Always wait until the hob is completely cool, and check that the residual-heat light is off. Wipe off crumbs and splashes with a damp microfibre cloth and a drop of washing-up liquid, then dry with a clean cloth so no streaks remain.
Doing this after each use takes a minute and stops spills from baking on the next time you cook.
Burnt-on food and sugar
For stubborn marks, use a dedicated glass-hob cleaner, applied with a soft cloth following the label. Then lift the residue with a hob scraper held at a shallow angle, using a new blade and gentle pressure.
Melted sugar and plastic are special cases: check your hob's manual, as many manufacturers advise scraping them off while the surface is still warm, using oven gloves. If you are unsure, leave it until cool and scrape carefully.
Limescale and cloudy rings
A little white vinegar on a cloth can dissolve limescale marks. Leave it for a minute, wipe, rinse with a damp cloth and dry. Do not let vinegar sit for long on the rubber or silicone seals around the edge.
Never slide pans across the glass. Lift them, and keep pan bases clean and dry, since gritty or wet bases leave scratches and rings. Induction hobs also need flat-bottomed pans in contact with the surface to work well.
In holiday rentals and busy kitchens
In a rental, guests rarely know how to care for a glass hob, so a clear note beside it helps: use the cloth provided, no scourers, cool before cleaning. Check it at every changeover for scratches and limescale.
Lavanda includes the hob, extractor and kitchen surfaces in its regular and deep cleans, working with gentle products suited to each material, so your kitchen stays in good condition.
