How to Prevent Scratches On An Induction Cooktop

Nobody can downgrade the amount of comfort that comes along with an induction cooktop. The comfort and posh look a new Induction cooktop adds to your apartment. Until one day you boil milk and it spills on your induction stove. And while cleaning you observe some scratches on your new stove. 

Do Induction Cooktop Scratch? The answer is yes, and it ruins its appearance. This also applies to radiant electric smoothtops besides the advanced induction-based counterparts.

This scenario is a nightmare for most of the customers, and here are some useful tips on how to prevent scratches on an induction cooktop. While an induction cooktop protector may be the answer for many people, there are many other ways to prevent scratches or your induction cooktop or range.

How Do I Keep My Induction Cooktop From Scratching?

Induction cooktops are sturdy, but even the best one gets scratched. So you might wonder about how to prevent scratches on the induction cooktop, and we are hoping to help you with this. The most common reason for development of scratches on cooktops is using the wrong type of cookware with them. While you might, at times, get away with using a non-induction cookware on an induction smoothtop with the help of some workaround; this may, in turn, damage the look of your cooktop over the long run. We recommend only using apt cookware on radiant smoothtops, that are particularly manufactured and approved for this type of use.

In this journey of figuring out how to prevent scratches, you should first sit down and figure out what is causing those scratches in the first place. We have put together a list of probable reasons and suggested some tips to fix those problems.

Many reasons might cause damage to your cooktop. One of them is rough surfaces of pans and surfaces. Your induction transfers electrical energy in the form of heat directly to your pan. Your pan or pot when not handled well can cause scratches on its surfaces. 

These scratches can grow into cracks on the glass-ceramic stovetop if you don’t pay attention to it. 

When dealing with this issue, you should check the lower surface of these utensils. Considering replacing them might be a good option but being careful is another way to go. We highly recommend using lightweight utensils if your cookware is the one causing the damage. Also, these cookware must be induction compatible for optimal efficiency. (Check if cast iron is compatible with induction cooktops and if it harms the cooktop surface).

Another reason for scratches could be sliding the cookware on the surface. We all have been there where we want to get over with the task of cooking and then go back to bed after a long day. In that impatient state, we either thump the utensils on the stovetop or slide it on the surface. 

This thumping causes the scratching, and you might wonder about how do I keep my induction cooktop from scratching? In this case, you have to keep an eye out for mishandling the stove even when you’re tired, and cooking sounds like a headache.

Are you one of those people who cleans when they’re stressed? Do you scrub too hard on the induction surfaces? If yes and you are one of those people who scrubs and cleans like there’s no tomorrow, then we suggest looking into how to clean induction cooktops. 

Harsh scrubbing often leads to big ugly scratches and a better way to handle this is switching to softer cleaning clothes. Any microfibre can get the job done and try not to scrub the surface. 

But do induction cooktops scratch easily and repair is that costly? No, they don’t scratch that easy but require a certain amount of effort in making sure that it stays shiny for decades. 

If you relate to any of these situations, you should take out some time and research on how do you keep your induction cooktop from scratching. This little research will help you in ensuring that your cooktop looks brand-new for a long time. 

What To Do If The Induction Cooktop Has Scratches?

As discussed above, you should determine what is causing those scratches or damage to the cooktop. And stop doing it, of course. Then it would be best if you learned how to clean induction cooktops, as most of the time, scratches are from vigorous cleaning.

To deal with existing scratches, make a combination of Baking soda and water or white vinegar for getting rid of them.

Make a wet solution which is consistent and make sure it has a (1:1) ratio of baking soda and water or baking soda and white vinegar. When the stove is cool, apply this mixture on scratches using the soft side of the sponge. 

Are They Really Scratches?

You can feel the scratches with a finger to determine whether your cooktop is scratched. You may use some fabric to feel this, but feeling with a finger will be more astute. Usually, the surface will be uneven in case of scratches. 

Another way of determining whether they are real scratches is wiping with a damp microfibre cloth. If the scratches go away, then they were nothing but tough water stains. 

Dealing with Scratches on Induction Cooktops 

It is crucial to find out the causative agent for the damage to your cooktops. If it’s cleaning that’s causing the scratches, then you can invest in a good cleansing cream. It would be best if you used soft microfibre cloth for cleaning the cooktops. 

The process of cleaning induction cooktop is tricky and tedious but very easy if the right tools are used for the job. You can also purchase a good quality induction cooktop protector. The protector often referred to as mats act as a perfect conduit between your cookware in this induction.

