Asked on Jun 10, 2016

Can anyone suggest a way to get this off of my glass cook top?

Dawn Gagnon
by Dawn Gagnon
Ok so I moved into my current home a little over a year ago. The cook top was here when we moved in and it has these horrible stains? I have had glass cook tops before and pride myself on being able to get out or remove any stain, but this refuses to come off and it drives me nuts b/c it's black and always looks like it hasn't been wiped or cleaned. I have tried the following, vinegar, vinegar and baking soda, Comet, lemon juice, lemon juice and baking soda, Windex, bar keepers secret, glass top cleaning paste, WD-40, you name it I've probable tried it. Help!
  36 answers
  • Judy Judy on Jun 10, 2016
    Have you tried baking soda mixed with peroxide. I don't know if it will work but I don't think it will harm your glass top. Also, I have a mild abrasive cloth that I use on my glass top, they sell them strictly for glass top stoves. Hope one of these suggestions works for you.
  • Kathy Meador Wells Kathy Meador Wells on Jun 10, 2016
    They make cleaners for glass top stoves and they work really well. You can buy at just about any home store, WalMart?, Sears(my favorite).
    • See 1 previous
    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 10, 2016
      @Thank You Kathy Meador Wells
  • Christine Millership Christine Millership on Jun 10, 2016
    Try neat ammonia. It won't harm the glass, but you do have to be careful. I buy mine from Amazon, and mainly use it to clean gas hob rings and my oven, but it's my last resort product when everything else has failed, due to the smell. Before you open the bottle, put on plastic gloves and open all the windows and keep children and pets out of the room. Do not smell it from the bottle, either.......just pour a little onto a cloth, and wipe at your stains. As it's glass, it should come straight off. Don't forget to throw the cloth away. If it doesn't work, I really dont know of anything else that could help. Hope this comes up trumps for you! 😎
    • See 2 previous
    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 18, 2016
      Well Jeff Foxworthy always said there's very few things a man won't smell LOL..
  • Kgo3121305 Kgo3121305 on Jun 10, 2016
    try a small razor blade. Scrape across cook top with gouging and wipe clean.
    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 10, 2016
      @Kgoodnight Thanks, but I have tried this. Believe me I have tried all the usual methods...sigh..I appreciate your help all the same though :D
  • Danielle Roberts Danielle Roberts on Jun 10, 2016
    take a single edge razor blade and very carefully scrape it off. It works for me!!
    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 10, 2016
      @Danielle Roberts I tried that too :D I guess I should include that in my post thank you so much for your suggestion :D
  • Mattie Mattie on Jun 10, 2016
    Try Super Clean sold at Target in the Auto section. Spray & let it sit for a few minutes. If this does not work then nothing will. This stuff can even remove dried on paint so wear gloves.
  • Cynthia Elsafarini Cynthia Elsafarini on Jun 10, 2016
    Have you tried 100% acetone fingernail polish remover? Very inexpensive for a large bottle (16 oz) at the drug store and it is strong enough to remove oil based paints like it's nothing!
    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 10, 2016
      @Cynthia Elsafarini Believe it or not yes I have tried this too, I don't think it's paint that is on the stop top, I just have no idea what they did to this stove to make it this way..its so frustrating, thank you for your help :D
  • Shari Shari on Jun 10, 2016
    My first suggestion is to try Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponges. I can usually get a lot of gunk off my cook top with those. If that doesn't completely clean it, this is the cook top cleaner I routinely use and highly recommend. https://www.amazon.com/Carbona-Power-CERAMIC-Cooktop-Cleaner/dp/B01BX08W82/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1465591915&sr=8-8&keywords=carbona+cooktop+cleaner I've had 2 ceramic cook tops in 35+ years so I've tried ALL the commercial brands and even some of the homemade versions and nothing works as well as the Carbona does. Unfortunately, I can't find it locally anymore (I used to buy it at Walmart or Publix) so this last time, when I needed more, I ordered it from Amazon. It's a bit expensive but, to me, it's worth every penny and a jar of it does last a long time. If this doesn't take it off, more than likely nothing will. If none of the suggestions work, you may have tiny microscopic scratches from day-to-day use and, as far as I know, there is nothing that will remove them...unless there is a cream or some other product that will buff scratches out of glass (like car windshields?), in which case you may want to check the auto parts store.
    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 10, 2016
      @Shari usually when I have had bad stains on my cooktop I've just literally let it "burn" off and that usually does the trick. I have no idea what the former owners did to this stove but I have never seen anything like this before in any other glass cook top..I will look for the carbona though thank you :D
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jun 10, 2016
    How about regular toothpaste.
    • See 3 previous
    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jun 10, 2016
      @Dawn Gagnon Let me know. Good Luck
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Jun 10, 2016
    Are you using their cleaner? Sometimes that will work if not then Call the Manufactor. Sometimes this can't be removed if it can the they know how to do it without damaging your cook top anymore. On some of them we use bar keepers friend to scrub it off. But I only do this if the manufactor suggest it or last resort.
    • See 1 previous
    • Sherrie Sherrie on Jun 25, 2016
      I clean for a living. I am going to tell you this happens to almost all of these cook tops. Mine included and I am crazy careful. I have went into dozens of apartments that have these and they also have damage including the regular home owners. They aren't perfected yet.
  • Danielle Roberts Danielle Roberts on Jun 11, 2016
    They probably used a cast iron pan and scratched the heck out of it. Since you have tried just about every cleaning method available I would call the manufacturer and ask them what to do.
    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 11, 2016
      @Thank You Danielle Roberts I may just do that thanks so much :D I am wondering if they might have used enamel cookware as I understand they aren't intended for ceramic or glass top stoves..
  • Rui Rui on Jun 11, 2016
    Those marks seem to be really deep scratches on the glass and not stains. Best way to get it worked out is contacting the manufacturer and aks for a quote on a new polishing job.
    • See 2 previous
    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 29, 2016
      These are stains..but they aren't caused by the usual culprits they are likely from aluminum foil heating and melding with the hot surface. I will have to replace this cook top in the future as there is no way to remove that sort of thing.
  • Trudy123 Trudy123 on Jun 11, 2016
    Cream of tarter will bring back your shine and clean the stain away!
  • Dfm Dfm on Jun 12, 2016
    one of the job sites i work at-tooth whitening tooth paste- a bit abrasive did remove some smaller scratches, 400 grit sand paper was also mentioned
  • Cathy Harkonen Cathy Harkonen on Jun 12, 2016
    I use an SOS pad on my black glass top. I almost had a heart attack when I saw my brother using one on my stove. He said they use it all the time. Just try it on a small spot first. My stovetop shines beautifully with no scratches.
    • See 3 previous
    • Susan Susan on Sep 30, 2020

