If your oven smells bad, smokes when turned on, or makes your food taste weird, it’s probably time for a deep clean. Many people think oven cleaning is hard, but it’s actually very simple if you follow the right steps. In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean oven easily at home using safe, natural items like baking soda and lemon—no harsh scrubbing needed! Whether you have a self-cleaning oven or one with stubborn grease, this step-by-step guide will help you get it sparkling clean the easy way—even if it’s your first time.
Why It’s Important to Keep Your Oven Clean
Keeping your oven clean isn’t just about looks—it’s about safety, health, and better-tasting food. When food spills or grease builds up inside the oven, it can start to smoke or smell bad every time you cook. This smoke doesn’t just make your kitchen uncomfortable—it can also affect the flavor of whatever you’re baking or roasting.
Worse, if too much grease collects over time, it can even become a fire hazard. That’s why learning how to clean oven regularly is not only smart but necessary. A clean oven cooks more evenly, smells better, and keeps your home safe.
How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?
Knowing how to clean oven is important—but knowing when to clean it is just as helpful. As a general rule, ovens should be deep-cleaned every 3 to 6 months. But if you notice smoke, a burning smell, or grease buildup, don’t wait—it’s time to clean it right away.
For light use, a simple wipe-down every month can keep your oven fresh. But if you cook often, especially with oily or cheesy foods, more regular cleaning is needed.
Here are some clear signs your oven needs cleaning:
- It smells bad when preheating.
- It smokes while cooking.
- You see burnt bits or grease inside.
- Food takes longer to cook or cooks unevenly.
Cleaning Frequency Based on Oven Use
| Usage Level | Recommended Cleaning |
| Daily Baking | Monthly |
| Weekly Meals | Every 3 Months |
| Rarely Used | Twice a Year |
What You Need Before You Start
Before diving into how to clean oven, it’s important to gather the right tools. Fortunately, you don’t need fancy or expensive cleaning products. Here’s a list of basic supplies that will make your oven cleaning easy and effective:
Basic Supplies:
- Baking Soda: A natural cleaner that works wonders on grease and grime.
- White Vinegar or Lemon: These acidic ingredients help break down tough stains and eliminate odors.
- Dish Soap: For general cleaning and rinsing off residue.
- Scraper or Old Spatula: To gently remove stubborn food bits or grease.
- Microfiber Cloth: Perfect for wiping away the cleaner without leaving lint behind.
- Gloves (optional): Protect your hands from cleaner residue or hot surfaces.
Optional (But Helpful):
- Oven Liners: Place these under the racks to catch spills and make future cleanings easier.
- Plastic Scraper: A soft scraper to remove burnt food without damaging your oven’s surface.
- Spray Bottle: For spraying vinegar or lemon juice evenly on your oven’s surfaces.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Oven the Easy Way
Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be a chore. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a sparkling clean oven in no time!
Step 1: Remove Oven Racks
Start by taking out all removable parts from the oven, including the racks, trays, and any other accessories. This will give you a clear space to clean the oven thoroughly.
- Soak the racks in warm soapy water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to loosen any grease or food particles.
Step 2: Make a Natural Cleaner
Now, it’s time to make your natural cleaning paste! This method is safe, effective, and easy.
- Mix baking soda and water to create a thick paste. You can adjust the ratio to make it spreadable (usually ½ cup baking soda to a few tablespoons of water works well).
- Spread the paste all over the oven walls, bottom, and door—just be sure to avoid the heating elements.
Step 3: Let It Sit
Once you’ve covered the surfaces, let the paste sit for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- The longer it sits, the more effective it will be at breaking down burnt food and grease. This step does all the hard work for you!
Step 4: Wipe It Clean
After the paste has sat long enough, it’s time to wipe away all the mess.
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe off the baking soda paste. You can spray vinegar on the oven walls to help dissolve any stubborn paste left behind.
- For any tough spots, use a plastic scraper to gently remove the build-up without damaging the surface.
How to Clean Oven Without Scrubbing
If you’re looking to clean your oven without scrubbing, don’t worry—there are effective, hands-off methods that make the process much easier.
