Not only are ceramic hobs sleek and elegant to look at, they are also known for being easy to clean. Unlike gas hobs that have many parts, maintaining the pristine look of your ceramic hob doesn't have to be a chore. In fact, it is quite straightforward and can be done in little to no time. The key is knowing how and when to clean it in order to prolong the hob’s lifespan and keep it looking great for many years to come.

How to effectively clean a ceramic hob: A step-by-step guide

Although cleaning a ceramic hob is a simple job, it does require the right tools as the ceramic surface can be easily scratched and damaged. Let’s see the step-by-step process of how to clean a ceramic hob effectively.

What you need:

• Ceramic hob cleaner like the Care+Protect Universal Induction and Vitroceramic Hob Cleaner
• Soft towels or microfibre cloths
• Non abrasive sponge
• Hob scraper like the Care+Protect Professional Ceramic Hob Scraper
• White vinegar (optional)
• Baking soda (optional)

Tip: It’s very important to use only non-abrasive tools and cleaners. When choosing a cleaner, make sure that it is specially designed for ceramic hobs like the Care+Protect Universal Induction and Vitroceramic Hob Cleaner.

Step 1: Prepare the ceramic hob

Before starting, make sure that the hob is turned off and is cool to the touch. Wipe away any loose debris and crumbs with a dry cloth. This initial step is important as it removes all debris that could possibly scratch the hob’s surface.

Step 2: Shake and spray the ceramic hob cleaner onto the surface of the hob

Leave for about 5 minutes for the rapid action cleaner to remove grease and stains. Gently wipe away the dirt with a cloth or non abrasive sponge and dry the surface of the hob. Presto! Your hob is shiny, clean and good as new!

Step 3: If there are some really stubborn areas, get out the Care+Protect Professional Glass and Ceramic Hob Scraper.

This tool is perfect for scraping any remaining food debris or burnt areas. Hold the scraper at a 45-degree angle for the best leverage. The professional blades of the Care+Protect Hob Scraper are stainless steel which gently lift stains and caked-on foods without scratching or damaging the hob’s surface. You’ll always be ready to scrape away with this hob scraper as it has interchangeable blades. Once one of the blades is dull you can simply swap it out with another one.

Why should I use products designed for ceramic hobs?

A specialised hob cleaner is the ideal solution for cleaning a ceramic hob because not only do you guarantee that it’s safe to use, the expert formula gently removes stains and grease without excessive scrubbing and scouring (which over time can also damage the hob!).

And what’s more, the professional formula of the Care+Protect Universal Induction and Vitroceramic Hob Cleaner was tailor-made to provide a long-lasting shine, improving the appearance of the hob and even protecting the surface against future caked-on messes. Say goodbye to water marks and streaks!

If you want to avoid crying over a scratched hob (and we all do), you should never scrape your hob with anything other than a specially designed hob scraper. Professional hob scrapers are a must-have tool for ceramic hob owners. Other tools can and will scuff and mark your hob.

Can I use baking soda and vinegar on my ceramic hob?

Even though hob cleaners are the best solution for cleaning ceramic hobs, there may be times when you’re in a pinch or simply have run out of hob cleaner! While you wait for the next delivery, baking soda and vinegar can be helpful allies.

Create a baking soda paste with some baking soda and a small amount of water. Cover any spots or stains with the paste. Using a spray bottle or simply pour a small amount of vinegar onto the spot and wait for the chemical reaction to stop. The mixture of baking soda and vinegar creates carbon dioxide bubbles which help to lift stains and charred grease. Then wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth and dry.

How often should I Clean my Ceramic Hob?

The best way to keep your ceramic hob squeaky clean is to wipe it down after every use. But, well, life happens. So, try to clean it at least once a week to avoid an excess of burnt-on food and charred messes that make cleaning more difficult.

Preventative measures

To protect your ceramic hob for many years to come, here are some tips to prevent damage:

• Wipe down daily: Spills and splatters won’t become stains if you wipe them immediately after they happen.
• Use cookware with flat bottoms: Cookware with a rigid or textured bottom is more likely to cause scratches on your ceramic hob than cookware with flat, smooth bottoms.
• Avoid dragging cookware: Likewise, try to avoid dragging your cookware across the hob as this can also lead to scratches. Try to always lift cookware when moving it to a different burner or taking it off the hob.
• Use lids when cooking: Lids can prevent the spilling and splashes. But be careful when using lids as contents may boil over and stain the hob.
• Be careful when using oils and fats: When frying or cooking with oils and fats, be mindful not to create too much splatter. Splatter guards can also be an effective way to make sure you don’t cover your hob in grease.

Conclusion

With their smooth, shiny and sensitive surfaces, ceramic hobs are one of the main characters of your kitchen. For this reason, the proper care of a ceramic hob is essential for prolonging its lifespan, functionality and aesthetics. Using the wrong tools and products can lead to irreversible scratches and damage while using specialised tools and products, like those offered by Care+Protect, can save you a lot of time and energy while also guaranteeing a beautiful shine, all the time.