Glass and ceramic cooktops scratch easily, and Colorado Springs homeowners call us about this regularly. A scratch and a crack are very different problems. One is cosmetic. The other is a safety issue.
Scratches vs Cracks: How to Tell the Difference
Run your fingernail across the mark. If it passes smoothly, it is a surface scratch. If your nail catches, the surface is broken. A cracked cooking surface should not be used until it is assessed. Continued heat on a cracked glass cooktop can cause it to shatter.
Can You Fix Surface Scratches?
Light scratches can sometimes be minimized with cooktop polishing compounds like Bar Keepers Friend. Deep scratches that catch your fingernail are permanent.
Preventing Scratches Going Forward
- Lift pots rather than sliding them
- Avoid cast iron or use a silicone protector pad
- Clean sugar spills while still warm
- Use only soft cloths and cooktop-specific cleaners
When a Crack Means Replacement
A cracked glass surface cannot be repaired. The glass panel must be replaced as a unit. We give you a straight answer before any work starts. Read more in our guide on glass cooktop crack repair or replace and our glass cooktop repair service in Colorado Springs. Call Stove Works at (719) 467-3100 for a same-day assessment.