Causes of Discoloration

• Discoloration on the glass surface can occur due to improper cleaning, burnt on foods, scratches and spills. Items like aluminum foil or aluminum pots and pans can also cause a glass stove to discolor. Discoloration can be permanent on glass stovetops, so users must ensure they follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and cooking.
  
  

Cleaning

• Cleaning the glass top immediately after a spill occurs can prevent discoloration. The user must allow the top of the stove to cool completely before applying any cleaning products. Although heating can help clean a spill on a traditional stove, it can cause damage and discoloration on a glass surface. Abrasive cleaners, scouring pads and nylon sponges can scratch the surface of the top, as well. Manufacturers of glass top stoves make recommendations for cleaning solutions to use on the glass top to prevent discoloration and some even supply a cleansing cream specifically for glass stovetops.
  
  

Pots and Pans

• Using the correct pots and pans can also prevent discolorations and damage to the top of the stove. While it is not necessary to buy all new pots and pans, homeowner should make sure the bottoms of the cooking utensils are flat and without ridges. Pans with rounded bottoms, such as woks, can cause overheating, which will damage both the stovetop and the pan. Homeowners should not use aluminum foil or foil pans on a glass top stove to prevent discoloration and damage.
  
  

Burnt on Food and Scratches

• When spilled foods burn onto the surface of the stove, homeowners can clean the stain without scouring by soaking the spill with cleaning product and covering it with a damp paper towel. The cleanser soaks into the burned-on food and allows easier cleaning without scratching. Ingredients like sugar and salt can also scratch the glass surface of the stove, causing permanent damage. Scratches on the glass top stove can appear as brown lines or a general discoloration.