While stirring up a dish in the kitchen can be really fun, cleaning the splitter splatter of the curry or the arrabbiata sauce that has boiled over on the hob is definitely not so exciting. Wiping off the hob during the cooking process seems ideal, however, it is rarely a feasible option. The hurry to set up a meal on the table often leads you to forget cleaning the food grime that easily dries up, making it difficult to clean the hob. Dirty, greasy hobs not only age the appliance fast but can also affect your physical health as bacteria often settles on the ingredients that spilt over. 

While maintaining a squeaky cooktop at all times may seem a little difficult, the following simple hob cleaning tips for your kitchen can help you keep its sparkle for a long time, so that you can continue cooking healthy. From electric to steel, different homes call for different styles of hobs, and each one needs to be cleaned in a specific way. These DIY tips will help you understand how to clean the hob in your kitchen easily, whether it is ceramic or electric. 

Cleaning Tips for Electric Hob 

If you are wondering why your electric hob is taking longer to cook than usual, it is because of the food residue that has settled on the hot plate. Conventional electric hobs have hot plates, so owners are usually confused about how to clean them, to be delicate or scrub them to shine. Here are a few tips:

• If your hob has hot plates that are removable, please do remove them. It will make your job easier and also help you get rid of the stains on the surface as well as the plates better. 
• You can use steel or wire wool to clean your hob. But first, try using it in a small area. In case of scratches, stop immediately and switch to a softer cloth or a non-abrasive scrub. 
• A mixture of hot water and lemon juice or baking soda works really well. Wipe it clean in a circular motion to remove the grime easily off the hob. 
• Dry off your hot plates properly after cleaning, as leaving them soaking wet may only harm your hot plates and damage them. If you don’t want your plates to get rusty, try rubbing an extremely thin layer of cooking oil on the surface.

Ceramic Hobs

While ceramic cooking hobs are an aesthetically gorgeous addition to your kitchen, cleaning them can be quite the task as they tend to easily scratch. Though scrapping is considered to be the simplest way to get the grime off your hob, in case of ceramic hobs that isn’t a recommended option. Follow these tips to help you keep it clean and scratch-free.

• Invariably brush off the dried and loose pieces of food first, so you know exactly where the stubborn stains are.
• Ceramic hobs come with their specific cleaning fluid. Always use that to ensure you don’t leave any marks after cleaning the hob. 
• Always use a microfiber cloth, and in case of strong stains, try scrunching a paper and using it to wipe off the grime. It is rough in texture but not rough enough to spoil your hob.  

Steel Hobs

With easy to use knobs and removable pan supports, steel hobs are convenient and come with efficient durability. So, if you own a steel one, read these hob cleaning tips to keep it protected and running for years to come:

• The right way to clean the steel hob is to remove all the parts, from burners to grids and rings and soak them in hot water, before rinsing off the dirt or food deposits. 
• Bicarbonate of soda is a great product for removing stains on a steel hob, as it gently removes them without any hassle. Note that unlike glass hobs that shine, too many acidic ingredients on metal may corrode it. Be vigilant while using these products. 
• To retain the cooker and make it last in your home, never leave residue for a long period, it has the chance of leaving permanent marks on the stainless steel counter.

Induction

With the ability to cook dishes fairly quickly and at excellent safety levels, induction hobs are a common choice in many kitchens nowadays. Though induction hobs are similar to ceramic ones in terms of looks, induction hobs are easier to clean as food stains are less likely to burn on the cooktop. 

Here are some pointers to remember if you have an induction hob at your place:

• The first step is to always make sure the cooktop is cooled down before you start cleaning. 
• In order to protect the surface of your hob avoid using abrasive fluids or materials while cleaning the hob. Instead, clean it with warm mildly soapy water on a sponge or a soft cloth, then rinse and finally ensure you dry the surface completely. 
• If you want your hob to have the perfect glossy finish, wipe it with a white vinegar-soaked clean cloth and buff it to perfection.
• To make your steel hob shine, apply a layer of baby oil, and it will get rid of fingerprints as well as help get off stains easily the next time.

Soak. Scrub. Clean.

Whichever kind of hob you have at your home, daily maintenance is the best way to keep your hob clean and not waste more time than necessary. Despite that, if you wish to deep clean your hob some time you can follow a few of these extra hob cleaning tips for your kitchen:

• Bake your stovetops with a thick mixture of baking soda and water in order to get down and dirty. Specifically, cover the parts with the burn on marks. The frizzing reaction is what will help in breaking down the residue. Leave it on for a few minutes, then massage using a cloth or newspaper. This will help you to get rid of the dirt in a mere swipe. 
• As you cannot use steel wool or scrubs on certain stovetops, try using an unused toothbrush to scrub off intensive food stains.  

There are numerous different types of hobs in the market. Your hob will definitely vary depending on your cooking style and the time you spend in the kitchen. Here are a few design ideas for your dream kitchen!

With assistance from HomeLane, you can choose the perfect hob for your kitchen, which befits your style, and be sure that we will effortlessly deliver.