Let the Baking Soda Paste or Lemon Sit Longer
For tougher grime, let the baking soda paste or lemon mixture sit for longer—up to 12 hours or even overnight. This will allow the paste to break down grease and food stains without you needing to scrub.
Heat a Bowl of Lemon Water Inside the Oven
A great trick is to heat a bowl of lemon water inside your oven. Simply add some water and a few lemon slices to a microwave-safe bowl, then heat it at 200°F for 10–15 minutes.
- The steam will loosen grease and grime, making it easier to wipe off without scrubbing.
Use Vinegar Spray to Foam with Baking Soda
After the paste has had time to sit, spray vinegar over the baking soda. This will create a foamy reaction that helps lift grease and stains easily. The baking soda and vinegar combo is a great natural cleaning duo—no scrubbing required!
How to Clean Oven With Baking Soda
Using baking soda is one of the easiest and most effective ways to clean your oven. It’s natural, non-toxic, and works wonders on grease and grime.
1. Mix ½ Cup Baking Soda with Water to Make Paste
Start by mixing ½ cup of baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste. The paste should be spreadable, so adjust the water as needed to get the right consistency.
2. Apply and Leave Overnight
Spread the baking soda paste generously on the oven’s walls, door, and bottom. Be sure to cover areas with visible grease or stains. Once applied, let it sit overnight—this gives the paste plenty of time to break down the build-up.
3. Wipe with Damp Cloth and Spray Vinegar for Foam Clean
The next day, use a damp cloth to wipe away the baking soda paste. For any leftover residue, spray vinegar on the surfaces. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a foam that lifts off stubborn grime and stains.
How to Clean an Oven Quickly
If you need to clean your oven fast, follow these quick methods to get the job done with minimal effort.
Use Store-Bought Foam Cleaners (Wear Gloves and Ventilate)
For a fast clean, you can rely on store-bought foam cleaners. These products are designed for quick action, breaking down grease and stains almost instantly.
- Important: Always wear gloves to protect your hands, and make sure to ventilate the kitchen by opening windows or turning on the fan to avoid inhaling fumes.
Speed-Clean with a Warm Oven
Another time-saving trick is to warm up your oven before applying cleaner. Preheat it to around 200°F for 10 minutes, then turn it off. Apply your cleaner while the oven is still warm—this will help the cleaner work faster.
Focus Only on the Base and Front if You’re Short on Time
If you’re pressed for time, focus on cleaning the oven base and front door. These areas accumulate the most grease and food splatters and can be cleaned in just a few minutes.
How to Use the Oven’s Self-Cleaning Feature
Many modern ovens come with a self-cleaning feature that can save you time and effort. Here’s how it works and how to use it safely.
1. What is Self-Cleaning Mode and How It Works
Self-cleaning mode is a built-in feature in many ovens that heats the oven to a very high temperature (around 900°F). This high heat turns food spills and grease into ash, which can easily be wiped away after the cleaning cycle is complete.
2. Safety Tips: Remove Racks, Ventilate Kitchen
Before using the self-cleaning feature, there are a few important safety steps to follow:
- Remove oven racks to prevent them from discoloring or warping during the cleaning process.
- Ventilate the kitchen by opening windows and turning on fans, as the high heat can produce smoke or odors.
3. After Cycle Ends, Let Oven Cool, Then Wipe Ash Away
Once the self-cleaning cycle ends, allow the oven to cool completely before opening the door. You’ll notice ash left behind from the burned grease and food. Simply wipe the ash away with a damp cloth to finish the cleaning process.
How to Clean Oven Door (Inside and Out)
The oven door often collects grease and food splatters, but with the right steps, you can clean it quickly and effectively.
Make a Baking Soda Paste for the Door Too
Just like cleaning the oven itself, you can use a baking soda paste for the door. Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste, then apply it to the door’s interior and exterior. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to loosen grease and grime.
Use a Razor Blade Scraper Gently for Burnt Spots
For tough, burnt spots on the door glass, use a razor blade scraper. Be careful not to scratch the glass. Hold the scraper at a slight angle and gently scrape off any stubborn residues.
