How to Clean an Oven: Natural and Commercial Methods

A dirty oven smells, smokes and can ruin the taste of what you bake. It is also one of the first things landlords and buyers check. The good news: with the right method, you do not need hours of scrubbing.

Before you start

• Make sure the oven is off and completely cool.
• Remove racks, thermometers and pans.
• Open a window or run the vent fan, especially with commercial cleaners.
• Wear rubber gloves; protect your floor with old towels.

Method 1: baking soda and vinegar (mild to moderate grime)

1. Mix about half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to make a spreadable paste.
2. Spread it over the interior surfaces, avoiding heating elements and gas openings.
3. Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
4. Wipe out as much as you can with a damp cloth or plastic scraper.
5. Spray white vinegar on remaining residue; it will foam. Wipe clean.
6. Finish with a damp cloth to remove any leftover residue.

Method 2: commercial oven cleaner (heavy, baked-on grease)

1. Follow the directions on the product exactly; strong cleaners can be caustic.
2. Spray evenly on interior surfaces, avoiding elements and vents unless the label says otherwise.
3. Let it work for the recommended time.
4. Wipe thoroughly with damp cloths until no residue remains. Rinse the cloth often.
5. Ventilate until the smell fades before using the oven.

Never mix cleaning products, especially those containing ammonia and bleach.

Cleaning the racks

• Soak them in the bathtub or a large basin with hot water and dish soap or a scoop of dishwasher detergent for a few hours.
• Scrub with a non-scratch pad, rinse and dry before returning them.

The oven door glass

Use the baking soda paste on the inside glass, let it sit, then wipe. For grime trapped between the panes, check your manual; many doors can be partially disassembled, but it is a task some prefer to leave to a professional.

What about the self-clean cycle?

Self-clean cycles burn residue to ash at very high temperatures. They work, but they can produce smoke and odors, and they are not recommended for every model. Remove racks first (unless the manufacturer says otherwise), ventilate the room, keep pets and birds out of the area and follow the manual.

Keep it clean longer

• Wipe spills once the oven has cooled.
• Use a baking sheet or liner under dishes that may bubble over.
• Do a quick wipe-down monthly instead of waiting for heavy buildup.

Moving out? Do not skip it

The oven is one of the most common deductions on a move-out inspection. Add it to your move-out cleaning checklist, or leave it to our move-out cleaning team, who include oven cleaning in a full clean.

Frequently asked questions