How to Keep Your Oven Clean?

Why a Clean Oven Matters?

Before we dive into the "how," let’s talk about the "why." Regular oven cleaning isn’t just about keeping things looking nice. It actually makes a real difference in your day-to-day life.

• Health and Safety: Ever notice that smoky smell or weird odour while cooking? That’s burnt food and grease, and it’s not just annoying. It can be a fire hazard if it builds up. A clean oven keeps things safe and fresh.
• Better Performance: A dirty oven can mess with your cooking. Grease and grime trap heat, leading to unevenly cooked meals (nobody wants that). Cleaning your oven helps it heat evenly, so your food turns out just right.
• Appliance Longevity: All that gunk can wear down your oven over time, even damaging parts like the heating elements. That is where you need professional oven repair support. Keeping it clean protects your appliance, helps it last longer, and saves you from expensive repairs.

Preparing to Clean an Oven

First things first, take a peek inside your oven to see what you're dealing with. Is it just a few light spills that need a quick wipe? Or are we talking about some seriously burnt-on food and grease that'll need a deep clean? Once you know the level of grime, you can figure out your game plan.

• Microfibre cloths: Perfect for wiping surfaces clean without those annoying streaks.
• Warm water: Great for loosening grime and helping cleaning products work better.
• Washing-up liquid: Ideal for tackling light grease and leftover food bits.
• Commercial oven cleaner: For breaking down stubborn, baked-on grease like Astonish oven cleaner or Dr Magic oven cleaner.
• Alternative cleaning solutions: Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon- great natural solutions for tough stains.
• Protective gloves: Keep your hands safe from harsh chemicals and scrubbing.
• Plastic scraper: Your go-to tool for scraping off baked-on grease and food.

Step-by-Step Guide to an Oven Clean

If your oven hasn’t had a good clean in a while, don’t worry. A deep clean can bring it back to life! Here’s the best way to clean your oven step by step:

• Prep & Safety: Start by opening some windows for ventilation and putting on gloves. Take out the oven racks and lay some towels under the oven to catch any drips.
• Apply Cleaner: Spread your best oven cleaner (or a homemade paste) all over the inside, but avoid the heating elements and gas components to stay on the safe side.
• Let It Soak: Leave the cleaner to work its magic. Depending on how bad the grime is, you might need to let it sit for 30 minutes or even overnight.
• Time to Scrub: Grab a non-abrasive sponge or scraper and get to work scrubbing away all that loosened grime.
• Rinse It Out: Wipe everything down with a damp cloth, rinsing it often to make sure you get rid of all the cleaner.
• Dry It Off: Let the oven air dry with the door open, or use a dry cloth to finish the job.
• Put It Back Together: Once everything’s dry, pop the racks and other parts back in place.
• Good to Go: Before cooking, turn the oven on for 15-20 minutes to burn off any leftover cleaner. Make sure there’s no chemical smell lingering and you’re done!

Is your microwave smelling unpleasant? Find out how to fix it in our blog: ‘How to Get Rid of Bad Smells in a Microwave Oven’.

How to Clean Oven with Baking Soda?

Baking soda is an awesome, gentle cleaner that’s super easy to use!

• Start by making a paste. Mix about 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until it’s nice and spreadable. Then, coat the inside of your oven with it (just avoid the heating elements).
• Let it sit for at least 12 hours or overnight.
• The next day, grab a damp cloth and wipe out the paste and all that grime. For those stubborn spots, a plastic scraper works wonders.
• If there’s any residue left, spray a little white vinegar inside. It’ll react with the baking soda and foam up, making it easier to lift that last bit of dirt.
• Finish up by wiping everything clean with a damp cloth, and your oven is sparkling like new!

How to Clean Oven with Vinegar and Lemon?

Looking for an easy way to clean your oven without too much hassle? Then, vinegar and lime are the best steam cleaner for ovens! Here are two super simple methods you can try at home:

• Cleaning with vinegar: Grab a large oven-safe bowl or pot, fill it with water, and add a cup of white vinegar. Pop it on the bottom rack, set your oven to a low heat (around 100°C), and let it do its thing for 30-45 minutes. Once it cools down, just wipe away the grease since steam makes it so much easier!
• Cleaning with lemon: Take two lemons, cut them in half, and squeeze the juice into an oven-safe dish with some water. Toss the lemon halves in too. Heat the oven to around 120°C for 30 minutes. The steam and citric acid will break down grease and leave your oven smelling fresh. Once it cools, wipe it down, and you’re good to go!

How to Clean Oven with a Dishwasher Tablet?

