Grime and dirt of this sort is not just an eyesore, it can reduce the efficacy of your hob and if it is allowed to accumulate, then it will pose a fire risk. It is therefore essential to regularly clean the surface of your hob. The way in which this task should be carried out will depend on the sort of hob you are cleaning. They come in a range of different styles and forms, each of which demands a slightly different approach.
How To Clean A Ceramic Glass Hob
Ceramic hobs are made from a type of soft glass which conducts heat from a metal filament beneath, up into the pan. Spillages are easily cleaned from ceramic hobs, provided that they are caught before they are allowed to dry. To clean them, just use a damp cloth to wipe the hob down, preferably while the hob is still slightly warm.
For baked on stains, this will not be sufficient. You will want to use a specialist hob cleaning solution that will leave a protective layer for the glass after you are done. This will not only clean up existing stains, but it will make it much easier to wipe up any spillages that are created in the future. Naturally, you should never use abrasive cleaning implements like wire wool to remove stains from a ceramic hob. You will scratch the glass and irreversibly damage it.
How To Clean Electric Hob Plates
A traditional electric hob plate is made from solid metal. To clean one you can use a chemical cleaner, some lukewarm water and a sponge. Be sure to put on rubber gloves before you get started as chemical cleaners can cause severe irritation, and often significant damage to the skin.
If there are burned stains, you will need to leave the cleaner for a few moments to do its work lifting the grime so that you can easily wipe it away. Use a sponge to gently rub the solution from the hob. It is better to do this several times than to overzealously scrub away at the stain. Do not allow foamy water to dry on the plate, you need to keep wiping until all of the grime is removed, regularly re-dipping your sponge into a bucket of warm water.
Most electric hob plates can be removed from the surrounding hob so they can be submerged in your sink for easy washing.
How To Clean An Induction Hob
Rather than heating the surface of the hob itself, an induction hob will create heat directly within a pan using electromagnets, which cause vibrations in the metal of the pan at a molecular level. This is how it generates heat.
Since an induction hob only heats the pan itself, if anything spills onto the hob, you will not need to worry about it burning and hardening onto the surface.
This means that you will not need to use strong cleaning materials to get rid of stains, just get a spray bottle of water or a simple kitchen surface cleaner. Start by removing any loose dirt and visible remnants of food, then run a soft warm damp cloth across the surface of the hob. A kitchen spray that is designed to lift grease is most preferred. For extra shine, rub some white vinegar into the surface. The acid will help remove any lingering imperfections and create that all important glossy effect. Finally, buff until you are satisfied with the finish.
How To Clean A Stainless Steel Hob
The go to product when cleaning a stainless steel hob is bicarbonate of soda. This will gently lift stains from the surface of the steel, allowing it to be easily wiped away. The only downside is that it will also sometimes remove dial markings. It is therefore best reserved for stubborn areas. Apply a little bit of bicarbonate to a damp cloth and gently rub at the stain. It should lift away easily.
While acidic substances like vinegar might help get the best from glass, they will corrode the surface of a metal hob.
To achieve a gleaming polished finish on a stainless steel hob, you will want to apply a coat of oil. Baby oil works brilliantly. Just take a little bit onto your kitchen roll, and rub it across the surface of the hob. This will not only get rid of any fingerprints, but it will provide a protective coating for your hob, ensuring that future stains are more easily swept away.
How To Clean Gas Hob Burners
When you are cleaning a glass hob, it is essential that you keep the area around the burner itself clear. Food which falls here will become burned on very quickly and should be removed as soon as possible.
Most gas hob burners come with an aluminium base, which should be cleaned by soaking it with warm water. You might be able to get away with wire wool to remove some of the more persistent grime, but be sure to check the manual for your hob first.
The burner lids themselves are usually made from ceramics. You can remove these one by one and soak them in warm, soapy water. Some gas hob burners also come with a coat around the edge of the burner, which can be washed the same way.
Naturally, it is also worth cleaning the rack which holds your pans above the burners. Do this in the sink with a scouring sponge. Since these racks are so thin they stand a good chance of avoiding most spills, but regular attention should ensure that they remain in great condition.
Check Out Our Hobs
View our complete range of Induction, Ceramic, Electric and Gas Hobs here. We also offer a great collection of ovens too.
Looking for advice? Try our handy guides on all things hob related:
