How to Clean Wood Burner Glass with WD-40 (Updated Dec 2025)

As anyone who relies on wood heat in the winter will tell you, keeping the glass of your wood burner clean can be quite a challenge. Regardless of how low moisture your logs and briquettes are and how well you preheat your stove, its clear glass will be covered with soot and other residues over time, ruining its aesthetics and obscuring your view of the fire.

One unconventional yet highly effective method for cleaning wood burner glass is using WD-40. While its manufacturer markets it primarily as a do-anything lubricant, WD40 has several properties that make it an excellent cleaner for tough residues. But is it a good idea to use this penetrating oil as a cleaner for your wood-burning stove? Or could this end up being a very expensive mistake?

In this article, we'll explore the pros, cons, benefits, and drawbacks of using WD40 for cleaning wood burner glass. We'll also compare it to more traditional stove glass cleaners and provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how best to use it.

If you don't feel like reading an in-depth article, watch the abridged video version of this article below. If not, read on.

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Why a Clean Wood Stove Glass Matters

First things first. Keeping your wood burner glass nice and clean isn't just something we do for aesthetic reasons.

A clear glass allows for full visibility of the fire. This is important as it allows you to monitor the flame effectively and prevent overfiring, which is essential for fire safety.

If you're an experienced wood burner owner, a clean glass window will also allow you to make better decisions when it comes to using your appliance's airflow controls. 

Lastly, when the glass is covered in soot and creosote, it can actually interfere with the stove’s performance, leading to inefficient burning, smoke production, and increased fuel consumption. If the problem gets bad enough, the creosote buildup can even lead to an explosion (read more about the dangers of creosote buildup).

The very process of cleaning your stove glass also provides a good opportunity for you to check the condition of the stove itself. Fixing problems as soon as you notice their symptoms is a lot better than waiting until the problem grows in size and requires a costly repair (or even replacement).

Here are a few things you might notice as you clean your wood burner glass.

• A slight buildup of creosote can be solved with a thorough cleaning.
• If left unattended for several months, you'll need the services of a chimney sweep to get rid of the same problem (read our article on hiring a chimney sweep).
• If you fail to notice the problem for several more months while using cheap firewood, you might end up with a problem that can only be solved by replacing your flue.

Last but not least, one of the main joys of owning a wood burner is enjoying a relaxing and luxurious view of the flames. Dirty stove glass obscures this, robbing you of the beautiful view you likely paid thousands of pounds for.

Traditional Stove Glass Cleaning Methods

Before exploring the use of WD-40 for cleaning your stove glass, it's important to understand the more traditional, tried-and-true methods that are widely recommended by stove manufacturers. Depending on the terms of your stove's warranty, you may only be permitted to clean it using one of these methods.

Method #1: Using a Store-Bought Stove Glass Cleaner

The easiest thing to do is to buy a product specifically formulated to tackle soot and creosote buildup. These can often be found anywhere wood stoves are sold. Popular brands of stove glass cleaners include Rutland, HG, and Stove Bright. 

Being designed specifically for the task of cleaning wood burner glass, these products are great at breaking down tough residues, are easy to use, and provide consistent results.

This doesn't mean they are perfect, however. As is often the case with any product that is marketed for a specific task, specialised wood burner glass cleaners tend to be quite expensive. On top of that, many formulations resort to using harsh chemicals to get the job done. As a result, they may require careful handling, rubber gloves, and proper ventilation to be used safely.

Method #2: Vinegar and Water

If you prefer an all-natural solution that can be made from what you already have in your cupboard, try the tried-and-true mixture of vinegar and water, which many Brits have been swearing by for centuries. Vinegar's acidic nature helps to dissolve minor deposits, making it a good option for cleaning light soot from the glass. 

As there is no standard for vinegar, the exact proportions will vary, but one part vinegar to two parts water is a good starting point.