It protects your induction stove from scratches and scrapes. If you are worried about minor scratches, then they can be buffed away. You should look out for bigger scratches and apply the vinegar-water solution discussed above. 

The solution treats any unwanted minor scratches. It is advisable to make sure that the mixture is wet else it will create more damage to the glass surface.

How To Clean Induction Cooktops? 

If your cooking is a bad sign for your induction, then you should follow these steps on how to prevent scratches on induction cooktop while cleaning. It would be best if you waited for your cooktop to be cool and then use a damp soft textured sponge to clean it.

In case of tough stains, you should pour some cleaning liquid and then rub it gently. Use another clean microfibre cloth to clean the wet cooktop. It would help if you were careful not to put any extra pressure on cooktop than required. 

How To Remove A Boil Over? 

Glass surface in induction cooktops is usually sturdy but also requires great care while handling. It would be best if you used a paper towel to get rid of any debris from the cooktop. You should use lukewarm water for cleaning, some people prefer hot water, but it may cause damage than benefit you in any way. Use a fine and soft textured sponge else you might end up scratching your cooktop. Wipe the surface gently and rub on the pats that contain stains from boil over. So, how do you prevent scratches on Induction Cooktop while rubbing the stains from a boil over? Use a soft cloth or a microfiber cloth to rub the stain from the boil over and ensure that you do not allow the stains to dry.

Can You Clean The Surface When It Is Hot? 

The induction cooktop does not need a flame to look hot; thus, it often gives you a false sense of security. It’s always advisable to clean the cooktop when it cools down, or you might burn yourself.

The only exception is cleaning sugary substances. You should use your oven mittens to clean these at a warm temperature. And even in this scenario, it’s best to wait till it cools down and gently scrape off the food residue at a forty-five-degree angle. It is better to use a scraper meant for glass and ceramic surfaces to avoid any damage to the cooktop.

For really tough stains, use white vinegar. All you’ve to do is dab your cloth in white vinegar and rub the surface. Wipe it with a damp paper towel and finally wipe it again with a fresh towel to remove any residual liquid. If your cooktop includes an integrated downdraft, ensure that no liquid makes it to the venting chute.

Make sure not to put any cleaning liquid on the hot surface, or it might create toxic fumes. Cleaning the glass surface might be tough in the beginning, but you’ll soon get the hook for it. 

Exception To Cleaning A Hot Induction Cooktop

The only exception to cleaning hot induction cooktop is melted plastic or sugar food. These can lead to permanent damage to the glass surface. Thus it’s important to treat it in the nick of time.  

The sugary spill should be removed the induction is hot. It would be best if you use oven mitts while cleaning the hot cooktop. Use a scraper and scrape the spill at a forty-five-degree angle. And use a cleaning cream with soft sponge or cloth to clean the cooktop once it cools down. 

Last but not least, always lift your utensil instead of sliding them as it leads to scratches. And in case you do end up with some, dab it with white vinegar to reduce the scratches. 

With these steps, you can keep your cooktop clean and shiny for a long time. 

How To Make The Induction Cookware Shine?

First and foremost, you should know what materials you are never supposed to use on induction cooktops. These materials include steel wool, abrasive cloth, coarse scrubs, knife or sharp tools, flammable materials, ammonia and chlorine-based bleaching agents. Bleaching is a good cleaning agent but not in the case of cooktops as it will stain the surface permanently.

Now when you’re cleaning your cooktop on a regular basis then use a fine cloth with little cleaning liquid. You can also use a damp towel to wipe and remove any oils or unnecessary food residue. In case of spillovers, wait till the stove cools down and then wipe the surface with a soapy sponge.  

You can also use toothpaste to clean your cooktop in cases of boil overs or spills. You have to put some toothpaste on your finger and rub the affected area with rounded strokes. Use a damp paper towel to wipe the cooktop gently. And we also suggest purchasing a good scraper suited for glass or ceramic surfaces.

While using scraper ensure that you don’t apply any extra pressure than what’s necessary. Try to wipe your induction after every use. Thus with every cleanup, your induction will look brand new. 

If you follow these steps religiously, you can keep your cooktop both clean and scratch-free for decades. 

Conclusion

Induction cooking is the latest cooking technology available today. It provides both comforts of cooking and cleaning while being energy efficient. The only discomfort while using an induction cooktop is the care it needs to prevent scratches.

Looks count as a big advantage for these induction cooktops and little mishandling can ruin it all. Thus you must handle this cooktop mindfully. As with little efforts, you get to enjoy supreme comfort and appeal for decades to come.