How to Clean Between Oven Door Glass

Have you ever cleaned your oven door inside and out, only to find that there are still streaks of grime between the door glass?

Unfortunately, this is a common issue with ovens, and many people give up hope of the glass door being completely clean.

Although removing these stains often seems impossible, this is not the case. It may be trickier to clean this section compared to the rest of your oven door, but it can be done, providing you know the proper cleaning method.

In this article, we cover how to clean in between oven door glass so you’ll never have to live with these unsightly brown stains again!

Read on to learn how to access the inner glass, the best cleaners you can use, and how often you need to give your oven a once-over.

 

How Do You Clean the Inner Glass on an Oven Door?

There are two main methods for cleaning in between oven door glass. Method one will give you better results, but both are viable options for improving the look of your oven.

Method 1: Remove the glass panels

Many people don’t know this, but every oven has the option of removing the glass panels from the oven door. This allows you to clean both sides of the glass before returning it to the door frame.

Some oven doors unclip along the top, allowing you to slide out the glass, whereas others keep the panels in place using screws.

If your oven falls into the latter category, you may have to buy a special tool to remove the glass. Your oven manual will give instructions specific for your make and model.

Once you have your manual to hand, use the below instructions to remove the glass panels from your oven door safely:

1. Turn off your oven at the mains and wait for it to cool.
2. Lay a clean towel on a flat surface, such as the kitchen countertop.
3. Open your oven door and remove the glass panels according to your oven manual’s instructions.
4. Carefully place the glass panels onto the towel, with the dirty side facing up.
5. Clean the glass using your preferred method or one of our recommended cleaners below. Always wear gloves to protect your skin, no matter which cleaner you use.
6. Gently place the clean panels back into the oven door frame and secure them in place.
7. Turn the oven back on at the mains and use it as usual.

This is the most effective method for cleaning between your oven door glass. However, take caution when following these instructions.

The glass in your oven is strong, but it’s still possible to smash the panels if you’re not careful.

You won’t have any issues if you gently remove the panels according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Method 2: Use the oven vents

If you don’t feel comfortable removing the glass panels from your oven door, cleaning inside the glass through the door vents is possible.

This will not clean the glass as effectively, but it will remove some of the grime and be enough to keep the panels clean if they are not already overly dirty.

To access the glass through the oven vents, you will need to:

1. Turn the oven off at the mains and allow it to cool completely.
2. Find a long piece of wire, a wooden skewer, or a similarly shaped item that is slightly longer than the height of your oven door.
3. Use a rubber band to secure a scouring pad, rag, or sponge to the end of the rod.
4. Dampen the material with your desired cleaning solution. You can use soapy water for this, but we recommend using the vinegar and washing-up liquid solution mentioned below for a more effective cleaner.
5. Insert the rod into the oven via the holes at the top or bottom of your oven door.
6. Use the rod to wipe the inside of the glass with the cleaning solution.
7. Once clean, repeat the process with a dry paper towel on the end of the rod to buff the glass.
8. Turn your oven back on at the mains and use it as usual.

If your oven has a drawer underneath, you may find it easier to access the vents by removing it.

Unfortunately, some ovens do not have vents in the glass doors at all. In this case, you must disassemble the door to clean between the glass panels. However, this is rare.

 

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?

How frequently you need to clean your oven depends on how often you use the appliance and what kind of foods you cook.

However, it is good practice to try and clean your oven at least once every three months.

Regularly giving your oven a once-over will prevent any thick layers of grime from building up and reduce the amount of scrubbing and harsh chemicals needed to remove all the dirt.

If you notice any significant marks, it is always best to deal with them immediately to avoid cleaning difficulties later on.

In some cases, your oven may already be at a stage that will be extremely challenging to clean. We suggest hiring a professional in this instance.

Although this can be expensive, a professional cleaner will ensure your oven looks as good as new. You can then continue the upkeep by keeping a regular cleaning schedule.

 

What Is the Best Thing to Clean an Oven Door With?

Cleaning grime off your oven door can be straightforward if you use the right cleaner. Below is our list of the best cleaners you can use:

Bicarbonate of soda

One of the best things you can use to clean your oven door is bicarbonate of soda. This mildly abrasive powder is often found in kitchen cabinets already and will easily scrub away any stains on your glass door.

To use it, you need to:

1. Wipe any loose bits of dirt off of the glass panels with a cloth
2. Combine the bicarbonate of soda and water to form a cleaning paste
3. Spread an even layer of paste over the glass
4. Allow the cleaner to work for 15-20 minutes
5. Use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe away the bicarbonate paste
6. Repeat steps 3-5 if required
7. Dry and buff the glass with a clean microfibre cloth

 

Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar

If you need a slightly stronger cleaner, you can also add white vinegar to the mix. To effectively use this cleaning combo, you will need to complete steps 1-6 of the bicarbonate of soda instructions above and then:

1. Combine 1 part white vinegar and 1 part warm water in a spray bottle
2. Liberally spray the cleaning solution onto the glass
3. Leave for a few minutes, and then wipe away the solution
4. Dry and buff the glass with a clean microfibre cloth

 

White vinegar & washing-up liquid

If you don’t have bicarbonate of soda to hand, you can also create a natural cleaner using white vinegar and washing-up liquid. You will need to:

1. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and washing-up liquid
2. Spray the solution onto the glass panels
3. Leave the cleaner to sit for 5-10 minutes
4. Wipe the surface clean and buff it dry with a microfibre cloth

This cleaning solution can also be used when cleaning your glass panels via the door vents. Simply saturate your cloth before inserting the rod between the glass.

 

Dishwasher tablets

Surprisingly, dishwasher tablets can also be used to clean the glass in your oven door. Just make sure not to use this method on the sides and floor of the oven, as it could cause damage.

Use the below instructions for the best results:

1. Quickly dip the dishwasher tablet in warm water
2. Scrub at the glass using the wet tablet until all traces of grime have been removed
3. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue
4. Buff and dry the glass using a microfibre cloth

 

Shaving foam

Another household item that can be used to clean an oven door is shaving foam. It is a bit unconventional, but many people have reported amazing results. To try it yourself, you need to:

1. Spread a layer of shaving foam over the glass
2. Leave the foam to sit for a few minutes
3. Use a wet cloth to wipe away the softened dirt and grime
4. Buff and dry the glass using a microfibre cloth

 

Commercial cleaning products

Your final option for cleaning your oven door is to purchase a commercial oven cleaner. These products contain harsh chemicals that can remove even the most stubborn dirt from the glass.

It’s always best to check your oven manual before buying a cleaner to ensure the product will not cause any damage. If it is safe to use, follow the instructions on the product label for the best results.