← Back to Blog · Updated 24 August 2026

🧽 How to Clean an Induction Cooktop (The Right Way)

Written & fact-checked by the Induction Cooktop Australia research team, using published manufacturer specifications and Australian retail pricing — see our editorial process.

Induction cooktops are easier to clean than gas, since there are no burner grates or drip trays to remove — but the glass surface still needs the right technique to stay scratch-free and streak-free over years of use.

Daily cleaning

1. Wait until the cooktop has fully cooled — check for the residual heat indicator if your model has one.
2. Wipe with a soft microfibre cloth and a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water.
3. Dry with a clean, dry cloth to avoid streaks and water spotting.

Removing burnt-on spills

For sugary spills or burnt-on residue, use a dedicated ceramic/induction cooktop scraper held at a low angle to gently lift the residue without gouging the glass, then wipe clean with a purpose-made cooktop cleaning cream. Never use steel wool, abrasive scouring pads, or general-purpose kitchen cleaners containing bleach or ammonia, which can dull or damage the glass finish over time.

What to avoid

• Abrasive sponges or scouring pads of any kind
• Cleaning while the surface is still warm to the touch
• Letting sugary spills sit for an extended period — they can pit or etch the glass if left too long, especially while hot
• Dragging cookware with rough, damaged, or gritty bases across the surface

Weekly maintenance

Once a week, use a proper ceramic cooktop cleaning cream to remove light limescale and restore shine — most Australian supermarkets and hardware stores stock a suitable product, or you can find a dedicated cooktop cleaning kit on Amazon AU.

Protecting the surface long-term

Always lift, rather than slide, heavy cookware onto and across the cooktop, and periodically check pan bases for grit or rough spots that could scratch the glass over repeated use. With a consistent routine, a quality induction cooktop's glass surface can look close to new for a decade or more, well past the appliance's typical service life.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use vinegar to clean an induction cooktop?

Diluted vinegar can help with light mineral deposits occasionally, but avoid frequent use, since its acidity can dull the glass finish over time — a dedicated ceramic cooktop cream is the safer everyday choice.

Why does my induction cooktop look cloudy after cleaning?

Cloudiness is usually from cleaning-product residue or hard-water spotting rather than damage — a final wipe with a dry microfibre cloth after cleaning, and switching to a purpose-made cooktop cream, usually resolves it.

Is it safe to use a magnetic cooktop cover or protector?

Purpose-made induction-compatible covers exist and are fine for storage protection, but always remove any cover before cooking — never place cookware over a cover during use.