The kitchen experienced a revolution in the 90s with the emergence of the ceramic hob, an alternative to traditional stoves. And shortly after, induction technology arrived, which, unlike the first, generates heat instantly. Since then, these cooking systems have become increasingly popular in homes. Among its advantages is cleanliness. But do we know how to properly clean the ceramic hob.
Keeping the ceramic hob clean is more important than it seems and not just for aesthetic reasons. Dirt is a source of bad odors and even a source of infections. Fortunately, leaving the kitchen spotless is a really simple task.
Of course, you have to be careful when cleaning this type of kitchen, taking into account that it is a glass surface that can be easily scratched.
Before starting to remove food remains from the ceramic hob, whether induction or not, you should check that the system is turned off and the glass is cold. Although it may seem easier to get rid of the dirt when the plate is still hot, manufacturers completely advise against it.
The best trick that experts recommend is daily cleaning to prevent dirt from sticking and becoming embedded. Always avoid abrasive products such as bleach or ammonia, as well as green or metal scouring pads. If the plate has any stainless steel elements, you should not use chlorine products either, as these could corrode those parts.
The first step is to gently wipe a damp cloth (preferably microfiber) over the surface. In this way, we will remove soft and small food remains, while the hardest stains will be more visible and somewhat softened.
There are specific cleaning products to remove food or grease residues adhered to the plate. Its use is simple: apply a spray of the product on the stain, rub the dirt with a cloth, leave it to act for a few minutes and remove it with a damp cloth. Finally, it should always be dried with a dry cloth or paper.
If we don’t have a supermarket product on hand, we can always use other ingredients. One of the most effective home methods is the well-known combination of baking soda and white vinegar: create a paste by mixing a little of both ingredients and apply it to the stain, letting it act for a few minutes before removing it with a damp cloth.
A trick to remove those stains that could not be removed is to apply an ice cube for a few minutes. The cold softens the dirt and it will be easier to remove it.
If our ceramic hob has developed stubborn stains that we have not been able to remove with the first two steps, it is time to use the scraper. After completing steps 1 and 2, we will use said utensil equipped with a blade, tilting it at an angle of about 30 degrees. The scraper must be used with care not to scratch the glass surface. Finally, we wipe it with a damp cloth to remove the cleaning product and food remains.
All that remains is to dry the plate with a cloth or kitchen paper to prevent limescale from appearing and to keep the surface shiny.
Homemade trick to shine the plate: prepare a mixture of vinegar and water in a small container, with which we will then soak a cloth. We then apply the solution over the entire surface and then rinse.
With the daily use of a ceramic hob and especially if proper daily cleaning is not carried out, a burnt ring ends up forming around the fire that is very difficult to remove. For these cases, the manufacturer Teka provides a homemade trick: create “a paste with 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 10 cl. of water.” Next, spread the paste over the burned surface and then add a little vinegar. It must be left on for 5 minutes and cleaned with a damp cloth.
The brand proposes another home remedy, this time to treat scratched parts of the ceramic hob. It involves putting toothpaste on a cloth and applying it directly to the scratched area with circular movements. You must try to ensure that the paste is well distributed and, once you have wiped it with another damp cloth, make sure that there are no remains that could burn when the hob is turned on.