The oven is one of the most essential appliances in any kitchen, and the door is frequently exposed to grease and grime from cooking. Over time, this build-up can be difficult to remove. However, with the right tools and techniques, cleaning your oven door is easy and takes hardly any time.
To remove tough stains from oven doors, use a solvent-based cleaner. Make one by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar. Apply the cleaner to the door with a sponge, then scrub in a downward motion. Next, make a degreaser with dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar to remove stubborn grime.
Let’s look at how to clean a glass oven door from the inside and outside. You’ll also learn how to clean between the glass panels and get some tips for tackling tough grease stains.
How to Clean a Glass Oven Door from the Inside
Wiping the oven door clean from the inside is a simple task when you know how to do it. All that is required is a few household items. You will need the following:
- ½ cup of baking soda
- Distilled white vinegar
- Water
- A small or a medium-sized bowl
- Microfiber cloths
- A razor blade (optional)
Cleaning the Glass
- Open the oven door, dampen your microfiber cloth and wipe away excess debris.
- Pour your baking soda into a bowl and slowly add water to make a thick paste.
- Use the microfiber cloth to apply the paste to the door.
- Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Dampen your microfiber cloth again and wipe the paste away.
For baked-on, hardened areas, sprinkle baking soda directly on it and spray with a 50/50 dilution of vinegar and water. Wait for the mixture to finish bubbling, then wipe clean.
If there is any tough grime remaining, you can use the razor blade to scrape it off, but be careful not to scratch the glass.
Use your damp microfiber cloth to wipe any residue off of the door. Then, buff it dry with a second microfiber cloth for a streak-free clean.
How to Clean Between Panels of Glass on Oven Door
If your oven door is made of glass, cleaning between the panels is vital to prevent food build-up and grease from splattering onto your food.
The best way to clean between panels is to remove the oven door or the glass, depending on the model. Consult your oven’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this. That will give you the best access to all the nooks and crannies where dirt and grime can accumulate.
You will need the following:
- A screwdriver
- A towel or blanket
- A toothbrush or small scrub brush
- 50/50 vinegar and water mix in a spray bottle
- Microfiber cloth
Clean Between Panels by Removing the Glass from an Oven
If the glass panel for your oven is removable, this will be the best way to get between the panes and clean them thoroughly.
- Locate the screws that hold the door together and brace it with your legs as you remove them.
- Gently pry the glass away from the door and lay it on a soft towel.
- Now that you have access to the panels, use a toothbrush or another soft brush to clean between the cracks.
- If there is any stubborn dirt or grease, use a 50/50 vinegar and water spray to help loosen it and remove it with a microfiber cloth.
- Once you have cleaned between all the panels, you can clean the glass with a baking soda paste.
- Dry the glass thoroughly before putting the panel back on the oven door.
- Replace the screws and tighten them until the door is secure.
Clean Between Panels by Removing the Oven Door
If the glass is not removable, you can still clean between the panels by removing the entire oven door. To do this:
- Locate the hinges or screws on the door and lift or unscrew them, depending on your model. If you aren’t sure, consult the owner’s manual for instructions.
- Carefully lift the door off and set it aside on a countertop or other flat surface.
- Wipe down the panels and door frame using a damp cloth. You can use a baking soda paste or oven cleaner if there is any stubborn dirt or grime.
- Rinse the cloth and continue wiping until everything is clean.
- Once finished, reattach the door by screwing or snapping it back into place. Make sure the oven door is secure before using the oven.
After following these steps, your oven door should be clean and free of grease and grime. For best results, clean the door regularly to prevent a build-up.
How to Clean a Glass Oven Door from the Outside
Cleaning the outside of your oven door is far easier than cleaning the inside or between the panels. You won’t need to remove the door or any of the panels.
To get started, you’ll need the following:
- A microfiber cloth
- A spray bottle filled with distilled white vinegar and water (50/50 mix)
Cleaning the Glass
- Start by spraying the door with the vinegar and water mixture.
- Wipe down the door with the microfiber cloth, going downward.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the door is clean.
- Dry the door with a clean microfiber cloth and buff away any streaks.
If you have any tough spots, you can make a paste out of baking soda and water. Then, apply it to the area with a microfiber cloth and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping it clean.
After following these simple steps, your glass oven door will be clean and streak-free.
How to Tackle Tough Grease Stains
The best way to clean tough grease stains from an oven is by using a degreaser. You can make your own with a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
You will need the following:
- 1/4 cup of white vinegar
- 1 and 1/2 cups of baking soda
- 1/2 cup Dawn or Palmolive dish soap
- A mixing bowl
- An abrasive sponge
- A microfiber cloth
Tackling the Stains
- Pour the dish soap into a bowl, add the baking soda, then pour in the vinegar.
- Stir as it foams until it becomes a runny paste.
- Use your sponge to coat the interior of the oven with your paste. You want to apply it heavier to any areas with tough grease stains.
- Let it sit for at least an hour or overnight if possible.
- When ready to clean, use a damp sponge to wipe away the paste, then give your oven a good once over with a wet microfiber cloth.
Because dish soap contains surfactants that break down stubborn dirt and grime, allowing it to set overnight will help loosen the grease. So, when you come back in the morning, all you’ll have to do is wipe it away.
You can also use this same paste to clean the oven racks by coating them in the paste and letting them set overnight. Then, in the morning, wipe them clean with a sponge.