The essentials in 30 seconds
Always start with the hob switched off and cool. On induction and ceramic glass hobs, Bosch and NEFF use the same sequence: washing-up liquid or soapy water and a soft sponge, a glass scraper for burnt-on deposits (NEFF says at 30 to 45 degrees), then a small amount of ceramic and induction hob cleaner wiped off with a soft, lint-free cloth. On gas hobs, NEFF says to clean the surface with soapy water and a soft sponge, and the burners and pan supports with a non-metallic brush and soapy water; Electrolux says hot, soapy water by hand. Both say burners, burner caps and pan supports are not dishwasher safe. Dry every part and seat each burner cap correctly before lighting. Never use oven spray, stain remover, abrasive cleaners or sponges, undiluted or dishwasher detergent, or steam cleaners.
- Wipe the hob after each use, once it is cool, so spills do not burn on.
- Keep salt and sugar off a glass hob.
Which hob cleaner to use
| Hob type | Everyday clean | Burnt-on food | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Induction or ceramic glass | Washing-up liquid or soapy water and a soft sponge | Glass scraper at 30 to 45 degrees, then ceramic and induction hob cleaner | Abrasive cleaners and sponges, oven spray, stain remover, undiluted or dishwasher detergent, steam cleaners |
| Gas hob surface | Soapy water and a soft sponge, then rinse with a damp cloth | A small amount of hob cleaner, wiped off with a soft cloth | Harsh or abrasive detergents, steel wool, sharp objects, steam cleaners |
| Gas burners and caps | Hot soapy water by hand, non-metallic or soft brush | Soft brush on stubborn marks | The dishwasher; leaving them wet |
| Pan supports | Hot soapy water and a non-metallic brush | Soft brush | The dishwasher; loosening the rubber pads |
How to clean an induction or ceramic hob
-
01
Switch off and let it cool
Cleaning products on a hot hob can leave marks, NEFF says.
-
02
Remove loose food
Wipe with a damp cloth.
-
03
Wash
Use washing-up liquid or soapy water and a soft sponge.
-
04
Scrape burnt-on food
Use a glass scraper held at 30 to 45 degrees to the glass, as NEFF advises.
-
05
Rinse
Wet clean with a soft, clean sponge.
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06
Apply hob cleaner
A small amount of ceramic and induction hob cleaner, rubbed in gently with a soft cloth.
-
07
Polish
Wipe off with a damp cloth and finish with a dry, lint-free or microfibre cloth.
How to clean a gas hob and its burners
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01
Let everything cool
Burners and pan supports stay hot after cooking.
-
02
Lift off the pan supports
Wash them in hot soapy water with a non-metallic brush, taking care around the rubber pads so they do not come loose and scratch the hob.
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03
Wash the burner parts
Burners and caps in hot soapy water by hand, with a soft or non-metallic brush on stubborn marks.
-
04
Clean the surface
Soapy water and a soft sponge, rinse with a damp cloth and, for burnt-on deposits, a little hob cleaner.
-
05
Dry everything thoroughly
NEFF warns that water droplets can damage the parts.
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06
Refit correctly
Place each burner cap correctly on the flame spreader, then the pan supports.
For clogged burner ports, the ignitor and how to check the flame, see cleaning gas cooker burners.
Should you remove the knobs?
Manufacturers differ. NEFF says not to remove the control knobs when cleaning, because moisture may damage the appliance. Electrolux says that if your hob's knobs come off, they can be soaked in white vinegar, or sprayed if they do not come off. Check your hob's manual and never let liquid run into the controls.
Products that damage a hob
- Abrasive cleaners, scouring sponges and steel wool: they scratch glass and enamel.
- Oven spray and stain remover: NEFF lists them as aggressive products not to use on its hobs.
- Undiluted detergent and dishwasher detergent: also on NEFF's list.
- Steam and high-pressure cleaners: NEFF says never to use them.
- The dishwasher for burners, caps and pan supports: NEFF says high heat and strong detergents can discolour them, and Electrolux says they are not dishwasher safe.
How to keep a glass hob like new
NEFF's tips: clean spills promptly once the hob is cool, lift pans rather than sliding them, use cookware in good condition and suitable for the hob, avoid pans with melted enamel, copper or aluminium bases, keep salt and sugar off the glass, do not use the hob as a worktop and never heat an empty pan.
Hob cleaning: frequently asked questions
What is the best cleaner for an induction hob?
A ceramic and induction hob cleaner, after washing with soapy water and scraping off burnt-on food, as Bosch and NEFF recommend.
How do I get burnt-on food off a ceramic hob?
Use a glass scraper held at 30 to 45 degrees once the hob is cool, then hob cleaner and a soft cloth.
Can I put gas hob burners in the dishwasher?
Not according to NEFF and Electrolux: wash them by hand in hot soapy water and dry them thoroughly.
Can I use oven cleaner on a hob?
No. NEFF lists oven spray among the aggressive products that can damage hob surfaces.
What should I clean gas hob burners with?
Hot soapy water and a non-metallic or soft brush. Dry them and seat the caps correctly before lighting.
Why is my burner not lighting after cleaning?
It may be wet or the cap may not be seated correctly. Dry it and refit the cap; if it still will not light, call a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Sources
Manufacturer guidance, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- Bosch UK · Cleaning a glass hob ↗Induction or ceramic: hob off and cool; non-abrasive cleaners only; washing-up liquid and a soft sponge; glass scraper for burnt-on deposits; wet clean; small amount of hob cleaner and lint-free cloth. Read in the browser.
- NEFF UK · How to clean induction and ceramic hobs ↗Off and cool; damp cloth; hob cleaner or soapy water; scraper at 30 to 45 degrees; microfibre polish; unsuitable products (undiluted or dishwasher detergent, abrasives, oven spray, stain remover, abrasive sponges, steam or high-pressure cleaners); no cleaner on a hot hob; prevention tips including salt, sugar and cookware. Read in the browser.
- NEFF UK · How to clean a gas hob ↗Cool first; no harsh or abrasive detergents, steel wool, sharp objects or steam; do not remove control knobs; rings, grills, caps and heads not in the dishwasher; surface with soapy water and hob cleaner; burners and pan supports with a non-metallic brush and soapy water; rubber pads; dry thoroughly; caps correctly on the flame spreader. Read in the browser.
- Electrolux UK · Gas hob: how to clean your pan supports, burners and burner caps ↗Hot soapy water by hand; not dishwasher safe; soft brush for stubborn marks; removable knobs soaked in white vinegar. Read in the browser.
Burnt-on food on a glass hob?
Let it cool, scrape at a low angle and finish with hob cleaner and a soft cloth, never oven spray.