Ovens are pretty low maintenance. They can go months, maybe even a year, without much attention beyond the occasional crumb sweep. But one part that does demand some elbow grease every now and then is the glass door. So, can you take an oven door apart to clean it?
Oven doors can be taken apart for cleaning, but the exact process depends on the model. Generally, you need to release the hinges holding the door, then detach the door and unscrew the assembly around the glass. You can then separate the glass panels from the frame and clean them from the inside.
Even with seals and coatings, greasy smoke stains tend to find their way inside the glass panes of an oven door. And when they do, the only way to get rid of them is to take the door apart, disassemble it, and clean the glass. So let’s take a closer look at how to clean an oven door with this handy DIY guide.
Can You Take Your Oven Door Apart to Clean the Glass?
Yes, you can take apart your oven door for cleaning — and you should. Oven doors are typically made of two layers of glass held together inside a metal frame.
In between the panes is a layer of air, which helps insulate the door. But this space also means that a small amount of grease can find its way inside, making the glass panes look icky.
The only way to clean between the panes is to disassemble the door and give each piece a good cleaning. Luckily, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
Oven manufacturers understand that people want to clean their doors, so they’ve made it relatively easy for us to do just that.
Most ovens have a door release lever or knob (usually located near the hinges) that, when engaged, allows you to pull the door off its hinges. Once the door is off, you can remove the inner glass panel for cleaning.
How to Disassemble Your Oven Door
Ovens come in all shapes and sizes, so consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions before you start taking yours apart. In general, though, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Open the oven door horizontally all the way to the ground to reveal the clips holding the glass door in place. If you have door hinge levers, use a flathead screwdriver or a putty knife (on Amazon) to disengage them on both sides.
In some models, you may need to remove the screws holding the hinge levers. - Firmly hold the door from both sides and lift it until it’s halfway up the oven opening. Then, wiggle and pull the door towards you until it comes off the hinges.
- Carefully place the door on a flat surface like a table or counter.
- Next, remove the front panel to uncover the inner glass door. On most models, a few screws on each side of the frame hold it in place. Once the screws are out, the panel comes right off.
- Put the screws in a safe place, preferably labeled, so you don’t have to go hunting for them later.
- Unscrew the door hinge assembly from both sides and set them aside.
- Before further disassembly, it’s a good idea to clean around the exposed parts and the exterior of the glass panes.
- Next, you need to unscrew the inner metal liner plate. This part is what holds the two layers of glass together. Depending on your model, there may be 6 to 8 pairs of screws in the front and sides holding the liner in place.
- Now gently separate the liner from the door. Then lift the outer glass pane out, flip it, and place it on a towel spread over a flat surface. Make sure you don’t disturb the insulation around the panes.
- You should now have full access to the inner sides of both glass panes.
How to Clean Your Oven Door’s Glass Panels
For light cleaning, mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the glass door using a soft cloth or sponge, and scrub in a circular motion until the grime is gone. Clean the surface with a wet cloth to remove any residue.
For tougher stains, you can use a degreaser (on Amazon) or dish soap. Apply the degreaser to a nylon scrubbing pad, and clean the glass in a circular motion.
Clean with a wet cloth to remove any residue. Finish by wiping the glass with a glass cleaner (on Amazon) on a microfiber cloth.
How to Reassemble Your Oven Door
The reassembly process is simply the reverse of the disassembly process we described above. But before you start reassembling the door, ensure all the parts are completely dry — and that the glass panes are squeaky clean and free of any streaks.
- If everything looks good, start by putting the glass pane back in place. Make sure the insulation is properly in place.
- Drop the liner plate back on, snap it into place and screw it in. Don’t tighten the screws too much or you may crack the glass.
- Next, put the door hinge assembly back in the slot and screw them in place.
- Lift the glass pane unit and place it onto the front panel you removed earlier. Make sure it fits in the slots, then screw the front-back panels back in place.
- Finally, grasp the door from both sides and fit it back onto the oven in the position you separated it.
- If your door has hinges, you’d need to fit the hinge arm or hook over a small notch on the oven. Once it’s in place, lock the hinges using a screwdriver, and that’s it. Your door is now ready to use.