Glass cooktops look great when they’re clean, but they show everything. Every spill, every grease splatter, every missed wipe becomes visible almost immediately. Even when I clean regularly, I’ve noticed how quickly that glossy finish can turn dull.
What works best for me isn’t a specialty cleaner or a complicated routine. It’s concentrated dish soap. Used correctly, it cuts through grease without damaging the surface and restores the shine without much effort.
What I use (and why it works)
- Concentrated dish soap
- Soft, non-scratch sponge
- Microfiber cloths (one damp, one dry)
Dish soap is designed to break down oil. That’s exactly what most glass cooktop buildup is. I don’t overthink the brand. Any strong, grease-cutting dish soap does the job.
How I clean my glass cooktop
- Make sure all burners are off and completely cool
- Apply dish soap directly to the surface
- Gently work it in using a soft abrasive sponge
- Wipe away residue with a damp microfiber cloth
- Dry and buff with a clean, dry microfiber cloth
That final drying step is what brings the shine back. If I skip it, streaks are almost guaranteed.
Why dish soap removes grease so effectively
Dish soap contains surfactants with two ends:
- One side bonds to water
- The other bonds to oil
As I scrub, those molecules surround grease and lift it off the glass surface. Once suspended in water, the grease wipes away cleanly instead of smearing around.
This is why dish soap works better than many spray cleaners for everyday cooktop maintenance.
When grease is baked on
If soap alone isn’t enough:
- Start with dish soap to remove surface grease
- Follow with a mild DIY mix like:
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- A small pinch of salt
I never start with abrasive methods. Removing grease first makes everything else easier.
What I avoid using
- Steel wool
- Razor blades for routine cleaning
- Rough scouring pads
Even small scratches make future grease harder to remove and dull the surface over time.
How I keep it looking new
- Wipe the cooktop daily or after heavy cooking
- Don’t let spills cool and harden
- Always dry the surface after cleaning
This isn’t a deep-clean routine. It’s a simple habit that keeps the cooktop looking polished instead of perpetually cloudy. Once I stuck to this method, the glass stopped feeling high-maintenance and started staying shiny on its own.
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