The main advantage vitroceramic and induction share is they are theoretically easier to clean than the old gas cooktops. But this theoretically advantage may become a disadvantage because, although they are easier to clean, they are also more delicate and can be easily damaged if they are not properly cleaned with the appropriate cleaning products.
Everything is so nice and easy in TV commercials
If our life were a TV commercial we would use a vitroceramic cleaning product to easily and happily clean our already shinny and clean cooktop. We shouldn’t have to scrub, because in our perfect TV commercial life we could cook almost without splashing and we would have plenty of time to remove stain before it became burned or dry.
Unfortunately reality is quite different. Even though we are focused and careful, there are some small details than can slowly damage our vitroceramic or induction surface, such as oil and food splashes, marks made by cooking utensils or accumulated dust and grease for example.
Good news is almost all these damages are not permanent. You can easily recover the original appearance of your cooktop with some patience and the appropriate tricks.
1. Stop cleaning your cooktop with washing-up liquid
You started using it that day you ran out of vitroceramic cleaner because “It’s OK if I do it just one time”. Nothing happened so you kept on doing it because you found it very practical and cheaper. But this has slowly damaging your cooktop making it loose brightness. Don’t do it again. You must use a vitroceramic cleaner and a wet clean sponge or pad. Once cleaned, dry it gently with paper towel because moisture is not good for vitroceramic and induction cooktops.
2. Remember you must wait until it is cold
Although temptation is big because you never have time for anything and cleaning it when it is hot will save you some precious time, don’t do it. You could scratch it or leave it worse than it was before.
3. Your cooktop is not a countertop
Even though you have a small kitchen, don’t place things on the cooktop, especially those that could scratch it, such as knives or flatware. Neither use it to cut food –even if you use a cutting board-, to create the final presentation of your dishes or for cold preparations.
4. Cook carefully
Never move or shake pans while they are in contact with the vitroceramic or induction glass because any food rest in the surface could damage or scratch the cooktop.
5. Metal and sharp utensils, scourers or any abrasive material or detergent is completely forbidden
You can use them for other purposes but never in your cooktop nor in your pan! If you are fighting against hard stains, the following are some harmless alternatives you can use.
Tricks to remove the hardest stains
1. Let the vitroceramic cleaner do its job
Spread the cleaner all along the glass and wait 10 minutes before cleaning.
2. Use a vitroceramic scraper
You can remove rests with these scrapers. Although you may think they are going to scratch the surface, they have been developed with this purpose and will help you a lot with the hardest stains.
3. Use a lemon
Spread some lemon juice on the hardest stains to soften. Lemon acidity won’t damage the glass but will make easier to remove them.
4. Vinegar is also permitted
Warm it just a little bit, spread it on the glass, wait some minutes and clean normally. This will also help you recover the original brightness of your cooktop. If stains are still there, make a pastry with some vinegar and bicarbonate, apply on the stain with a sponge or wipe and then rinse it with a wet wipe.
5. The Pierre Verte cleaner
Don’t be afraid to use this universal natural cleaner in your vitroceramic or induction cooktop to remove the hardest stains. We always recommend this product to our customers.
After reading all these stuff you may think owning a vitroceramic or induction cooktop takes hard work and lots of worries. Yes, vitroceramic and induction cooktops are easier to clean than gas hobs, but they require you to be careful to remain shiny and beautiful as the first day during years of service. For this reason we recommend you to do some research about the advantages and inconveniences of the main cooktop systems before making your choice.
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INSTRUCTION MANUALS ARE BORING. I NEVER READ THEM. ALUMINIUM COOKWARE CARE SECRETS.