Your Favorite Cleaning Products Might Be Ruining Your Glass Stovetop

If your glass stovetop has started to look dull, cloudy, or perpetually streaked, the culprit might not be your cooking skills (read: frequent splashes and splatters) at all. It could be your cleaner. “Many everyday cleaners, especially those made for heavy-duty degreasing, can actually dull a glass cooktop,” explains Samantha Shpeen, chief home officer at sustainable cleaning brand Cleancult.

It’s an easy mistake to make. After all, the stovetop is one of the hardest-working surfaces in the kitchen, so when grease splatters and burnt-on residue appear, our first instinct is to reach for a strong cleaning solution. But as Shpeen points out, stronger isn’t always better—especially when it comes to glass stovetops.

Why Your Go-To Cleaners Can Do More Harm Than Good

Beneath the glossy surface of glass stovetops lies tempered glass, coated with a fine protective layer designed to withstand high heat and make cleanup easier. The catch? That coating is vulnerable to friction and harsh chemicals. “Glass cooktops may look sturdy, but they’re made of tempered glass with a smooth coating that can easily etch or scratch,” Shpeen explains. “Abrasives work by friction, which wears away that protective layer, while acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice can weaken the sealant that gives glass its shine.” 

Yes, even household staples that seem harmless can cause damage when misused. Baking soda, for instance, is often praised as a gentle, natural scrub—but it’s not foolproof. “Even baking soda, if used dry or without enough moisture, can leave micro-scratches that catch the light and make the surface look hazy,” Shpeen says.

The Ingredients to Avoid on Glass Stovetops

If your stovetop is starting to look less than pristine, take a closer look at your cleaning lineup. Shpeen recommends avoiding:

• Chlorine bleach
• Ammonia-based sprays
• Heavy-duty degreasers
• Gritty powders or scouring creams
• Scrubbing pads, steel wool, and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
• Acidic cleansers, like lemon juice and vinegar

When in doubt, check the label for terms like abrasive, solvent-based, or degreaser—these are red flags for delicate surfaces.

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A glass cooktop doesn’t require much to stay spotless—just the right combination of gentle ingredients and technique.

“Start with a soft microfiber cloth and a mild, all-purpose cleaner,” says Shpeen. “Spray lightly, let it sit for 30 seconds to loosen buildup, then wipe clean in circular motions.” Those few seconds of soak time make all the difference, allowing the cleanser to lift residue instead of relying on elbow grease. “For stubborn spots, a damp cloth with a little baking soda paste (baking soda mixed with water) can help,” Shpeen adds, “but always rinse thoroughly and avoid pressure.” (And again, do not use dry baking powder.)

For a go-to glass stovetop cleanser, Shpeen recommends looking for gentle surfactants derived from plants like coconuts, pH-balanced formulas, and mild degreasers that rinse clean. “These ingredients lift residue without leaving streaks or film,” Shpeen notes.

All in all, to keep a glass stovetop as beautiful as it is functional, skip the harsh chemicals and scouring pads. Instead, reach for products designed to lift, not scrape, residue away. "A balanced, pH-neutral cleaner cuts grease without damaging delicate finishes like glass," Shpeen reminds. Invest in a quality one to better protect your (much more expensive) stovetop investment.