Our top pick, the Weiman Heavy Duty Glass Cooktop Cleaner and Polish, is effective and easy to use. It won’t scratch your stovetop and actually creates a protective barrier that makes future spills even easier to clean up. Here are the best stovetop cleaners to keep your appliance looking brand new. Application does require a cloth or paper towel. To use this cleaner, you can apply it directly to the cooktop surface or a cloth. Then wipe it around the stovetop thoroughly and buff until any extra is wiped away. The grime will wipe away with the cleaner. You can use it on glass or ceramic, although you should make sure that the cooktop is completely cooled before applying it—as is the case with a majority of stovetop cleaners. The formula doesn’t scratch, an important consideration for glass and ceramic stovetop users. It comes in a liquid, wipe, and spray. We like the liquid for its ease of application and effectiveness. It is also the most budget-friendly option between the three. Even a little bit goes a long way, so one bottle can last through a year or more of regular use. Just be careful when you open the pouring spout, since breaking it will mean having to buy a new bottle. Price at time of publish: $4 This cleaner works on a variety of surfaces without scratching, including glass, ceramic, induction, radiant, and halogen surfaces. It doesn’t contain any silicone, which can scratch, and all of the ingredients are biodegradable, making it a more eco-friendly choice. To use it, just apply some of the liquid cleaner, scrub or scrape with one of the included tools to get tough stains off, and wipe away extra. When it’s time to replace the cleaner, you can purchase refills separately and keep using the tools. Price at time of publish: $11 There are a variety of Bar Keeper’s Friend cleaners, although not all are meant for cooktop surfaces. Make sure to get one that is non-abrasive or you risk scratching your surface. The multipurpose cooktop cleaner works on built-up grime and grease, as well as hard water stains. This makes it ideal for white stovetops. To apply, use a separate, non-abrasive pad or cloth. Price at time of publish: $8 The Pink Stuff is a paste and you’ll need a sturdy cloth to apply it. Just scoop a small amount up and buff it into the surface to loosen grime and grease. We recommend using two cloths, one for application and one to buff away any extra cleaner. A little bit goes a long way. Make sure to buff away any extra quickly before it dries. It can be much harder to get off once it is dried. The container is a bit flimsy for the weight of the product, especially when having it shipped. If you do have an issue with getting a broken container, most retailers will send a new one free of charge. Price at time of publish: $6 This spray cleaner uses eco-friendly ingredients, including coconut oil for cleaning and essential oils for scent. It is expensive, but if having eco-friendly ingredients that are effective is important to you, and you have a stainless steel cooktop that you want to clean regularly, this is a good option for you. Price at time of publish: $20 Make sure you let the surface cool entirely before you use this cleaner. It comes in a spray that is easy to direct. You will need to use a cloth or paper towel to clean it up, and some scrubbing may be needed. We recommend using a cloth so that a paper towel does not get shredded while cleaning. Price at time of publish: $15 The liquid is the same as the Weiman stovetop cleaner (sold separately). That means you can easily purchase a refill when you need to. This kit comes with a 10-ounce container, smaller than if you were to purchase it separately. To apply it, put it on the cooktop and buff away with a towel. The scrubber works on its own or to buff away stubborn stains. Price at time of publish: $15 These wipes don’t leave streaks or smudges, two key aspects that make them our best pick for wipes. They can also work on multiple surfaces in your kitchen other than your cooktop. For small messes, one wipe can go from a glass or ceramic stovetop to the microwave. You can even wipe down appliances, such as stand mixers, toasters, and pressure cookers. This is one of the best ways to get the most out of each wipe. The wipes work on larger appliances, such as refrigerators and dishwashers, as well, but are not the most economical choice for large surfaces. Price at time of publish: $10 The spray is still easy to use on most surfaces, though. You will need something to wipe it with and may find yourself scrubbing more than with liquid degreasers. Leave the spray on for a few minutes to work on the toughest spots before wiping it away. If ethical business practices are important to you, Method is a company that you will love. Like many of their products, the Heavy-Duty Degreaser is not tested on animals and the bottles use recycled materials. Price at time of publish: $5 It is a bit pricey, which is another reason that diluting it is a great idea. It isn’t antibacterial, which some people like in the kitchen, but if you want something to cut through grease, it is a great choice. You can even use it to remove stains on other surfaces, such as grout and tile. Price at time of publish: $9
Purpose
Some stovetop cleaners work for minor spills and messes. Others are made to take up grease and baked-on food. Consider the soil level that you need to tackle to decide which is the best for you. Heavy-duty cleaners typically include a degreaser that cuts through baked-on food. “When using these, absolutely wear gloves,” says Krissia Garcia, CEO and founder of KrissKlean. Light cleaners don’t have as many harsh chemicals and are ideal for daily upkeep.
Amount
Most stovetop cleaners come in containers between 10 and 32 ounces. A larger size will often last for a year with regular use. You can extend that by diluting it, although you should only do that with concentrated formulas or you risk lessening the effectiveness. Wipes need to be replaced the most often, since they are usually sold in containers of 30. Compared to a 32-ounce bottle that can last for up to a year of daily use, wipes are less economical but more convenient.
Scent
Scents in stovetop cleaners can come from chemicals or essential oils. Many stovetop cleaners are unscented, although they still do have a mild cleaner smell. Most cleaners tend to have kitchen-friendly scents, such as lemongrass or mint. The right scent for you comes down to personal preference and how sensitive you are to smells.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. She has tested multiple cleaners on this list and always pays special attention to products that are easy to use. She also considered the best choices for different purposes, whether it be tackling grease or cleaning a gas stovetop, and consulted with our tester data to compile this list. She talked to Krissia Garcia, CEO and founder of KrissKlean, about the best ways to clean stovetops for additional expert insight.