Method #3: Paste of Baking Soda and Water

Another homemade cleaning trick that has been used for decades is mixing baking soda and water. This creates an abrasive paste that can be used to scrub your stove glass clean. Unlike our water-vinegar solution, baking soda paste can be used to scrub away stains that are much more stubborn in nature.

Method #4: Damp Newspaper and Ash

Another old trick is to use a damp newspaper dipped in wood ash to create a homemade disposable cleaning wipe. The chief benefit of this method is that it uses things you most likely have at hand, as newspapers are often used in lieu of firelighters, and ash is a byproduct of the wood-burning process. This means they're always at hand when you need them. The main drawback of this method is that it cannot be used to tackle more stubborn stains.

Using WD40 for Cleaning Wood Burner Glass

WD-40 is a multi-purpose product that is world-famous for its lubricating, penetrating, and water-displacing properties. While it's most commonly used to lubricate moving parts, loosen rusted bolts, and stop doors from squeaking, it's powerful cleaning properties make it a popular option for cleaning wood stove glass.

But does popular mean good? We've asked our wood fuel experts this question. Here's what they've told us!

Advantages of Using WD40 to Clean Wood Stove Glass

While WD-40 wasn't explicitly designed for cleaning wood burner glass, this popular penetrating oil has plenty of properties that make it a great choice for this particular task. Here are some of the main ones:

• Universal Availability. The main benefit of WD-40 is undoubtedly its ubiquity. While wood stove cleaners can be hard to come by, WD40 can be found in any hardware store and the majority of supermarkets. 
• Very Low Price. Stove glass cleaners can get quite expensive. A bottle of HotSpot stove glass cleaner currently costs £13.17. WD40, on the other hand, is very affordable. A 450ml can of WD-40 spray currently costs just £5.99 on Amazon.co.uk.
• Universal Application. Likewise, the stove glass cleaner is only suited for this one task, whereas WD-40 can be used for a wide variety of applications. 
• It Can Dissolve Anything. The reason why WD-40 became so popular to begin with is its ability to dissolve virtually anything. This degreaser is exceptional at dissolving even the most stubborn deposits of soot and creosote.
• It's Easy to Use. Applying WD-40 is a breeze, especially if you get a can with a spray nozzle, which makes applying it super simple.
• Chances Are You Have a Can of It. But the main reason you're reading this article in the first place is probably that you already have a can of WD-40 somewhere and are just wondering if it's safe to use on wood stove glass. Spoilers: It is, but the stove needs to be cool, and you need to clean it off completely before you light the stove again.

How to Safely Apply WD40 on Wood Burner Glass

Here is a simple, step-by-step guide on how to use WD-40 to clean your wood-burning glass in the safest manner possible.

1. Wait For the Stove to Cool Down. Before doing anything else, wait for your wood-burning stove to cool down so that it's no longer hot to the touch. 
2. Get Rid of Ash & Debris. Once the stove is sufficiently cool, use a wet towel to wipe off any loose ash and debris from the glass, much like you would vacuum the floor before washing it.
3. Apply a Few Sprays of WD40. Use the nozzle to spray some WD-40 precisely onto the glass, then spread it around to all parts that need cleaning.
4. Let the WD-40 Soak in For a Few Minutes. Let the WD-40 sit on the glass for at least a few minutes so that it has time to break down all of the the soot and creosote.
5. Start Cleaning. Next, use a soft cloth to clean the stove glass. Use circular motions. If a particular stain refuses to be cleaned, it's okay to add a few extra sprays.
6. Remove the WD-40. Lastly, it's important to get rid of all WD-40 residue. If you fail to do this, it might catch fire when you light your stove next time. We recommend wiping the glass with a damp cloth with a couple of drops of dishwasher fluid. Use the cloth to remove any leftover WD40. Next, use a fresh damp cloth to wipe off any leftovers and ensure a residue-free finish.

Safety Considerations When Using WD-40

Here are a few reasons why many people have reservations about using WD-40 for cleaning their wood-burning stove.

