A glass expert warns that using too much water and even wiping the wrong way are among countless rookie errors he’s seen when it comes to cleaning your kitchen hobs
A glass expert is warning cleaning fans to think twice before scrubbing your glass hob a certain way.
Cleaning the kitchen often puts us on autopilot. Perhaps we use any sort of surface spray lying around, before quickly pressing on with other tasks.
But one leading glass expert claims you’re probably doing this all wrong and, when it comes to scrubbing your hobs, you ought to be a little more careful. John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass.co.uk, warns that using abrasive sponges, too much water and even wiping the wrong way are among the countless rookie errors he’s seen in the kitchen.
“There are several common mistakes many of us are making when it comes to cleaning glass hobs and surfaces,” he said. “It might seem like an obvious and quick solution to use a glass cleaner, but the harsh chemicals inside this product can actually do more harm than good to the surface.
“Abrasive sponges should also be avoided, and instead you should use a microfiber cloth to clean in gentle circular motions.”
Several window and glass cleaners contain ammonia, which is generally effective at breaking down tough grimes and stains, but may etch into the surface of your worktop over time. Switching the heat up while this chemical is still lingering may also release corrosive ammonia gas in the air.
In the worst cases, this burns your eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract, which can even result in lung damage or death. So, to stay on the safe side, John recommends using white vinegar as cleaner instead.
This contains acetic acid which works to break down grease and grime, while banishing any tough stains. And you may be surprised to know it’s useful for many other household tasks too – from killing garden weeds, to even banishing t-shirt sweat stains.
Johns claims this should be wiped in circular motions to prevent scratches and marks. And no matter what, steer clear from scraping the final bits off with a knife or adding water too.
Splashing this around can cause damage to the electrical parts of the hob when used in excess. He continued: “It’s [also] important to clean up any big spillages when cooking as soon as possible to prevent food substances sticking to the glass and liquids, making a semi-permanent mark on the hob.
“When cleaning the hob, use a dry microfibre cloth to wipe away any dust, grime and crumbs first to be able to properly clean the glass.”
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