I put off cleaning my oven door for months because I was convinced I would have to unscrew it. The brown, baked-on film on the inside glass made it impossible to check on a roast without opening the door. In the end, the outside of the inner pane is where most of that film sits, and you can reach it with the door closed on its hinges. A thick baking soda paste softens the grease, time does most of the work, and a plastic scraper lifts the rest. It is not instant, but it is easy, cheap and gentle on the glass.
What you need
- 1/2 cup (about 110 g) baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
- 2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml) water
- a few drops dish soap
- 1 plastic scraper or old plastic card
- 1 non-scratch sponge
- 1 spray bottle of plain water
- 2 microfiber cloths
- 1 pair rubber gloves
How to do it
- Make sure the oven is off and completely cold. Open the door fully and lay an old towel on the floor under it to catch drips.
- Mix the baking soda with the water and a few drops of dish soap in a small bowl until you have a thick paste, about the texture of toothpaste. Add water a teaspoon at a time if it is too dry.
- With gloved hands, spread a generous layer of paste over the inside of the glass, concentrating on the brown spots. Keep it away from the rubber door seal.
- Leave the paste to work for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours for very old stains. If it starts drying out and turning white and crumbly, mist it lightly with the spray bottle.
- Hold the plastic scraper at a low angle and push the softened grime gently toward the bottom of the glass. Never use a metal blade or steel wool, which can scratch the glass.
- Rub the remaining spots in small circles with the damp non-scratch sponge, rinsing it often in warm water.
- Wipe the glass several times with a clean damp microfiber cloth to remove every trace of baking soda, then buff it dry with the second cloth so no white haze is left.
Good to know
- Dirt trapped between the two panes is a different story: check your oven manual, as some doors are designed to open for cleaning and others should not be taken apart at home.
- A quick wipe of the warm (not hot) glass after roasting stops the film from building up again.
- Avoid harsh oven sprays on the outside of the door if it has a printed or painted frame.
The first time I could actually see my roast through the glass again, I was ridiculously proud. Give it an afternoon and let me know how yours turns out!
