When you see it for the first time, your heart sinks. You used to love that shiny black glass hob, but now it has a pale, jagged scratch on it. It might have happened when you moved a heavy pot too quickly or when a small grain of salt got stuck under a pan. The scratch is small, but you can see it right away when you walk into the kitchen. You can feel the rough edge when you touch the surface. You start to worry that the damage is permanent and wonder if you need to buy a new hob or just live with the flaw.
Even when you use them carefully, glass cooktops can get scratches.
Glass cooktops have a dark, shiny surface that looks smooth and modern and is almost impossible to break. They 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. A lot of the time, people don’t notice the scratch right away. It comes back later when you’re cleaning, making you feel both annoyed and sorry. You should know that many of these scratches are not permanent and can often be made less noticeable with gentle care.
How bad is the scratch?
Before you try to fix anything, it’s a good idea to know what kind of scratch it is. Under bright light and from different angles, look at the hob. If the scratch only shows up at certain angles and your fingernail doesn’t catch on it, it’s probably just a light surface mark. Most of the time, these are the easiest to fix. If your nail catches a little bit, the scratch may still be okay. Deep grooves that clearly catch your nail are worse and can’t be completely removed at home. When you think about scratches in terms of levels—light haze, visible lines, and deep grooves—you can choose the best way to fix them and have realistic expectations.
Getting the Right Tools Ready: Soft, Not Hard
To begin, clean the hob very well so that no grease or dirt gets in the way of the repair. Dry the surface completely after cleaning it with a soft cloth and a cleaner that is safe for cooktops. 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. Instead of grinding down the surface, these products work by gently smoothing it out. Always use a soft microfibre cloth and stay away from sponges, steel wool, or anything else that is rough and could cause new scratches.
Lip Shaping Technique: The Precise Pencil Method That Makes Lips Seem Fuller Without Overdrawing
Ways to Reduce Scratches at Home
Start by trying out your chosen method on a small, hidden spot. Go on to the scratch if the finish is still clear. For light scratches, use toothpaste or baking soda paste 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 often 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 careful polishing can make them look softer and less noticeable.
After polishing, finishing the surface
After the scratch looks better, clean the area again to get rid of any leftover dirt. A lot of people like to finish with a hob cleaner that leaves a light shine that protects. Use a dry microfibre cloth to buff the surface until it shines evenly. The scratch might still be there, but it’s usually not very noticeable.
