Thankfully, cleaning a glass oven door isn’t impossible, but it takes some effort, a plan, and potentially some elbow grease to get it looking like new again. There are several methods for how to clean a glass oven door depending on your oven model, how dirty the glass is, and your cleaning product preferences. To learn how to clean a glass oven door the right way, we reached out to a home cleaning expert, Katie Burkey, owner of Molly Maid of Mahoning/Trumbull County. She walked us through the steps to clean a glass oven door, plus tips for removing even stubborn grease and grime, to make this kitchen appliance sparkle.

How Often to Clean a Glass Oven Door

How often you need to clean your glass oven door will depend on how often—and what—you cook. Aim to clean the interior surface of the door about every three to six months, or whenever you complete a thorough cleaning of your oven. Wipe down the exterior of the oven at least once a week or whenever spills happen. Clean in between the double layers of the glass oven door about once a year. Cleaning the oven door regularly will mean less scrubbing, as grime won’t have as long to set onto the surface, and you’ll also be able to use less harsh chemicals.

What You Need:

Vacuum with a crevice attachmentYardstick (optional)Cleaning clothsRubber bands (optional)Baking sodaDistilled white vinegar Non-abrasive sponge or scour pad Glass cleanerGrease-cutting dish soapStore-bought oven cleaner (optional)

How to Clean a Glass Oven Door by Removing the Glass

How to Remove an Oven Door

For some oven models, the entire door may need to be removed in order to clean in between the two panes of glass that make up the glass oven door. Consult your oven’s manual (remember, many appliance manuals can now be found online) before you get started.

Removing Built-Up Grease From a Glass Oven Door

The best cleaner for glass oven doors is a mixture of items you already have in your pantry: baking soda and vinegar. “It’s a great non-toxic alternative to harsh chemical cleaners,” Burkey says.

How to Clean a Glass Oven Door Without Removing It

While it is best to remove the glass door from your oven before cleaning it, there are times when that isn’t an option. While you may need to clean the door, you may not be physically capable of removing it—or you may not want to risk potentially breaking the glass. Luckily, it’s easy to clean the glass without removing it. Here’s how. Clean the Exterior of the Door:

How to Clean a Glass Oven Door Using Self-Cleaning Mode

The self-cleaning cycle is great for removing those baked-on spills, grease, and messes from not only the glass door but the entire oven as well. Before you switch on the self-cleaning cycle, make sure the oven is empty. Remove the oven racks, and make sure everything is off the stovetop. Then, open up the windows in your home. The self-cleaning cycle can heat the oven up to nearly 900 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on what model you have. This will warm up your home, and it can also potentially emit fumes, so proper ventilation is key. For safety, make sure children and pets are kept out of the room (or house) while the self-cleaning mode is on. But an adult should remain home during this process in the event of a fire. The self-cleaning cycle will clean the entire inside of the oven, including the glass door, as the high heat burns up all of the stuck-on food and residue. The process can take anywhere from one to six hours to complete depending on the model and mode selected, so it’s a good idea to plan meals ahead or decide to order takeout. When the cycle is finished, wait for the oven to cool down. All the debris will have been heated into ash, which can be wiped away with a damp cloth or sponge. Up Next: Here’s How Often You Should Clean Your Oven—Plus the Easiest Way to Do It