Oven glass can be restored to a sparkling condition using a simple homemade paste made from just two common household items, according to cleaning guru and TikTok creator Chantel Mila.
Mila, who shares cleaning hacks on her TikTok account @mama_mila_, recommends using baking soda and washing-up liquid to tackle stubborn grime on oven doors. The method avoids the need for commercial oven-cleaning products.
How to make the paste
To use the trick, drizzle washing-up liquid directly onto the inside of the oven door, then add the same amount of baking soda over the top. Alternatively, combine baking soda and washing-up liquid to create a smooth paste, adding a splash of water if the mixture is too thick.
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 off the paste and loosening grime with a clean sponge or cloth, leaving the oven door sparkling.
Dealing with stubborn stains
The same two ingredients can be used to remove grease and grime inside the oven. For particularly stubborn food stains, the paste can be left on overnight, and in the morning wiped down with a cloth, paying attention to persistent spots.
Baking soda works effectively on grease due to its alkaline nature, which neutralises the acid in grease and makes it easier to lift. As a mild abrasive, it also helps remove stubborn food particles without damaging surfaces.
Why the method works
Pairing baking soda with washing-up liquid makes the cleaning process smoother. The 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 are both hydrophilic, attracting water, and hydrophobic, repelling water and binding to oil. These surfactants attach to grease, allowing oil and water to mix and form a stable emulsion that can then be washed away.
