Cleaning our oven is one of those tasks we put off… and put off… and put off some more, until it’s so gross that our food actually tastes off. However, according to a December 18th Good Housekeeping article, cleaning our ovens doesn’t have to be a dismal chore — and it certainly doesn’t need to involve this crazy Pinterest hack that crept around the internet a few years ago.
According to the original pin, which linked to a Mom4Real post, the best way to clean grease from between the two layers of glass in your oven door is to dismantle the entire thing. If that sounds daunting, it’s because it is.
Jessica of Mom4Real wrote, “Unscrew the two torx screws at the top of the inside of your door. Have a chair or something handy to rest the door on… once they spring apart, the front feels kind of loose. Now you can get to the gunk on the inside… lucky you!”
But according to Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, dismantling your oven door is a big no-no.
“You should never disassemble the oven door to clean between the glass layers,” Forte said. “This should only be done by an authorized technician to help prevent damaging the glass or the door, or voiding your oven’s warranty.” Yeah, that’s definitely going to be a no from me, dog.
Instead, Forte recommends tackling both the inside and outside of your oven door with warm, soapy water and a sponge. The outside can be scrubbed with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, if that’s your jam. Then, rinse with a clean cloth and let it air dry.
And if you really have to get in-between those two glass layers, call someone who knows what they’re doing. Don’t be tempted by the Pinterest gurus.
They may make it look easy —
— but don’t do it! Even Jessica notes that this may not be a viable method for some people. So, if you don’t feel entirely confident and care even a little about your warranty, then pass on this project. However, if you’re itching to test out some other kitchen cleaning hacks, try out these pins instead.
Use vinegar to clean, well, almost everything.
Except these things (hardwood, stone tile, granite, marble, etc.).
And baking soda should also become a go-to natural cleanser.
As should lemon.
Do yourselves a favor and keep that oven door right where you found it. Don’t be a hero.
