Bring Life Back To Your Grimy Induction Cooktop With Two Common Kitchen Staples

If you own an induction cooktop, you know the struggle: every spill, stain, and smudge seems frustratingly visible. And when food burns onto the glass, scrubbing risks scratching that sleek surface. You can try commercial cleaners, but they're often expensive and full of harsh chemicals. Plus, they're not always great for the surface in the long run. Luckily, the answer to a spotless induction cooktop is probably already in your kitchen.

Not all heroes wear capes, and one such hero — at least where home cleaning is concerned — is baking soda. Unlike harsh abrasives, this kitchen staple is gentle enough for glass, but it is also strong enough to loosen burnt-on residue. It also works as a natural deodorizer, meaning the smell from last week's tomato sauce stain won't linger. Meanwhile, dish soap can do wonders when it comes to getting rid of grease due to the surfactants it contains. A few drops are all it takes to cut through oily splatters and loosen food particles. The real magic happens, however, when you combine baking soda and dish soap.

Baking soda softens up tough, stuck-on messes while dish soap emulsifies grease and makes it easier to wipe away. Together, they create a paste that's effective yet perfectly safe — no harsh chemicals, no scratched cooktops, and no need to spend money on specialty cleaners that leave a streak. The result is a squeaky-clean cooktop without the elbow grease (pun intended). Plus, you don't need to worry about any toxic fumes, making it a safe around pets or children. The best part is that this cheap, eco-friendly solution is always within reach.

Using this dish soap and baking soda cleaning hack is about as straightforward as it can get. Start by wiping away loose crumbs or debris with a damp cloth. This helps avoid spreading the mess around. In a small container, mix together baking soda with a few drops of mild dish soap. Add just enough warm water to form a thick, spreadable paste.

Let your mixture sit for 10 minutes on your cooking surface, then use a dry dish towel or microfiber cloth to gently work the paste in a circular motion. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive pads, as they can scratch the glass of your induction cooktop. If you happen to be dealing with an extra-stubborn mess, try laying a warm, damp towel over the paste before scrubbing. This additional moisture gives the paste that extra bit of strength.

Keep in mind that the longer you let stains and spills sit, the harder it becomes to remove them — and the more unsightly the surface will look. A quick weekly wipe, on the other hand, can keep your induction cooktop cleaner than ever. Make this method part of your routine, and cleaning your kitchen will become a walk in the park.