How to clean an induction cooktop
The smooth surface of induction cooktops is simple to clean, which means you can streamline your cleaning routine and spend more time at the dinner table with your family. Learn more about how to clean your induction cooktop and the suitable cleaners that will help keep your kitchen tidy and mess-free.
What is the best cleaner for induction cooktops?
Suitable cleaners for induction cooktops are dish soap, a baking soda and vinegar mixture, or a specialized cooktop cleaner. To properly care for your appliance, it’s important to use nonabrasive cleaners and tools that keep it free from grime.
What cleaners are safe to use on glass induction cooktops?
Dish soap, baking soda, vinegar and other gentle cleaners, as well as soft cloths and designated scraping tools, are usually safe to use on your glass induction cooktop.
The Whirlpool® scraping tool is made specifically for cleaning induction cooktops. If your cooktop has burned-on food or other stains, this tool with a retractable blade can help remove the spots without damaging the appliance. Always refer to your owner’s manual for more details on what is safe to use on your induction cooktop.
What to avoid when cleaning glass induction cooktops
Abrasive scrubbing pads like steel wool are not safe to use on glass induction cooktops. If you’re noticing scratches or white marks on your induction cooktop, it could be that you’re using the wrong tools and cleaning supplies.
Hard water, abrasive cleaning agents, steel wool and hard scrubbing tools can damage your cooktop, so try not to use these when cleaning.
How often should you clean an induction cooktop?
Wiping down your cooktop after each use can help keep it looking and working its best. Simply wait until the cooktop has completely cooled, then use a soft, wet towel to wipe down the cooktop surface. For daily, light messes, you may not need to use a scraper.
For heavier messes, see the induction cooktop cleaning instructions below.
Cleaning an induction cooktop: A step-by-step guide
The smooth glass ceramic surface of an induction cooktop can help streamline your cleaning process. There’s no need to spend time scrubbing away at drip pans or cooktop crevices—glass induction cooktops can help make post-mealtime more enjoyable by saving you time and energy during cleanup with these simple steps.
If you own a stainless cooktop, refer to this guide on how to clean a stainless steel cooktop for optimal results.
What you’ll need
Before you tackle your kitchen’s everyday messes, gather the tools and supplies you’ll need to clean your induction cooktop.
Tools & Supplies
Cooktop scraping tool
Nonabrasive scrubbing pad
Dry cloth towel or microfiber cloth
Safe cooktop cleaning solution or baking soda and vinegar
1. Scrape your cooktop
After you’ve waited for your cooktop to cool down, use a safe induction cooktop scraping tool such as this one from Whirlpool brand, to remove leftover residues. Keep your scraper as flat as possible against the surface so that you don’t risk scratching and damaging your cooktop.
Cleaning tip
When cleaning your induction cooktop, make sure to allow your cooktop to cool down until it is warm, but not hot to the touch. This makes cleaning up residues easier, as they break down faster. Many induction cooktops have lights that indicate if a surface is still hot.
2. Clean your cooktop surface
Once your cooktop cools entirely and is no longer warm, add a cleaning solution to your induction cooktop surface. Let the solution rest for at least 10 minutes, or according to product instructions, before you wipe down your cooktop surface with a cloth kitchen towel.
3. Polish your induction cooktop
Use a nonabrasive scrubbing pad or soft, dry cloth to wipe away the remaining amount of your chosen cleaner. Finalize this step by buffing your cooktop with a dry towel or microfiber cloth.
4. Repeat cleaning as needed
If you notice some remaining bits of burnt-on residue, simply repeat these steps until your cooktop begins to shine.
Step 1: Scrape your cooktop
Step 2: Clean your cooktop surface
- Step 3: Polish your induction cooktop
Shop Whirlpool® Induction Cooktops with Quick Clean Up
Whirlpool® Induction Cooktops feature Quick Clean Up, which helps make post-dinner chores a breeze. Induction technology keeps the cooktop surrounding the elements cool, helping prevent baked-on messes. With fewer messes, you can clean the touch-activated controls on the cooktop as easily as you use them.
Induction cooktop cleaning tips
Induction cooktops are designed for easy cleaning, but having a few extra tips in your back pocket can help keep your cooktop glistening. Read on for more information about when to wipe your cooktop, which cleaning agents to avoid and how to remove hard water.
Wipe down after each use: Induction cooktops heat the pan, rather than the cooktop itself, so you don’t have to worry about messes baking onto the surface as you cook. Without baked-on messes to worry about, wiping down splatters or spills after each use can be quick and easy.
Know your cleaning agents: You know that scrubbing pads and steel wool can damage your cooktop, but harsh cleaners can also wear it down. Harsh cleaning agents include products like liquid bleach, rust remover, ammonia and abrasive powder cleansers.
- Remove hard water: White hard water stains can build up on your cooktop and make it look dirty, even when you know it has been cleaned. Help get rid of staining by applying vinegar to a dry cloth, then wiping it on the cooktop surface. Wait several minutes, then gently work the stains out of the cooktop with the same cloth. Then, wipe the area with a clean cloth and distilled water or a cooktop cleaning solution.
Whirlpool® Induction Cooktops
Get responsive temperature control
Induction Cooktops from Whirlpool brand offer fast cooking and responsive temperatures, paired with a sleek, easy-to-clean surface
How do you clean tough stains on induction cooktops?
Extra tough cooktop stains may require a bit more time to wipe away, but the right cleaning agents and tools can go a long way. First, while the cooktop is warm (but not hot) to the touch, hold a cooktop scraper as flat as possible and remove any loose grease and residue.
Next, combine vinegar and baking soda to create a mixture to spray on any remaining buildup. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. When the residue has softened, use the scraper again to scrape away lingering buildup.
Shop Whirlpool® Induction Cooktops and Ranges
Induction cooktops from Whirlpool brand help streamline your cooking routine with convenient features. Assisted Boil on select models notifies you with a helpful tone and flashing light when boiling water reaches the right temperature to add food,1 helping you make the most of your time. And, when you’re ready to reduce that boil to a simmer, use the Simmer feature—also available on select models—to help maintain the right temperature.
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1. Requires an accessory pot, part number W11463464, sold separately.
