The Secret to Cleaning Oven Glass Without Scratches
If you cook as much as we do, your oven door glass eventually looks like a crime scene: baked-on grease, stubborn streaks, and mystery splatter that refuses to budge. I’ve tried sprays, razor blades, and every "miracle" hack on the internet. Nothing worked without harsh chemicals or the fear of scratching the glass.
Then I discovered a surprising tool we already had in our shop: our own Baking Steel Cleaning Bricks. The results were so good, we had to film it. This method is quick, safe on the glass, and weirdly satisfying.
About the Author
Andris Lagsdin is the founder and inventor of Baking Steel, the revolutionary tool that brings restaurant-quality pizza to home ovens. Since inventing the Baking Steel in 2012, Andris has become obsessed with helping home cooks master their ovens, from baking the perfect pizza to keeping their equipment in top shape.
After years of testing oven techniques and tools in his own kitchen (and teaching thousands of students in his monthly Zoom classes ), Andris discovered that the same pumice stone bricks he used to maintain his Baking Steel were also the perfect solution for cleaning oven glass—no harsh chemicals, no scratching, just fast, effective results.
Today, Andris shares his oven expertise through the Baking Steel blog, free monthly Zoom classes, and hands-on tutorials that make home cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Learn more about Andris and the invention of Baking Steel: The Invention
How to Get Crystal-Clear Oven Glass in 5 Minutes
- Prep Your Station: Make sure the oven door is completely cool. Lay a towel below the door to catch any water drips.
- Wet the Brick: Dip the Cleaning Brick in a bowl of warm water. The key is to keep the brick damp throughout the process to create a gentle slurry.
- Apply Light Pressure: Glide the wet brick over the glass in overlapping, circular motions. Let the brick do the work—no need for aggressive scrubbing. You'll see the baked-on grease start to lift almost immediately.
- Wipe and Inspect: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the residue. You’ll see a dramatic difference already. For any stubborn spots, re-wet the brick and give them another light pass.
- Final Polish: Once all the grime is gone, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to polish the glass for a streak-free, brand-new shine.
Pro Tip: For heavy buildup right at the edges of the glass, you can angle the brick slightly to use its corner for more targeted cleaning.
Why the Cleaning Brick Beats Sprays & Scrapers
- No Harsh Chemicals: Just water and the brick. No toxic fumes, no need to air out your kitchen, and it’s safer for you and your family.
- Won't Scratch Your Glass: Unlike razor blades or steel wool, the pumice stone is designed to be softer than tempered glass, so it cleans without causing damage when used correctly (wet and with light pressure).
- Incredibly Fast: Most oven doors go from cloudy and stained to crystal clear in under 5 minutes.
- Multi-Purpose Tool: It’s not just for oven glass! Use it to clean your Baking Steel, cast iron pans, griddles, and grill grates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the cleaning brick really not scratch my oven glass?
When used correctly (always wet and with light, even pressure), the pumice stone is safe for the tempered glass on oven doors. Its abrasive particles are harder than baked-on grease but softer than the glass itself. We always recommend testing a small, inconspicuous corner first to be safe.
Disclaimer: Baking Steel is not responsible for any damage or scratches caused by misuse, aggressive dry scrubbing, or failure to follow instructions.
Can I use the brick dry?
No. Always use the brick wet. The water creates a slurry that helps lift the grease and acts as a lubricant to prevent any potential for scratching. A dry brick is too abrasive.
How do I clean baked-on grease off the oven glass?
The Cleaning Brick is the best method we've found. The wet pumice stone gently breaks down the carbonized, baked-on grease that chemical cleaners often can't touch. Just use light, circular motions and wipe away the residue.
Is this better than using a razor blade or steel wool?
Yes. Razor blades can easily scratch or chip the glass if held at the wrong angle. Steel wool can leave behind fine scratches that cloud the glass over time. The Cleaning Brick is a safer, more effective alternative.
Can I use this on the enamel or stainless steel trim around the door?
We recommend sticking to the glass for the best results. The brick can be too abrasive for painted enamel or polished stainless steel. If you decide to try it, test a very small, hidden area first with extremely light pressure.
What else can I clean with these bricks?
They are fantastic for cleaning your Baking Steel, cast iron pans, grill grates, and even some stone bakeware. It’s a versatile cleaning tool for any tough, baked-on mess.
