How to Clean Oven Glass the Right Way, According to Experts

Dealing with food splatter and drips is all part of owning an oven. Lasagna, pot roasts, and casseroles have a way of bubbling over, and if not tended to regularly, your oven glass could become streaked and stained. But cleaning your oven’s glass door doesn’t have to be a huge chore. When it comes to maintaining the pristine clarity of your oven glass, a few tried-and-true methods stand out.

We consulted our experts to create a comprehensive how-to guide for cleaning oven glass. See their best tips, tricks, and favorite methods below.

Materials Needed

• Optional: Store-bought oven cleaner 
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• Water
• Gloves  
• Microfiber cloths
• Small bowl
• Spray bottle
• Brush or flexible spatula
• Plastic scraper (as needed)

How to Oven Glass with Baking Soda and Vinegar

This method is a favorite amongst our experts. Luckily, most of us have the necessary materials already in our cupboard or fridge. Garret Bergstrom, virtual appliance expert at Frontdoor, recommends these steps when cleaning your oven glass with baking soda and vinegar:

1. First, create a paste by mixing baking soda and water in a small bowl. Use a ratio of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
2. Glove up. Then, spread the paste onto the oven glass and let it sit for 25-30 minutes.
3. After you’ve let the paste sit and dry, mix equal parts water and white vinegar and add the solution to a spray bottle.
4. Spray the solution onto the paste. This will cause it to start bubbling, a normal reaction.
5. Wet a microfiber cloth with warm water and wipe down the glass. Wipe in circular motions to clear away all the baking soda paste.
6. Once the paste has been cleaned up, any stuck-on debris that remains can be scraped off with a plastic scraper. Hold the edge flush against the glass, tilt it slightly, and then carefully run the wide edge against the debris.
7. Use any leftover paste to tackle any stubborn stains, and remove with a damp microfiber cloth.

How to Clean Oven Glass with Dish Soap

The sun rises and sets with dish soap. Its gentle makeup poses little risk when used to clean many everyday appliances and surfaces, including oven glass. “Using only soft, non-abrasive materials prevents scratches on the glass, which can often lead to a faster buildup of grease and make subsequent cleanings more difficult,” explains McBeth.

To clean oven glass, McBeth recommends using a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth with a bit of dish soap and water, which can be just as effective as any alternative method. “This gentle approach ensures that your glass remains scratch-free while still tackling stubborn residues,” she says. 

How to Clean Oven Glass with Vinegar

If you choose to bypass the baking soda and the dish soap, white vinegar on its own can be powerful enough to tackle oven glass grease and grime. McBeth recommends these simple steps to clean your oven glass with vinegar:

1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution generously onto the glass.
2. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the food residue. The vinegar’s acidity should help cut through grease effectively.
3. Repeat if necessary. For particularly stubborn stains, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto the glass after spraying the vinegar solution. This combination will create a fizzy reaction that can help lift tough spots.

How to Clean Oven Glass with Store-Bought Oven Cleaner

“For those who prefer commercial solutions, there are plenty of oven cleaners on the market specifically designed for glass surfaces,” says McBeth. “These products can offer a convenient and powerful cleaning option.” 

If you choose to use a conventional oven cleaner, Paul Higgins, commercial director at Tuffx Glass, recommends applying the oven cleaner and leaving it to soak for a few hours (ideally overnight). Afterward, wipe off the residue with microfiber cloths and warm water.

5 Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Oven Glass

Remember: Each oven (and mess!) is unique, so various techniques will work better than others. With that in mind, here are some of the most helpful tips and tricks of the trade that can help you achieve the cleanest oven glass possible. 

• Use oven liners at the bottom of your oven to help catch spills and drips, advises Bree Lemman, kitchen brand manager at Whirlpool. This will make future clean-up a breeze. “Try to keep the oven door closed as much as possible while cooking,” Lemman adds. “Limiting how often you open the door reduces grease buildup from steam, helping keep your oven glass cleaner for longer.”
• Remove the door from the oven. This will make it much easier to get into every nook and cranny.
• Clean on a schedule. It is generally recommended to clean your oven every three to six months—more frequently when spills or messes happen. Wiping down the inner and outer surfaces of your oven glass window regularly can help to keep your oven and kitchen looking clean. (You’ll also save yourself from the time-consuming task of scrubbing long-stuck-on buildup.)
• When using an aerosol oven cleaner, Higgins suggests wrapping a plastic garbage bag around the oven door to help prevent the cleaner from evaporating while soaking.
• Always consult your oven’s instruction manual for the best cleaning and maintenance guidelines to achieve the most desirable results.