How To Easily Clean In Between The Glass Panes Of Your Oven
It's always crucial to keep your oven clean, not just for the overall appearance but also for safety reasons. Every time you cook, grease and food particles can spill and splatter, creating layers of stubborn grime that are difficult to get rid of if left unattended. A dirty oven can also become a fire hazard if spilled oil ignites, filling the kitchen with harmful fumes and smoke.
Additionally, a clean range runs more efficiently, distributing heat evenly without hot spots. On the other hand, a dirty oven is forced to work longer and harder, shortening its lifespan and resulting in costly repairs or even replacement. If safety and money aren't enough motivators, consider the "ick factor" of having last night's fish dinner contaminate tonight's dessert.
After investing time and effort into cleaning the oven's interior, however, there's nothing more frustrating than noticing that the oven door's window is still dirty. Even after wiping the glass inside and outside, grease can still find its way between the two glass panes. The problem isn't necessarily getting to that area, as two screws hold it in place that just need to be loosened. But the real challenge is realigning all the parts after cleaning. However, the job is more manageable using a few well-placed pieces of tape.
If you hastily remove the two screws, all the parts will spring apart, making it a logistical nightmare to put everything back in place. By using just two pieces of super-strong duct, Duck, or Gorilla tape, you can hold the door's components together.
How to separate the glass panes using tape
Before you get started with this hack, you'll need to gather the following supplies: duct tape, a screwdriver (likely a Phillips head), glass cleaner, paper towels, chopsticks, and an old towel to protect the floor while you work. Ensure the oven is cool and dry before you begin, as tape won't stick properly to wet surfaces. It's critical to use a very sticky, flexible tape to hold the door together, as other types, like masking, Scotch, and painter's tape, aren't strong enough.
Then, evenly place two spaced out pieces of duct tape on the oven door, adhering to the outside door panel, handle, and the inside panel. Once the tape is in place, you can safely remove the screws.
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Once the screws are loosened, peel back enough of the duct tape to release the inside door panel, keeping the handle and outside panel connected. The inside panel will spring apart, allowing you to lift it out of the way to clean the glass. You can use a commercial glass cleaner or make a natural one by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Put some paper towels on the tip of a chopstick or straightened wire hanger to reach all the cracks and crevices along the door's perimeter. Once the surface is clean, carefully lower the inside panel and reattach the duct tape, ensuring the parts are lined up perfectly. You can then replace the screws effortlessly and tighten.
Tips for cleaning the rest of the oven
Not all oven parts need to be cleaned at the same frequency. The stovetop and inside of the oven are used the most, so these areas require more attention. To avoid turning cleaning into a much bigger job, wipe up spills as soon as it's safe to touch the surface. Depending on how often you cook, prepare to clean the oven thoroughly at least once a month to keep it in good condition.
You should only need to clean between the oven glass once or twice a year. This is also a good reminder to clean other hard-to-reach surfaces of the appliance. Although you may not see what's hiding behind the oven, it is essential to clean that area annually. Cleaning experts say there is an unpleasant accumulation of food, dirt, animal hair, and more yuck behind the appliance that should be tidied up. Despite being narrow, the gap between the countertop and the stove is another gateway to that mess. To safely move the oven, refer to your owner's manual or consult a professional.
For quick access to underneath the oven, remove the drawer to address spills immediately. Use a plastic knife to scrape off any food stuck on the floor and your vacuum hose to reach under the range to remove loose debris. While the oven should still be pulled out for a thorough cleaning, this quick fix may prevent pests from being attracted to the spill.