You feel bad when you see it for the first time. You used to love that shiny black glass hob, but now it has a pale, jagged scratch on it. It could have happened when you moved a heavy pot too quickly or when a tiny grain of salt got stuck under a pan. Even though the scratch is small, you can see it right away when you walk into the kitchen. When you touch the surface, you can feel the rough edge. You start to worry that the damage is permanent and wonder if you should buy a new hob or just deal with the flaw.
Glass cooktops can get scratches even if you are careful with them.
Glass cooktops have a dark, shiny surface that looks smooth and modern. They are also very hard to break. They can cook every day without any problems. The glass is more fragile than it looks. Small scratches can happen even if you’re careful. 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 comes back later when you’re cleaning, which makes you feel bad and angry. You should know that a lot of these scratches aren’t permanent and can often be made less noticeable with gentle care.
How bad is the scratch?
It’s a good idea to know what kind of scratch it is before you try to fix it. Look at the hob from different angles and in bright light. If the scratch only shows up at certain angles and your fingernail doesn’t catch on it, it’s probably just a small mark on the surface. Most of the time, these are the easiest to fix. If your nail gets stuck a little bit, the scratch might still be fine. Deep grooves that clearly catch your nail are worse and can’t be completely fixed at home. You can choose the best way to fix scratches and have realistic expectations if you think of them in terms of levels: light haze, visible lines, and deep grooves.
Getting the Right Tools Ready: Soft, Not Hard
First, make sure the hob is very clean so that the repair can go smoothly. After cleaning the surface with a soft cloth and a cleaner that is safe for cooktops, make sure it is completely dry. Use only mild options to polish. You can use baking soda paste, non-gel toothpaste, ceramic hob cream, or a glass polishing compound to fix light to medium scratches. These products don’t grind down the surface; instead, they gently smooth it out. Always use a soft microfiber cloth and stay away from sponges, steel wool, and other rough things that could scratch the surface again.
How to Keep Scratches Off Your Home
Try out your chosen method on a small, hidden area first. If the finish is still clear, go on to the scratch. If you have light scratches, use toothpaste or baking soda paste and rub it in small circles. Wipe it down, see how far you’ve come, and do it again if you need to. Ceramic hob cream or glass polishing compound usually works better on scratches that are easy to see. Be patient and use light pressure while the product works. Deep scratches won’t go away, but polishing them carefully can make them look less noticeable and softer.
After polishing, the surface is done.
Once the scratch looks better, clean the area again to get rid of any dirt that is still there. A lot of people like to use a hob cleaner that leaves a light shine that protects when they’re done. Buff the surface with a dry microfiber cloth until it shines evenly. The scratch may still be there, but it’s usually not very noticeable.