• It's Exceptionally Flammable. WD-40 is an oil-based product that catches fire easily. This is why we cannot stress enough that you wait for the stove to cool before you spray any WD-40 onto it. The same goes for making sure it's completely wiped off before you light your stove again.
• Potential Release of Toxic Fumes. WD-40 is nowhere near as toxic as some other cleaning products, but that doesn't mean it's safe to inhale. We stress that you ensure good ventilation during the cleaning process to avoid inhaling any fumes.

Why Makes WD-40 So Good For Cleaning Wood Burners?

The reason why WD-40 is very effective as a cleaning agent for a wood burner is because of its unique formulation. At its core, WD40 is an oil-based penetrant that can dissolve all types of grime, including soot and creosote. After it has been dissolved, the resulting residue can be wiped off easily. Just make sure to get rid of all of it before lighting your burner again.

So How Does WD-40 Compare to Commercial Cleaners?

Here's a direct comparison between WD-40 and specialty wood stove cleaners.

WD-40 Versus Stove Glass Cleaners.

• WD40 Pros. As we mentioned above, WD40 is highly effective at cleaning anything because of its deep penetration and dissolving properties.
• Commercial Cleaner Pros. This being said, specialty cleaners are safer and often more potent. However, they can often be harsher on the glass and surrounding materials, so they need to be used sparingly.

Price of WD-40 Versus Commercial Stove Cleaners

• Cost of WD-40 Penetrating Oil. WD40 is widely available and cost-effective. On top of that, since it can be used for a wide variety of household tasks, you can always purchase a larger can to get a better price per ml, since you know you will find a use for it.
• Cost of Commercial Cleaners. Specialized wood stove glass cleaners tend to be more expensive. On average, you can expect to pay around twice as much per ml as you would for WD-40. Purchasing it in larger quantities may also be difficult if you only have one stove, since it is a monotasking product.

Is WD-40 As Safe to Clean With As Commercial Stove Cleaners?

• WD-40 Safety. WD-40 is a very flammable, oil-based product. It can only be used in a cold stove and you need to make sure it has fully evaporated before you light your stove.
• Commercial Stove Cleaner Safety. On the other hand, commercial cleaners are non-flammable and formulated with fire safety in mind. If you want a simple, safe solution and don't mind paying a bit more, go with a commercial cleaner.

How to Maintain Your Wood Burner Glass

Keeping your wood burner glass clean is just one of many aspects of maintaining your stove. Regular maintenance not only ensures the efficient operation of your wood burner but it can also prolong its lifespan and enhance the safety of its operation. Here are some comprehensive tips to help you maintain your wood burner:

• Maintain a Regular Cleaning Schedule. The best way to avoid hard-to-clean soot buildup is to clean the glass at least once a week during periods of regular use.
• Always Use Quality Firewood Logs. Always use quality hardwood logs with a moisture content of less than 20%. Popular options include kiln-dried oak logs, kiln-dried birch firewood, and kiln-dried ash. Avoid green (aka wet) firewood at all costs as it produces toxic fumes when burned and leads to a very fast buildup of creosote.
• Consider Wood Briquettes. Being made of compressed sawdust or bark, wood briquettes can be dried to extra low moisture levels of 9%. This makes them a lot more clean-burning and energy-efficient than quality firewood. Popular options include 8-Hour Night Briquettes, Hardwood Heat Logs, Fire Logs, Sawdust Briquettes, Nestro Softwood Logs, and Pini Kay Eco Logs.
• Don't Skimp on Professional Maintenance. As we've mentioned in our ultimate guide to chimney sweeping, you need to have your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year. This reduces the risk of chimney fires and ensures optimal airflow.
• Stove Inspection: Regularly inspect the stove’s components, such as door seals, gaskets, and the firebox, for wear and tear. Replace any damaged parts promptly to maintain efficiency and safety.