How to Clean a Hob and Make It Shine
A sparkling hob is the heart of a clean kitchen, but getting it that way can feel like a battle against stubborn spills and burnt-on food. The secret isn't scrubbing harder; it's using the right method for your specific hob type—whether it's gas, ceramic, or induction. The golden rule? Always work on a cool surface.
Why a Clean Hob Matters
Keeping your hob clean goes beyond aesthetics. It’s a matter of safety and performance. A build-up of grease and food residue can block gas jets, leading to uneven flames and inefficient cooking. On electric hobs, that same grime can damage the elements over time. It’s no surprise that maintaining a clean home is a huge priority, with the UK's professional cleaning sector valued at a massive £66.9 billion, as detailed in these UK cleaning industry statistics and trends on PolicyBee.co.uk. This guide will walk you through the practical steps to get any hob looking its best and working perfectly.
Cleaning Glass Ceramic and Induction Hobs
Modern glass hobs look incredible, but they are notorious for showing every smudge and spill. The secret to keeping them looking brand new is knowing how to clean them without causing damage. The first and most important rule: always make sure the surface is completely cool. Cleaning a warm hob can cause permanent marks.
For stubborn, burnt-on food, use a hob scraper. Hold it at a low angle—about 30 degrees—to gently lift residue without scratching the glass. For everyday grime, a simple paste of bicarbonate of soda and water works wonders. Apply it to the affected areas, leave it for 15 minutes, and wipe it away with a soft cloth.
To get a perfect, showroom finish, use a specialist cream cleaner. Apply it with one microfibre cloth and buff it off with a second, dry one. This two-cloth method is key to preventing streaks.
It's easy to accidentally lock your hob while cleaning. If this happens, our guide on how to unlock your induction hob will get it sorted in no time.
Tackling Tough Grime on Gas Hobs
Gas hobs might look complex to clean, but it's straightforward. They require some disassembly, but don't let that put you off.
First, make sure the hob is completely cool. Then, lift off the pan supports and burner caps and pop them into a sink of hot, soapy water. This lets them soak and loosens baked-on grease while you work on the main surface.
Use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe down the hob itself, being careful to avoid getting liquid inside the gas jets. If you've noticed an uneven flame, a blocked jet is often the culprit. Use a pin or needle to gently clear any debris from the holes. While cleaning, it's always good to refresh your memory on essential gas safety tips.
Before reassembling, it is absolutely crucial that every component is bone dry. From pan supports to burner caps, everything needs to be completely dry to prevent rust and ensure safe operation.
Getting to Grips with Solid Plate and Electric Coil Hobs
Classic electric hobs with solid plates or coils are built to last, but they need specific care to prevent rust or damage. The right cleaning technique is the secret to their long life. Before you start, ensure the hob is switched off at the mains and is completely cold.
Tackling Rusty Spots
If rust appears on the solid plates, gently buff these spots away using fine-grade steel wool. Once the rust is gone, wipe the area to remove any debris. To protect them, apply a tiny amount of cooking oil to a cloth and wipe it over the plate. Gently heat the plate for a minute to re-season the surface and create a barrier against future rust.
Cleaning Electric Coils and Drip Pans
For hobs with electric coils, you can often carefully lift the coils out. This gives you full access to the drip pans underneath, which can be washed in hot, soapy water. Be incredibly careful not to get any electrical connections wet.
A crucial final step: ensure every part—coils, plates, and drip pans—is 100% dry before you reassemble. Moisture is the number one enemy, as it can lead to rust and electrical faults.
Effective Natural Cleaning Solutions
You might be surprised to find powerful, eco-friendly cleaners already in your cupboards. Bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice can cut through grease and grime just as well as many store-bought products. With labour shortages affecting the UK’s cleaning industry, reliable DIY methods are more valuable than ever, a trend highlighted in the surprising 2025 UK cleaning statistics at Janiking.co.uk.
A simple paste of bicarbonate of soda and water is fantastic for lifting burnt-on food. Apply it to tough spots, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and scrub it away. For a streak-free shine on glass hobs, a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle is unbeatable.
When Your Hob Needs Professional Care
Sometimes, even with elbow grease, you're fighting a losing battle against baked-on grime. Calling in a professional can save you time and frustration, especially for an important end-of-tenancy clean.
But what if the problem is more than just dirt? If your hob is malfunctioning—a burner won't ignite or the temperature is erratic—a deep clean won't fix it. For reliable hob repairs and servicing, our specialists are on hand to diagnose and fix the issue, getting your kitchen back in working order.
Your Common Hob Cleaning Questions Answered
We get a lot of questions about hob cleaning, so here are quick answers to the most common ones.
How Often Should I Deep Clean My Hob?
A quick wipe-down after every use is the best habit to prevent grease build-up. For a proper deep clean, aim for once a week, especially if you cook a lot with oil or have frequent spillovers. This routine is your best defence against stubborn, burnt-on stains.
What's the Best Way to Remove Burnt-On Food?
This depends on your hob type. For glass hobs, a dedicated hob scraper is a game-changer. Hold it at a low angle to avoid scratches. On other hob types, a thick paste of bicarbonate of soda and water works wonders. Apply it to the burnt area, let it sit for about 20 minutes, and then gently scrub it away with a non-abrasive sponge.
If you're looking for more detailed solutions, check out our comprehensive guide covering even more hob cleaning FAQs.
