Supplies You’ll Need
- Glass cleaner or vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Sponge or cleaning cloth
- Razor blade/steel wool
- Gloves
When cleaning the glass oven door, you want to use supplies that will cut through grease and baked-on food residues. Glass cleaner, vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap are great options. You’ll also need a sponge or cleaning cloth, razor blade/steel wool for stuck-on grime, and gloves to protect your hands.
Prepare the Oven
Before cleaning the glass, you need to prepare the oven:
- Allow the oven to cool completely. Cleaning a hot oven can lead to burns.
- Remove oven racks and set aside. This gives you full access to the oven door.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the bottom of the oven. The baking soda will help absorb grease and odors.
- Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water. This will be used for cleaning the glass.
With the oven fully cooled and prepped, you’re ready to clean the glass door.
Clean the Inside Glass
Start by cleaning the inside glass of the oven door:
- Spray vinegar solution over the inside glass. Make sure to coat it evenly.
- Allow it to sit for 5 minutes. This gives the vinegar time to loosen baked-on grime.
- Scrub with a sponge or cloth in circular motions. Apply gentle pressure.
- Use a razor blade/steel wool to scrape off any chunks or grease. Be very careful when scraping.
- Spray again and wipe clean until all residues are gone.
- Dry thoroughly with a towel.
Vinegar is a powerful grease-cutting cleaner. Combined with some scrubbing, it will clean the inside glass effectively.
Clean the Outside Glass
After cleaning the inside, move to the exterior:
- Spray glass cleaner onto the outside glass surface.
- Wipe down with a sponge, cloth or paper towels.
- Buff dry with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.
- Use razor blade/steel wool ifgrime remains. Be gentle when scraping.
- Rinse and dry completely.
The exterior glass will likely be less dirty than the interior. Simple glass cleaner and buffing is often enough to make the outside shine.
Use Dish Soap for Tough Grease Spots
If any grease spots or grimy film remains after using vinegar and glass cleaner, try:
- Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water.
- Apply to stuck-on grease spots.
- Let sit briefly then scrub with a sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry. The dish detergent will cut through any leftover grease.
Avoid Cleaner Buildup
It’s important not to let cleaners or soap residue build up on the glass long-term. This can leave streaks and film over time.
- Wipe down the glass door with water after cleaning.
- Buff dry with a towel to prevent chemical buildup.
- Use a razor blade to periodically scrape off any stubborn buildup.
Maintain the Cleanliness
To keep your glass oven door looking its best:
- Wipe up food splatters right away before they bake on. This prevents heavy-duty scrubbing later.
- Clean the oven door regularly – weekly or biweekly depending on use.
- Use glass cleaner or vinegar-water for quick touch-ups between deep cleans.
- Avoid leaning or touching the glass with greasy hands/food.
FAQs About Cleaning Glass Oven Doors
How do you clean burnt-on grease from an oven door?
For burnt-on grease, spray oven degreaser and let sit for 10 minutes. This helps loosen the grease. Then scrub with steel wool and razor blades. Rinse and repeat as needed. Baking soda and vinegar can also help cut through extreme grease.
What is the fastest way to clean an oven door?
The fastest way is to spray vinegar water, let sit briefly, wipe down, and buff dry. For light soil, this takes just minutes. For heavier buildup, allow the vinegar to work 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
Should I clean oven glass when it’s hot?
Never clean the glass when the oven is still hot. Heat can cause cleaners to streak. Also, touching a hot oven risks burns. Always allow the oven to cool completely first.
Can I use Windex on an oven door?
Yes, Windex or any standard glass cleaner will clean an oven door effectively. Spray on and wipe down with a cloth. For heavy soil, let it sit before scrubbing.
How do you remove Etched spots from glass oven doors?
Apply baking soda and water into a paste. Rub gently over etched spots using a soft cloth and rinse. Alternatively, use a razor blade held at a 30° angle to buff the spots lightly. Avoid excessive pressure which can further etch the glass.
Conclusion
Cleaning a glass oven door doesn’t need to be a dreaded chore. With the right techniques, you can keep your oven glass looking spotless. Be sure to use cleaning products targeted at grease removal like vinegar, baking soda, and glass cleaner. Maintain the cleanliness with quick wipe downs after each use. With some periodic deep cleaning using the steps above, you can enjoy sparkling oven glass that looks brand new.