Greasy oven doors are one of the toughest cleaning challenges in any kitchen, with burnt-on grime clinging stubbornly to the glass no matter how hard you scrub. The internet is overflowing with DIY hacks and product recommendations, with popular methods including cleaning classics from white vinegar and baking soda to heavy-duty creams. However, they often fall flat when faced with thick, baked-on grease.
Becca Dwyer, a member of the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips and Tricks Facebook page, learned this the hard way while helping her mother clean her oven. Luckily, she found a solution that works even on the toughest stains and leaves her oven door “sparkling” again.
She began: “Hi. This is the glass from my mother’s oven door. I was cleaning her oven today as she can’t bend down.
“I’ve tried Pink Stuff paste, Elbow Grease cream, dishwasher tablet, aerial pod, also baking soda and vinegar, but nothing shifted it.”
Despite the widespread popularity of baking soda and vinegar as a cleaning combination, it turns out the science doesn’t back up the hype.
Even the experts at Dri-Pak weighed in, stating: “One thing that isn’t really the best solution, despite lots of internet tips, is to use bicarbonate of soda and then add white vinegar.
“The effect will be reduced because the acid white vinegar is neutralising the alkalinity of the baking soda, and it’s that which dissolves the grease.”
According to Becca, the answer to her issues came from a surprising but simple switch.
She said, “Someone then suggested soda crystals to me, and it worked so much better than anything I’ve tried. It’s now sparkling.”
Dri-Pak backs this up with a clear endorsement of the product: “Soda crystals are excellent for dissolving grease and working on stubborn, burnt-on food.”
The crystals can be used in solution or sprayed on in liquid form, then left to sit for twenty minutes before wiping away. For tougher areas, dry soda crystals provide a mild abrasive effect to lift off any remaining grime.
Widely available online, soda crystals are also budget-friendly, with prices starting as low as £3.60 from Big Green Smile, or £4.58 for a pack of two 1kg bags at Ethical Superstore.
Liquid soda crystals start at a lower price point, with eBay selling them for £1.76, and Big Green Smile for £2.05.