Cleaning guru and TikTok creator Chantel Mila has revealed her go-to oven cleaning method, which uses just two kitchen staples to cut through tough grime without harsh chemicals. The method combines baking soda and washing-up liquid to create a paste that leaves oven glass glistening.
How to clean oven glass
Chantel advises combining baking soda and washing-up liquid together to create a smooth paste, adding a splash of water if the paste is too thick. For those who prefer to skip the mixing, she suggests squirting washing-up liquid directly onto the oven door, followed by sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda on top.
Use the rough side of a sponge to work the mixture into a foamy paste, then allow it to sit for a few minutes to break down stuck-on grease and grime. Finish by wiping over the paste and loosening grime with a clean sponge or cloth.
Why the paste works
Chantel said: “Baking soda helps scrub the grime, while the dish soap cuts through the grease.” The results should leave the oven door sparkling, and the homemade paste can also be used inside the oven.
For particularly stubborn food stains and marks, the paste can be left on the oven overnight. In the morning, wipe down the oven with a cloth, paying attention to any persistent spots that may still have grime.
The science behind the staples
Baking soda is effective at removing grease because of its alkaline nature, which helps neutralise the acid in grease and allows it to be lifted easily during cleaning. As a mild abrasive, it also lifts stubborn grease or food particles without damaging surfaces.
When paired with washing-up liquid, the cleaning process becomes smoother. Washing-up liquid acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind grease and oil stains so they can be rinsed away with water. Dish soaps contain surfactants that attract water and bind to oil, attaching to grease and allowing oil and water to mix and form a stable emulsion that can then be washed away.
