How to clean an oven in 3 stages

Avoid a culinary crime scene with this how to clean an oven guide. We let you in on the top tips, tricks and cleaning hacks to make sure your oven stays at peak performance.

We understand how ovens are easily overlooked in a household, leading to crust, residue, grease and grime that need some extra elbow grease to remove. So, if you’ve noticed a build-up of dirt; an odour when you turn on your oven, or smoke that isn’t due to poor culinary skills, follow this guide to fix the issue.

Note: If you’re curious about hiring a cleaner to tackle this job for you, check out our guide: How much does a professional oven clean cost in 2021? Otherwise, read on for our DIY solutions.

How to clean an oven

Cleaning your oven as often as possible avoids longer-term build-up. However, we get that life is busy and time is a commodity. So, aim to clean your oven at least once a month to keep it in top condition. There are several methods you can use to do this, such as:

• Warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth
• A citrus-based, all-purpose cleaner and microfibre cloth
• Strong paper towels and a homemade vinegar spray
• Methylated spirits and paper towels

Tools you’ll need for the job

Before we get started, add these items to your cleaning arsenal and get ready to tackle those stains.

• Gloves
• Bucket
• Washing up liquid
• Scouring pad
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Glass scraper
• Microfibre cloth/s
• No-scratch scouring pads
• Glass cleaner
• Lemons (this will make sense soon!)
• Tool box

Stage 1: How to clean an oven door

This section is going to cover how to clean an oven glass door. As most ovens have a cool-to-touch glass pane on the exterior and an inner pane (or two), dirt and food often find their way through the cracks. Consequently, you might need to remove the door and panes to scrub away any grease or grime.

To clean the glass, fill up a bucket with hot water and washing-up liquid. Put on your gloves before dipping your microfibre cloth into the water. Give the glass a wipe down to dislodge the dirt and repeat until the grime is gone. If this doesn’t work, try a glass cleaner too. However, if you’re stuck with baked-on residue, you might need a glass scraper. Always check this is safe. For example, if there’s a coating on the glass, a scraper might damage this protective layer.

Stage 2: How to clean the roof of an oven

As the roof of your oven is at an awkward angle, cleaning it is a little trickier. Thankfully, there are two easy ways to clean the roof of your oven that don’t require the skills of a contortionist to complete. The first is to use a gel cleaner and brush it on with a paintbrush. The other is to put an ovenproof tray filled with hot water and lemon and leave it on a low heat for about an hour. This helps to dislodge any stubborn grime, making it easier to wipe away with a sponge and some warm soapy water.

Stage 3: How to clean an oven tray

There are several ways to clean an oven tray. However, we found the following method by far the superior out of all the ones we’ve tried.

1. Pour 1 cup of vinegar and ½ a cup of baking soda into your sink and top up with hot water
2. Submerge the baking tray and leave to soak for around 30-40 minutes
3. Use your microfibre cloth or a non-scratch scouring pad to scrub the tray
4. Repeat until your tray is as good as new!

Once you’ve completed these 3-stages, you can sit back and enjoy your spotless oven.

Alternative methods for cleaning your oven

How to steam clean an oven

Steam is an excellent cleaning agent and a great way to wash items that aren’t easily removed. When it comes to steam cleaning your oven, the easiest way to do this is to follow these steps:

1. Fill an oven-safe bowl with water and place it on the middle shelf
2. Turn your oven to 180 celsius and leave the water to do its job for around an hour
3. Remove the bowl and let your oven cool down before you try to clean it
4. Take your sponge or non-scratch scouring pad and scrub your oven until it’s clean. (The steam should have loosened any dirt, making your job 10x easier!)

How to clean an oven with baking soda

People who want to know how to clean an oven without chemicals tend to learn how to clean an oven with baking soda and vinegar. This is because this tried and tested method can be completed using household items. To clean your oven using baking soda, follow these 7 steps:

1. Mix ½ a cup of baking soda and ½ a cup of water to make a paste
2. Remove your oven racks and any other items
3. Paint on the paste over the entirety of your oven (layer it on tougher areas)
4. Leave overnight or for at least 12 hours
5. Use hot soapy water and your microfibre cloth to clean off the paste
6. Add white vinegar to a spray bottle and spray throughout your oven (this gets ride of any baking soda residue)
7. Wipe clean with a damp rag and leave to dry

FAQs

What is the easiest way to clean an oven?

Any of our above methods will make cleaning your oven a breeze. However, industrial cleaning agents or a professional cleaner are the easiest routes to take if you want a quick fix.

How do I get burnt stuff off the bottom of my oven?

Use our above baking soda method to make a paste and cover the bottom of your oven with a thick layer of the mixture. Leave overnight before cleaning it off with a non-scratch scouring pad and some warm soapy water.

How do I deep clean my oven?

Our steam cleaning method offers an effective deep clean. However, hiring a professional to come and restore your oven to its former glory guarantees a perfect finish.

Should I hire a professional?

If you’re wondering whether you should hire an oven cleaner or do the job yourself, we recommend assessing the job at hand and working out whether it requires a thorough or simple clean. For example, if you’re looking for an end-of-tenancy clean, landlords often check the oven and other appliances before giving you your deposit back. In this case, it’s worth spending a little extra to ensure a professional job.

When you hire one of our trusted professionals, you’re able to see their profile and view their customer reviews. Even better, those reviews are from your neighbours and checked by us to make sure they’re legitimate. Not only that, but if you book one of our members for the job, we guarantee their work, which gives you the extra peace of mind and security that you and your house is in safe hands.