      I agree. I have a glass cooktop and aluminum foil has fused into the glass and won't come off. I have tried everything mentioned; cearma brite, vinegar & baking soda, vinegar, cif (similar to cerama brite) here and it is still the same. I tried them all when the stove was warm and cold, still nothing. Hope I could land on a miracle product soon. I tried a small knife blade as well because am afraid of the razor blade.

  • Rosemarie Rosemarie on Jun 12, 2016
    Bartenders friend. this is a staple in my house with the glass cooktop.
  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Jun 12, 2016
    I use a product called Barkeepers soft soap and it works great on my glass top stove. Best of luck.
    • See 2 previous
    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 13, 2016
      @Diana Deiley I think I'll just replace with gas stove top before all is said and done. :D Thanks a bunch though for your insights, Diana -(((hugs)))
  • Kelley MacKay Kelley MacKay on Jun 12, 2016
    mr clean magic eraser works for many things
    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 13, 2016
      @Thank You Kelley MacKay I love Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! He didn't work on this though.. :/ I think its melted aluminum foil and from what I understand, nothing will completely remove that.. :(
  • Lg44estes Lg44estes on Jun 12, 2016
    Really gentle tooth paste and a good car polish machine with new pads to buff the top with.. the same applies to fogged over car light lenses.
    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 13, 2016
      @Thank You Lg44estes I think this stain is melted aluminum after trying all of these great tips, it wont budge but thank you so much for your tip and I will use it on my next one for sure but looks like I will be replacing.. :D
  • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 13, 2016
    I did research and discovered this was not a stain from foods or cooking but from the previous owner accidentally melting aluminum foil on the warm surface.
    • See 2 previous
    • Shari Shari on Jun 13, 2016
      @Dawn Gagnon Wow! Just wow! I've cooked exclusively on smooth surface cook tops for the past 35+ years and had absolutely no idea this could be a problem. I often mess with aluminum foil around my cook top so you can bet I will be changing that habit immediately (and I will probably forevermore think of you and this post when I get out the roll of aluminum foil)! Thanks for posting that link-very informative!
  • KatAych KatAych on Jun 13, 2016
    I'm not sure if this will help with melted aluminum foil, but I use commercial strength Easy Off to periodically clean my glass cooktop.
    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 13, 2016
      @Thank You KatAych I tried that too, I guess I didn't make my "already tried" list complete but it was so long LOL... I appreciate your input though :D
  • Jill Boyar Price Jill Boyar Price on Jun 13, 2016
    I use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on my mom's and a lot of stuff came off.
    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 17, 2016
      Thank You Jill Boyar Price I love Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, and you're right they work on a lot of stuff..just not on this but I do keep a lot of them on hand :D
  • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Jun 27, 2016
    Im sure they aren't scratches b/c in the right light the surface doesnt show scratches..you can not feel any grooves, indentations, even when you use a razor blade there are no scratches to cause the blade to skip etc..
  • Jade Jade on Mar 23, 2018

