Can I Use Bleach on a Ceramic Glass Stove Top?

Ceramic glass is just what it sounds like: a mixture of ceramic and glass. Desirable for its durability and transparency, it is often used for radiant heat or inductive stove tops. Smooth and glossy, ceramic glass stove tops are easily wiped clean, but care must be taken to use the proper materials when cleaning them.

Bleach and other cleaning agents that contain caustic agents should not be used to clean ceramic glass stove tops, according to the University of Nebraska Extension's website. This is because they can discolor the surface. In fact, one appeal of a ceramic glass stove top is that it can be tinted. Using bleach may ruin the tint of your stove top.

Instead of using bleach, clean your ceramic glass stove top with a soft rag and soap and water. Use a mild liquid soap rather than a detergent. Wipe spills up as soon as they occur or as soon as the surface is cool enough to touch, especially if the food spilled contains sugar. Although ceramic glass does not crack easily, it does scratch easily, and anything abrasive can scratch it. For this reason, do not use any cleaners that contain abrasives.

Dried-on food stains can leave an unattractive, crusty residue on your stove top that is not easily removed with warm, soapy water. For these, use a ceramic glass stove top cleaner. These not only remove tough stains but coat your surface with a thin protective layer. If the residue is especially stubborn, use the cleaner along with a non-abrasive scouring pad. If that still doesn't work, gently chip away at the stain with a straight-edge razor, but be very careful not to scratch the surface.

Keep your ceramic glass stove top as clean as possible by taking some precautions when cooking. Make sure the bottoms of your pans are clean before placing them on the stove. Lift them to move them rather than sliding them over as this can scratch the surface. Do not let food rise up over the edges of your pots and pans and keep the top of the stove clear.