How to Clean the Glass on an Oven Door
Remove baked-on grease and grime from oven door glass using a simple bicarbonate of soda paste and white vinegar.
Quick answer
Make a paste from bicarbonate of soda and water. Spread it over the glass and leave it for 15–20 minutes. Scrub gently with an old toothbrush, then wipe away with a cloth dampened in white vinegar. Buff dry with a clean cloth.
Oven door glass gets coated with grease and burnt-on food that ordinary sprays struggle to shift. A paste of bicarbonate of soda breaks down the residue without scratching the glass.
What you’ll need
- Bicarbonate of soda
- White vinegar
- Washing-up liquid
- Soft microfibre cloths
- Old toothbrush
- Small bowl
Step by step
- 1
Make the cleaning paste
Mix three parts bicarbonate of soda with one part water in a small bowl until you have a thick, spreadable paste. It should be about the consistency of toothpaste.
- 2
Open the door and lay it flat if possible
Open the oven door fully. If your oven design allows, lay the door horizontal so the paste stays in place and does not drip onto the floor.
- 3
Spread the paste over the glass
Use your fingers or a soft cloth to smear the paste across the entire inner glass surface. Pay extra attention to thick, dark patches of grease. Leave it to sit for 15–20 minutes.
- 4
Scrub gently with an old toothbrush
Dampen the toothbrush and work it in small circles over the glass. The bristles will lift the softened grime without scratching. For stubborn spots, apply a second layer of paste and wait another 10 minutes.
- 5
Wipe away with vinegar and buff dry
Spray or wipe white vinegar onto a clean cloth and wipe the glass. The vinegar will react with any remaining bicarbonate of soda and cut through grease. Buff the glass with a dry microfibre cloth until it is clear and streak-free.
Make sure the oven is completely cold and switched off before you start. Never use abrasive scourers or wire wool on oven glass—they will scratch the surface permanently.
Common mistakes
- Using abrasive scourers that scratch the glass
- Applying paste to a warm or hot oven door
- Using too much water, which can seep between the glass layers
- Scrubbing with excessive pressure that could crack older glass
Frequently asked
Can I use this method on the outside of the door too?
Yes. The same paste works on the outside glass. It is usually less greasy, so it should clean up faster.
What if there is grime between the two layers of glass?
Some oven doors have screws or clips that let you remove the inner glass panel for cleaning. Check your oven manual. If the door does not come apart easily, do not force it—call the manufacturer or an appliance technician.
Is bicarbonate of soda safe for self-cleaning ovens?
Yes, but avoid the heating elements and seals. Wipe all residue away thoroughly before you next use the oven.
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