Your heart sinks the first time you see it. There is now a pale, jagged scratch on the black glass hob that you used to love. It might have happened when you moved a heavy pot too quickly or when a small grain of salt got stuck under a pan. It’s a small scratch, but you see it right away when you walk into the kitchen. You can feel the rough edge when you touch it. You start to worry that the damage is permanent and wonder if you need to get a new hob or just live with the flaw.
Why Scratches Show Up on Glass Cooktops (Even When You’re Careful)
A glass hob looks smooth, modern and almost unbreakable. It has a dark, glossy surface that can handle daily cooking without any problems. The glass is actually more delicate than it looks. Even if you’re careful, small scratches can happen. A heavy pot, a grain of salt stuck under cookware, or a cast-iron pan with a rough base can all leave marks on the surface without making a sound. People don’t always see the scratch right away. It shows up later when you’re cleaning, which makes you feel both annoyed and sorry. The most important thing to remember is that a lot of these scratches will go away on their own and can often be lessened with gentle care.
How bad is the scratch?
It helps to know what kind of scratch you have before you try to fix it. Take a close look at the hob in bright light and from different angles. A light surface mark is probably what you have if the scratch only shows up at certain angles and your fingernail doesn’t catch on it. Most of the time, these are the easiest to make better. If your nail gets caught a little, the scratch might still be okay. Deep grooves that clearly catch your nail are worse and can’t be completely removed at home. When you think of scratches in levels, like light haze, visible lines, and deep grooves, it helps you pick the right method and set realistic goals.
Getting the Right Tools Ready: Soft, Not Hard
First, clean the hob well so that grease and dirt don’t get in the way of the repair. Use a soft cloth and a cleaner that is safe for the hob, then dry the surface completely. Only use mild options for polishing. For light to medium scratches, you can use baking soda paste, non-gel toothpaste, ceramic hob cream or a glass polishing compound. These products don’t grind down the surface; instead, they gently smooth it out. Use a soft microfibre cloth every time. Don’t use steel wool, sponges, or anything else that could scratch the surface.
Ways to Reduce Scratches at Home
Try out your chosen method on a small, hidden area first. Go on to the scratch if the finish is still clear. For light scratches, use baking soda paste or toothpaste and rub it in small circles. Wipe it down, check your progress, and do it again if you need to. Ceramic hob cream or glass polishing compound usually works better for scratches that are easier to see. Use light pressure and be patient while the product does its job. Deep scratches won’t go away, but if you polish them carefully, they will look softer and be much less noticeable.
Finishing the Surface After Polishing
Clean the area again to get rid of any leftover dirt after the scratch looks better. A lot of people like to finish with a hob cleaner that leaves a light shine that protects the surface. Use a dry microfibre cloth to buff the surface until it shines evenly. The scratch might still be there, but it usually fades into the background instead of standing out.
| Method Used | Most Effective For | Main Benefits | Possible Problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda Paste | Small scratches and dull spots on the surface | Cheap, easy to find at home, and safe for glass | Not useful for scratches that are deep or easy to see |
| Toothpaste without gel | Scratches that are light but easy to see | Easy to use, and the mild abrasive helps polish glass. | Needs to be tried many times to see results |
| Polishing Cream for Cooktops | Damage from light to moderate scratches | Made just for glass cooktops, it safely brings back the shine. | Costs more than basic household items |
| Compound for polishing glass | Multiple or stubborn scratch marks | stronger polishing power and more visible improvement | Needs to be used with care to avoid damaging the surface |
How to Keep Your hob From Getting Scratches in the Future
Changing small habits is the main way to avoid problems. Instead of sliding cookware, lift it. Before putting pots and pans on the glass, wipe the bottoms of them. Before cooking again, clean up any spills, especially sugar or salt. Don’t put heavy or rough cookware directly on the cooktop. Make sure that any mats or covers you use are made for glass cooktops and can handle heat.
When fixing something isn’t enough and getting a new one is safer
It’s best to stop and get professional help if a scratch looks more like a crack, spreads over time, or feels like it’s been deeply gouged. Damage to the structure can change how the glass handles heat and make it unsafe. But most of the time, scratches are just cosmetic and don’t need to be replaced. You can get the hob back to looking smooth with gentle methods and some time. Then you can use it with confidence again.
Final Thoughts on How to Take Care of a Glass hob
A glass hob is both useful and beautiful, and over time it shows signs of daily cooking. Scratches don’t always mean that something is broken or that someone didn’t care about it. They are often just a normal part of using it. Learning how to soften or lessen them will help your kitchen look calm and well-kept. More importantly, it gives you the confidence to keep your appliance in good shape without panicking, so you can focus on cooking instead of worrying about every little mark.