    Hi Dawn I hope youre well. Did you manage to find a sufficient stain remover? I’m facing the same problem on glass! Thank you in advance!

  • Rose Broadway Rose Broadway on Mar 23, 2018

    My first glass top stove was beautiful for many years and still that way when I gave it to a needy family. My new glass top developed the same look yours has after a year. There's nothing you can do, it's on the underneath side of the glass and called 'heat stains.' The company I got mine from won't do anything because they say I used the wrong kind of cookware. The same cookware didn't hurt my first stove for six years! Wish I could give you happy news...


  • Debbie Sommer Debbie Sommer on Mar 23, 2018

    I think you've run the gambit. Try one other thing. Rubbing alcohol. Put a little bit directly on the stove top and wait. If you see a difference, continue pouring a little alcohol then gently scrub with baking soda. You could call the manufacturer and see what they suggest too. Good luck.

  • Jade Jade on Mar 23, 2018

    Hi thank You for your quick reply. I’m absolutely devastated. It’s on my windows. I’m my rental property. Please anyone can you help? I’ve attached some photos. Thanks again

  • Janet Janet on Mar 24, 2018

    Baking soda and vinegar.

  • Nancy Nancy on Mar 24, 2018

    I have had some success with improving the look of a glass top stove that has stained, dulled or accumulated ‘stuff’. First, wash the top to remove oil or grease. Then use baking soda sprinkled on and add a little Dawn detergent. Use a scrubby sponge...rough side and scrub the areas in need. See if anything came off. Some will, some won’t. Lastly, use a single edge razor blade and work it through the baking soda and soap. I was able to remove a lot of that dull accumulation doing this. Not perfect but much improved!

    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Mar 24, 2018

      Thanks did this but then found out this is not ordinary stain, its actually the result of the previous owners putting something with tin foil on the hot element. The result was the foil melted into and permanently bonded to the glass..there are no fixes for that..other than replacing the whole piece of glass. :/

  • Gail Tilton Ogden Gail Tilton Ogden on Mar 24, 2018

    Bad Keepers Friend powder

    • See 1 previous
    • Gail Tilton Ogden Gail Tilton Ogden on Mar 24, 2018

      To add to my Bar Keepers comment, I wet down the burner area on the glass top, sprinkled on the B.K. Friend , covered with wet soft cloth and let it sit. Scrub and take a look, repeat it necessary. I also use razor scraper to scrape hard debris. Always works.

  • Marlene O'Halloran Marlene O'Halloran on Mar 24, 2018

    I use Weimans cook top cleaner and a lot of elbow grease! It may have to be done a number of times but it does remove it.

    • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Mar 24, 2018

      Hi thank you. Tried this..but as I stated in my other replies, we found out that this was no burned food marks, it was actually a metallic source ie: aluminum foil. The foil melted on the hot element and became permanently fused with the glass. Nothing can remove it.

  • Dawn Gagnon Dawn Gagnon on Mar 24, 2018

    Sooo it turns out at some point, that this marred glass was caused from someone sitting tin foil on the glass. The metal melted into the glass itself and it can not be removed. It is literally a part of the glass now..so there is no cleaner in the world that can fix this sadly :/

  • Ronda Torbic Ronda Torbic on Mar 24, 2018

    You might be able to sand it off. Try the wet sand paper. It’s black and you soak it in water try the finest grit in a small spot. It might work. I’ve used it for many stubborn spots on glass. If you can feel the spots then you should be able to sand the off.

  • Christel Christel on Mar 24, 2018

    Mr. Clean Magic Eraser!

  • Terri Walker Terri Walker on Feb 03, 2019

    Using aluminum pans causes this. Sorry, but it is forever.