Induction Hob Scratches: Causes and How to Avoid Them

An induction hob is expensive, and its glass surface is delicate. Even a grain of sand under a pot can leave a mark. Once it is there, it stays. Here you can read how induction hob scratches happen and how to avoid them safely.

How do induction hob scratches happen?

• Sliding pots: if you drag pots across the glass, you rub dirt and grains into the surface.
• Rough pot bases: cast iron and old pans often have sharp edges.
• Salt, sugar and sand: small grains act like sandpaper.
• Wrong cleaning: scouring pads and scouring agents scratch the glass.

Can you remove scratches?

Light marks are often not scratches at all. They are often residues of limescale or metal. A glass-ceramic cleaner can usually remove them.

Real scratches in the glass stay, however. Polishing makes them a little less visible at best. That is why prevention is the best solution.

How to avoid scratches

1. Lift pots instead of sliding them.
2. Wipe away crumbs and grains before cooking.
3. Check the pot bases. They should be smooth and clean.
4. Clean with a soft cloth and a cleaner for glass ceramics.
5. Place a protective mat under the pot while cooking.

A protective mat against scratches

A protective mat lies between the pot and the glass while you cook. So the pot no longer rubs directly on the surface. The mat also catches splashes and spills.

Does this work with induction? Yes. The hob does not heat the glass, but the pot base directly. The magnetic field simply passes through the thin mat. Read more in our guide induction hob mat.

Which FireMat is suitable?

• Silk Edition: with a non-slip coating. Pots stay in place, even when you stir. You can use both sides: glossy side up keeps the pot in place, glossy side down keeps the mat in place.
• Black Edition: in large sizes up to 70 x 100 cm to cover the whole hob.

We do not recommend the Silk-A Edition for cooking. Its aluminium layer turns brown on an induction hob. Also, the FireMat is only suitable for induction, not for ceramic hobs.

Cleaning the mat

Simply wipe off light dirt. If the mat is very dirty, wash it at 60 °C with liquid detergent. All details are in the washing instructions.

Conclusion

Scratches in an induction hob cannot be undone. That is why it pays to avoid them: lift pots, keep the hob clean and use a protective mat. The FireMat Silk Edition protects the glass and keeps splashes away at the same time.