How to Clean an Oven Door with Bicarbonate of Soda
A bicarb paste left for a few hours lifts brown grease from oven door glass.
Takes 2–3 hours
What you’ll need
- 3 parts
- 1 part
Warm water
-
Container/Bowl
Method
- Mix 3 parts of Bicarbonate of Soda with 1 part warm water to create a paste.
- Preheat the oven for a few minutes and then turn it off.
- Clean the glass with a damp cloth.
- Apply the paste on both sides of the oven door. Let it sit for 2-3 hours until the paste turns brown.
- Scrub both sides with a wet sponge or Magic Sponge.
- Rinse well afterwards and dry with a clean Microfibre Cloth.
To degrease your oven door.
Grease on oven glass is baked fat. Bicarb softens it while the paste sits, then lifts it with gentle grit.
The science: Sodium bicarbonate (PubChem, NIH) →
Glass:
Despite being a mild abrasive cleaner, Bicarbonate of Soda has the potential to scratch glass and mirrors, so it‘s best to avoid using it on these surfaces.
Aluminium:
When using Bicarbonate of Soda to clean aluminium surfaces like pans, it can cause oxidisation over time, which turns the surface brown. If you must use Bicarbonate of Soda on aluminium pots and pans, make sure to rinse them immediately after.
Natural Stone:
Avoid using Bicarbonate of Soda on natural stone surfaces like quartz, marble, and granite. Repeated use can damage the sealant and leave scratches on the stone.
Sealed Wood::
Bicarbonate of Soda can damage or wear away the finish or sealant on wood furniture, leaving a dull appearance, so it‘s best to avoid using it on wooden surfaces.
Antique Silver:
While Bicarbonate of Soda can quickly remove tarnish from silverware, it‘s too abrasive and can cause it to lose its patina and tarnish more quickly over time.
Gold-Plated Items::
Gold is a soft metal, so using Bicarbonate of Soda to clean gold-plated utensils or dishes can scratch and ruin the finish. Prolonged use can cause the plating to wear off, so it‘s best to avoid using Bicarbonate of Soda on these items.
Store Bicarbonate of Soda sealed tightly, in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets.
While Bicarbonate of Soda is generally considered a very safe cleaning agent, it is always a good idea to wear rubber gloves if you have highly sensitive skin to prevent dryness. Alternatively, rinse your hands thoroughly after use and avoid contact with your eyes as it can cause redness.
B&M Pro-Tip 1:
Clean while the oven is still slightly warm, never hot: warmth softens the grease. Hot or cold water? →
B&M Pro-Tip 2:
Never mix Citric Acid into the bicarb paste. If a white residue remains, wipe with our Citric Acid spray afterwards. pH, Acids & Bases →
Quick questions
Why warm the oven first?
Slight warmth softens the grease.
Between the glass panes?
Check your oven manual on removing the door.
Try this next: Oven Rack Soak →