Wipe Glass Clean with Vinegar and Microfiber Cloth
Once the paste has sat long enough, wipe the door clean with a vinegar spray and a microfiber cloth. The vinegar will help break down any remaining grease and leave the glass sparkling clear.
How to Clean Oven Glass Like New
Oven glass can get cloudy or grimy over time, but it’s easy to restore its shine.
Remove Grime with a Mix of Baking Soda and Water
For cleaning oven glass, start by making a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it to the glass and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. The paste will loosen the grime, making it easier to scrub away.
Let Paste Sit 10–15 Minutes Before Scrubbing with Sponge
After the paste has sat for the recommended time, use a sponge to scrub the glass. The grime should come off easily with the gentle abrasion of the sponge.
For Tough Stains, Try a Mix of Vinegar + Cornstarch
For stubborn stains, mix vinegar and cornstarch into a paste and apply it to the glass. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then scrub away with a sponge for a clearer, cleaner finish.
Extra Tips for a Sparkling Oven
Maintaining a clean oven is easier when you follow these helpful tips.
Use an Oven Liner to Catch Spills
To prevent food spills from becoming a mess, consider using an oven liner. These liners catch drips and crumbs, making cleanup much easier.
Clean Small Messes Right After Using the Oven
Clean any small spills immediately after you use the oven. This will prevent them from baking on and becoming tougher to clean later.
Avoid Aluminum Foil (Can Damage Heating Elements)
While aluminum foil might seem like a quick fix for catching spills, it can damage heating elements. Avoid placing foil on the bottom of the oven unless recommended by the manufacturer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cleaning your oven, avoid these common mistakes to keep it in top condition.
1. Don’t Use Steel Wool or Sharp Tools (They Scratch Surfaces)
Never use steel wool or sharp tools on the oven’s surfaces, as these can scratch and damage the oven’s finish.
2. Never Mix Chemicals (Like Ammonia + Bleach)
Mixing chemicals like ammonia and bleach can create dangerous fumes. Stick to one cleaner at a time for safety.
3. Don’t Leave Racks in Self-Clean Mode
Always remove oven racks before running the self-cleaning cycle. The high heat can damage the racks and cause them to discolor or warp.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to clean the oven?
The best way to clean your oven is by using a baking soda paste. Let it sit overnight, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth and vinegar spray.
2. Do baking soda and vinegar really clean ovens?
Yes, baking soda and vinegar work together to break down grease and grime. The paste softens tough stains, and the vinegar helps lift residue when wiped away.
3. How to clean an oven self-clean?
For self-cleaning ovens, remove racks and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Let the oven heat up in self-clean mode, then wipe away the ash once cooled.
4. How do I clean my oven in 5 minutes?
For a quick clean, use a store-bought cleaner or heat a bowl of lemon water in the oven, then wipe down the interior. Focus on spots that are easy to reach.
5. How can I clean my oven at home?
You can clean your oven at home by using natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, or lemon to scrub away grease and grime without harsh chemicals.
6. How to clean a burnt oven bottom?
For a burnt oven bottom, make a baking soda paste, apply it, and let it sit for a few hours. Scrape away any burnt residue gently with a plastic scraper or sponge.
7. How often should I clean my oven?
To maintain optimal performance, clean your oven every 3 to 6 months. For frequent use, light cleaning once a month will keep it fresh and safe.
8. Can I clean my oven without scrubbing?
Yes, using baking soda paste or lemon steam can soften grease and grime without the need for scrubbing. Simply wipe down after letting it sit.
9. What is the easiest way to clean oven glass?
To clean oven glass, apply a baking soda and water paste. Let it sit, then scrub with a sponge or microfiber cloth to remove any stubborn stains.
Conclusion
Cleaning your oven regularly doesn’t have to be difficult. By using safe, natural items like baking soda and lemon, you can keep your oven in top condition with minimal effort. These simple steps will help maintain your oven’s performance, prevent bad smells, and ensure it cooks your food perfectly every time.
Not only does this help your oven last longer, but it also promotes a safer cooking environment by reducing grease build-up and fire risks.
