Cleaning enthusiast and TikTok creator Chantel Mila has shared a two-ingredient method using bicarbonate of soda and washing-up liquid to tackle stubborn oven grease and leave the door glass gleaming.
How to make oven glass sparkle
Rather than reaching for shop-bought oven cleaners, Chantel relies on just two everyday kitchen ingredients. Squeeze a generous amount of washing-up liquid directly onto the inside of the oven door, then sprinkle an equal amount of bicarbonate of soda on top.
Alternatively, the bicarbonate of soda and washing-up liquid can be mixed together to form a smooth paste, with a little water added if the mixture turns out too thick.
Application and results
Using the abrasive side of a sponge, work the mixture into a foamy paste and leave it to sit for a few minutes to break down hardened grease and grime. Finally, wipe away the paste and lift any remaining residue with a fresh sponge or cloth. The end result should leave the oven door gleaming and restored to its former glory.
These same two ingredients can also be used to tackle stubborn grease and grime inside the oven. For particularly persistent food stains, the paste can be left on oven surfaces overnight, then wiped down thoroughly with a cloth the next morning.
Why it works
Bicarbonate of soda cuts through grease thanks to its alkaline properties, which help neutralise the acid found in grease, making it easier to lift away. As a mild abrasive, it also helps dislodge stubborn grease or food particles without damaging surfaces.
Combining it with washing-up liquid makes the process more straightforward. Acting as an emulsifier, washing-up liquid helps bind grease and oil stains together, enabling them to be rinsed away with water. Washing-up liquids contain surfactants that are both hydrophilic, attracting water, and hydrophobic, repelling water while binding to oil. These surfactants latch onto grease, allowing oil and water to mix and form a stable emulsion that can be washed away easily.
