Peering through a grimy oven glass door while your food cooks can be more frustrating than a fogged-up car windshield on a rainy day. Like any other kitchen appliance, the oven requires regular cleaning to perform its best and allow you to monitor your culinary creations.
The task of tackling oven glass might seem daunting, given the buildup of grease and mysterious splatters. Fear not! With these three simple steps you can get your oven glass sparkling from every angle—inside, and outside.
1. Clearing the Outside: Simple Yet Effective
For the external part of the oven glass, a simple combination of baking soda and vinegar can be highly effective. Sprinkle the glass with baking soda, then spray it with a mixture of vinegar and water.
This combination fizzes up, helping to loosen and lift grease and grime. Wipe it down with a non-abrasive pad to avoid scratches, and finish with a glass cleaner for a shiny surface.
2. Inside Out: Tackling the Tougher Stains
The interior of the oven door can present more stubborn stains. A good approach is to use a thick paste made from baking soda and a little water, applied generously across the oven glass. Allow this paste to sit for about 15-20 minutes to break down the grease.
For enhanced effectiveness, follow up with a spray of vinegar, which reacts with the baking soda to help lift grime. Once the reaction has done its work, gently scrub with a soft sponge and then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
3. Between the Glasses: The Trickiest Clean
Cleaning between the glass panes of the oven door is more challenging and may require disassembling the door. If you choose to proceed, carefully remove the door and use tools like a yardstick wrapped in a lint-free cloth to reach and clean these areas.
Dip the cloth in a mild dish soap solution, carefully navigate it through the slots, and ensure it’s secure to avoid scratches. Always consult the oven’s manual to avoid damaging your appliance or voiding warranties.
Regular Maintenance: Keeping It Sparkling
Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent heavy build-up. After each oven use, giving the glass a quick wipe with a vinegar-dampened cloth can keep it looking clear. For deeper cleaning, natural products like baking soda and vinegar are not only effective but also avoid the harsh chemicals found in many commercial cleaners.
By integrating these cleaning techniques and maintaining regular upkeep, your oven glass can remain clear, enhancing both its functionality and the overall look of your kitchen.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.