Here’s a super handy trick for cleaning tough spots, especially on glass doors:

• Take a hard-powder dishwasher tablet and dip it in warm water.
• Hold the wet tablet and scrub it directly on the greasy spots. It’s just abrasive enough to cut through baked-on grime without scratching.
• Then, wipe everything down with a damp cloth and you're done!

Cleaning Different Types of Ovens

Different ovens have their own quirks when it comes to cleaning, so let’s break it down:

Gas Ovens

Be careful not to spray cleaner or let water get into the gas burner elements or igniter. If you’re doing a deep clean, make sure the gas supply is turned off first. When choosing a cleaner, go for the best oven cleaner for gas oven that is non-caustic, as it’s safer for gas ovens.

Electric Ovens

Don’t spray cleaner directly on the heating elements. Some are exposed, but others might be hidden under the oven floor. Not sure? Check your manual to be safe. If your oven stops working after cleaning, moisture might have damaged a heating element or connection. In that case, call a pro right away.

Steam Ovens

These usually come with a self-cleaning steam function, so just follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re cleaning manually, try steaming with vinegar or lemon. It works like a charm!

Tackling Common Oven Cleaning Challenges

How to Clean Oven Glass Window?

If you’ve got some really stubborn bits, a plastic scraper or even a wet dishwasher tablet can work wonders! Once you’re done scrubbing, wipe it clean with a damp cloth, and then buff it dry for a streak-free shine. Just try not to use too much water.

How to Clean Oven Racks?

Cleaning oven racks can feel like the toughest part, but it doesn't have to be!

By the next morning, the grime should be super easy to scrub off with a non-abrasive scourer or brush. Give them a good rinse and make sure they’re completely dry before you pop them back in the oven.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Oven Clean Longer

Follow these simple tips to maintain your oven be cleaner and last longer.

• Clean up spills right away: Once your oven has cooled down, tackle any spills or splashes before they harden and become a pain to remove later.
• Use oven liners: Pop a heat-safe, non-stick liner at the bottom of your oven to catch drips. It makes cleanup a breeze and keeps those air vents clear.
• Do regular touch-ups: Give your oven a quick wipe-down every few weeks to keep grease and grime from building up. It’ll save you the hassle of deep cleaning too often!

Why and When to Call the Professionals?

Sometimes scrubbing your oven yourself just doesn’t cut it, or maybe you’re too busy to even try. If your oven is a total disaster or you’re a London landlord getting a property ready for new tenants, calling in the pros can be a game-changer.

• Why it’s worth it? Professional cleaning services use industrial-grade, non-toxic products and tools (like those cool dip tanks for racks) to get your oven looking brand new. Plus, they can clean all those tricky spots you can’t reach.
• When should you consider it? If you’re moving out, prepping a rental property, have hard-to-remove stains, or your oven hasn’t been cleaned in years, it’s time to bring in the experts. Just search for "best oven cleaning service near me" or "domestic oven cleaners near me," and you’ll find plenty of local London options. A professional service means your oven gets a deep clean, safely and to the highest standard.

Your Go-To for Appliance Support

From fixing heating elements to sorting out electrical problems, we’ll get your kitchen back up and running in no time. Need help? Give us a call at Serviceteam. We’ve got you covered for all your property maintenance and repair needs!

Solve the mystery of a non-starting self-cleaning cycle, discover our blog: ‘Why Won’t My Oven Self-Cleaning Cycle Start?’

Frequently Asked Questions

I cleaned the oven now it won't work. What should I do?

First, double-check that the power supply is connected. Cleaning can sometimes leave behind moisture, so make sure everything is dry, as moisture can mess with functionality. If it’s still not working, it might be time to call a local repair service in London.

How long after oven cleaner can I cook?

This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Make sure the oven is fully rinsed and dried. To be safe, run the oven empty for a few minutes to get rid of any leftover cleaner smell before cooking.

How clean oven inside?

You can use an oven cleaner or make your own with baking soda and vinegar. Just apply it, let it sit for a bit, and then scrub thoroughly. Rinse it well with water. If you’re in London, there are plenty of eco-friendly cleaners available at local stores.

How clean oven with lemon?

Squeeze some lemon juice into a baking dish filled with water, pop it in the oven, and heat it up. The steam will help loosen any grime, and then you can just wipe it down. Plus, lemons are everywhere in London’s markets!

How long can oven cleaner be left on?

Always follow the instructions on the cleaner’s label. Most need about 20–30 minutes to work. For tougher stains, some cleaners (especially ones in the UK) might allow a little longer, but make sure it doesn’t dry out completely.