Let’s be honest — cleaning the oven is one of those chores that’s easy to forget until something spills and starts smoking. Whether it’s pizza cheese bubbling over or oil splattering during roasting, the oven door takes the hit. Over time, those little messes build up on the glass and become tough to ignore.
But cleaning your oven door isn’t as simple as wiping down the counters. It requires a little more care, especially since glass can get scratched or damaged with the wrong cleaning method. If it’s been a while since you gave yours any attention, here’s exactly how to clean a glass oven door properly — both inside and out — and what mistakes to avoid.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dawn dish soap
- Microfiber cloths
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Paper towels
- Optional: Stainless steel cleaner (like Bar Keeper’s Friend)
Outside
For the outside of the oven door, it’s pretty straightforward. Sara San Angelo, professional cleaner and founder of the blog Confessions of a Cleaning Lady, recommends a simple 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. Spray it onto the glass and wipe it down using a microfiber cloth.
If your oven has stainless steel around the door, go a step further and use a stainless steel cleaner like Bar Keeper’s Friend for that section. This will help remove smudges, fingerprints, and grime without scratching the surface.
Inside
Cleaning the inside of the glass door takes a bit more work, but the method is still DIY-friendly. Here’s San Angelo’s go-to method:
- Mix half a cup of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste. Add a few drops of Dawn dish soap.
- Spread the paste over the interior glass.
- Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the surface.
- Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or paper towels.
If the paste is stubborn or leaves residue, follow up with a rinse using a vinegar and water solution (one part vinegar to four parts water). Dip a lint-free cloth into the mix and wipe the glass down again. Then, dry and buff with a clean microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
According to Jessica Ruenz, former VP at Maid Right, staying on top of spills is key. The longer the gunk sits, the harder it’ll be to remove. Routine wiping after cooking will save you from tougher deep cleans later.
In Between the Glass
Here’s the tricky part — the space between the two glass panes inside your oven door. That area can collect grime too, especially over years of use. Unfortunately, there’s no shortcut here. As San Angelo explains, the only way to clean between the glass is by removing the oven door and taking it apart.
It’s a project you’ll want to do carefully, following your oven manual if you decide to attempt it. If you’re not comfortable with that level of disassembly, this is one job worth leaving to a professional.
How Often to Clean
There’s no universal schedule — it depends on how often you cook and how messy your meals are. If you use your oven regularly and don’t clean spills right away, you might need to deep clean the door every few months. If you’re good about wiping down splatters immediately, you can probably stretch that timeline.
As a rule of thumb:
- Clean the outside of the door weekly or as often as you clean your kitchen.
- Clean the inside of the door every time you deep clean the oven or if you see visible grease or food stains.
What Not to Do
There are a few key mistakes to avoid when cleaning your oven door:
- Don’t clean the glass when it’s hot. Always wait for the oven to cool completely.
- Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners. These can scratch the glass or leave permanent marks.
- Skip metal scrapers or steel wool. Stick with a sponge or microfiber cloth to protect the finish.
Taking care of your oven door with the right products will help it stay clear and functional for the long run.
Self-Cleaning Mode
If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, you might wonder if it takes care of the glass too. The answer? Kind of. The self-cleaning cycle heats the oven up to around 900 degrees Fahrenheit, incinerating food particles and grease inside — including on the glass.
But even after the cycle, residue might still remain on the door. You’ll need to wait until the oven is fully cooled and then manually wipe down the glass to get it truly clean.
So while self-cleaning helps, it doesn’t replace good old-fashioned scrubbing — especially if you’re aiming for streak-free clarity on the glass.
FAQs
Can you use vinegar on glass oven doors?
Yes, a 50/50 vinegar and water mix works well on the outer glass.
How do you clean between the glass panes?
You must remove the oven door to access and clean between the panes.
Is baking soda safe for oven glass?
Yes, it’s mildly abrasive and effective when used with dish soap.
Does self-cleaning clean the oven door?
Partially. You may still need to wipe the glass after it cools.
How often should I clean my oven door?
As needed, or during deep cleans—more often if you cook frequently.
