Electric and induction cooktops are some of the most popular kitchen appliances around — budget-friendly, sleek, and easy to fit into almost any kitchen layout. The one tradeoff with that smooth glass surface is that it shows scratches more easily than older coil-style stoves ever did. The good news: most light surface scratches can be buffed out at home with a few simple, safe methods. Here’s how.
Cosmetic Scratch or Something Worse? Check This First
Before trying any removal method, run your fingernail lightly across the mark. If your nail catches or you can feel a groove, it’s likely a genuine scratch in the glass rather than surface residue, and deep scratches into the glass itself generally can’t be buffed out — only masked or, in serious cases, repaired by replacing the surface. If you see a crack rather than a scratch, or the mark runs the full width of the cooktop, stop here and skip straight to having it professionally assessed, since a crack can worsen with continued heat exposure.
Most of what people call “scratches” are actually surface-level marks from cookware residue, mineral deposits, or light abrasion — and those respond very well to the methods below.
Method 1: Specialized Cooktop Polish
Purpose-made cooktop and induction surface polishes are often the most reliable option, since they’re formulated specifically for this type of glass and won’t damage the surface further.
When choosing a product:
- Confirm it’s specifically made for cooktop or induction surfaces, not general kitchen cleaners
- Confirm it’s marketed for scratch removal, not just general cleaning
- Follow the product’s instructions exactly, including how long to let it sit and which direction to buff
Method 2: Baking Soda Paste
A simple, natural option that works well on lighter surface scratches:
- Mix baking soda with a small amount of water until you get a thick, well-combined paste
- Apply the paste to the mark with a soft cloth, using gentle pressure
- Rub in small circular motions until the mark starts to fade, then wipe clean with a damp cloth
Method 3: Non-Gel Toothpaste
This might sound unlikely, but it’s a genuinely popular household fix, since non-gel toothpaste often contains a mild baking soda formulation that works similarly to the paste method above.
- Apply a small amount of non-gel, baking-soda-based toothpaste to a soft cloth
- Rub gently over the scratch until it starts to fade
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove any residue
Tried all three methods and the scratch — or something that looks worse than a scratch — is still there? Call +1 (647) 558-5825 and our technicians can assess whether it’s cosmetic or something that needs professional attention.
What Not to Do When Removing Cooktop Scratches
- Don’t use abrasive scrubbing pads, steel wool, or anything with a rough texture — these can deepen existing scratches or create new ones
- Don’t use bleach-based or ammonia-based cleaners on glass cooktop surfaces, since they can react poorly with the glass coating over repeated use
- Don’t press too hard while buffing — let the paste and gentle friction do the work rather than forcing it
- Don’t attempt any of these methods on a cracked surface, since applying pressure to a crack can cause it to spread
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Scratched or Cracked Cooktop?
Light cosmetic scratches cost nothing to address with the household methods above. If a scratch turns out to be a genuine crack, or the surface damage is affecting how the cooktop heats or functions, a stove and cooktop repair visit with Maydone starts with a flat diagnostic fee, applied toward the repair cost if you move forward. A full glass surface replacement costs more depending on your model and parts availability, but it’s typically far more affordable than replacing the whole appliance. We confirm pricing before any work begins, and first-time customers get $30 off.
Preventing Future Scratches
- Lift cookware instead of sliding it across the surface
- Choose smooth-bottomed cookware, and avoid dragging cast iron or rough-bottomed pans
- Clean up spills and food residue before they harden, since dried-on debris under a moving pan is a common cause of new scratches
- Use a cooktop-specific cleaning pad rather than a general kitchen scrub sponge
Book an Appointment With Our Technicians Today
If the scratch on your cooktop turns out to be more than cosmetic — or you’re just not sure — our technicians can take a look and give you an honest answer before you spend money on a product that won’t help. Call +1 (647) 558-5825 or reach out online to schedule a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can deep scratches on a glass cooktop actually be fixed?
Not fully removed, no — but they can often be minimized in appearance with specialized polish, and a technician can advise whether the scratch affects the surface’s structural integrity or is purely cosmetic.
Is toothpaste safe to use on all cooktop surfaces?
Non-gel toothpaste is generally safe on standard glass and ceramic cooktop surfaces, but always test a small, inconspicuous area first, and avoid gel formulas, which typically lack the mild abrasive quality that helps buff out marks.
How do I know if it’s actually a crack and not a scratch?
Run your fingernail across the mark — if it catches deeply or you can see light reflecting differently along a line, it may be a crack rather than a scratch. Cracks often also feel different to the touch along their length and can sometimes be felt from the underside if you’re able to check.
Will using the wrong cleaning product make scratches worse?
Yes, potentially. Abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or anything not designed for glass cooktop surfaces can deepen existing scratches or introduce new ones, so it’s worth sticking to the methods described here or a purpose-made product.
Can I prevent scratches entirely on a glass cooktop?
Not entirely, since normal use involves some contact with cookware, but lifting pans instead of sliding them, using smooth-bottomed cookware, and cleaning up residue promptly meaningfully reduces how often new scratches appear.
Does a scratched cooktop affect its cooking performance?
Usually not, if the scratch is purely cosmetic and surface-level. If the scratch is deep enough to be a crack, or if you notice uneven heating near the damaged area, that’s worth having assessed, since it may indicate the glass surface itself has been compromised.
Not sure if that mark on your cooktop is a scratch or something more serious?
Book an Appointment With Our Technicians Today
Our technicians can tell you honestly whether it’s cosmetic or needs repair, with service across our service area in Ontario, including the GTA, Ottawa, Orillia, and everywhere we reach in between. Call +1 (647) 558-5825 or book online for a quick assessment.
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