How to Clean Your Hob — Gas, Ceramic and Induction

Cleaning a Gas Hob

Gas hobs have the most components to clean: the hob surface itself, burner caps, burner bases (crowns), pan supports and the area around each burner. The most effective approach is to remove all removable parts — pan supports, burner caps and, if possible, the hob surround — and clean them separately.

Burner caps and pan supports respond well to soaking in hot water with washing-up liquid for 30 minutes, then scrubbing with a non-abrasive pad. Stubborn carbonised grease on burner caps is best handled by a dip-tank soak. The hob surface itself can be cleaned with a biodegradable kitchen degreaser and a microfibre cloth.

Cleaning a Ceramic Hob

Ceramic hobs look clean when new but show every mark quickly — boilovers that burn on, grease rings from pans and the residue of limescale from spilt water all show clearly on the flat glass surface. The challenge is removing these marks without scratching the glass.

A ceramic hob scraper — a flat blade at a very shallow angle — is the most effective tool for removing burnt-on deposits. Apply a small amount of ceramic hob cream, work it gently with the scraper, then buff with a microfibre cloth. Never use abrasive pads, steel wool or harsh scouring creams — these scratch the glass permanently and the marks cannot be repaired.

Cleaning an Induction Hob

Induction hobs are the easiest to clean of all hob types, because the hob surface itself doesn't get hot — only the pan does. Food that spills onto an induction hob doesn't burn on in the same way as on a gas or ceramic hob. A simple wipe with a damp microfibre cloth after each use is usually sufficient for daily maintenance.

For marks that have built up over time, use the same approach as for a ceramic hob — a dedicated glass hob cleaner and a hob scraper used carefully. The same rules apply: no abrasive pads, no harsh chemicals, and no scourers that will scratch the glass.

When to Book a Professional Hob Clean

A professional hob clean makes the most sense as an add-on to an oven clean — booked on the same visit at a combined price. A professional will bring a dip-tank for the removable parts (particularly gas hob components), have the right tools for the glass surfaces, and achieve a finish that's difficult to replicate with standard kitchen products.

For a gas hob that has accumulated significant carbon deposits around the burners, or a ceramic hob where DIY cleaning has left stubborn marks, professional cleaning is the practical option. A hob clean as an add-on to an oven clean typically costs from £20.

Keeping Your Hob Cleaner Day to Day

The simplest habit that makes the biggest difference is wiping the hob after every use while it's still warm (but cool enough to touch safely). A warm surface releases grease far more easily than a cold one where deposits have hardened.

For gas hobs, cleaning the pan supports weekly prevents grease from baking onto them entirely. For ceramic and induction hobs, dealing with boilovers immediately — rather than letting them dry and harden — saves significant effort in the long run.