How to Clean an Oven in 8 Easy Steps

Generally speaking, your oven should be deep cleaned at least once every 3 to 6 months - helping your oven stay efficient and food-tasting as good as it should be! However, it is recommended to clean any large spills right away, and if you regularly cook or roast fatty foods, you may benefit from more frequent cleaning, too.

There are multiple approaches to cleaning your oven that you could use, but in our experience, there are two standout winners for transforming your well-used oven into a shiny clean oven that wouldn’t be out of place in a showroom: baking soda & vinegar, and chemical oven cleaner. Here’s how to clean your oven in 8 simple steps:

1. Remove Oven Racks

Begin by removing all racks, trays, pizza stones, or any other items inside the oven. This helps you easily access all sides of the oven and prevents damage to your racks and accessories. Lay down old towels or newspapers around the oven to catch any drips during cleaning.

2. Choose a Cleaning Method

Your method choice should depend on how dirty your oven is, or if you have a preference for natural or chemical products. These are just a couple of the popular methods you could use:

• Baking soda and vinegar method (ideal for a natural clean).

• Chemical oven cleaner (best for heavy-duty, baked-on grime).

3. Apply the Cleaning Solution

For the baking soda method, mix ½ cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to make a paste. Spread this over the interior surfaces of the oven (avoiding heating elements) and leave it for at least 12 hours (ideally, overnight).

For chemical cleaners, spray the inside of the oven following label instructions (avoiding heating elements), ensuring the surrounding working area is well-ventilated. Each cleaning solution will vary in how long it should be left inside the oven cavity - some prefer to be left overnight, whereas others must be wiped off within 30 minutes, for example. 

Always follow the cleaning instructions on the label to prevent damage to your oven, and remember to wear gloves!

4. Clean the Oven Racks

While the oven interior is soaking up the paste or cleaning solution, clean the oven racks. Soak them in a sink filled with hot water and washing-up liquid for at least 30 minutes. Afterwards, scrub with a brush or sponge, rinse well, and let them dry.

If you are using a chemical cleaning kit, these may come with specific bags for you to put your racks in, fill with cleaning solution, and then rinse with soapy water. As above, the time these racks need to sit in the cleaning solution varies by brand, so make sure to read the instructions.

5. Wipe Down the Oven Interior

After at least 12 hours have passed (or as outlined in your cleaning solution), it’s time to wipe your oven’s cavity.

If you used the baking soda method, scrape away the dried paste with a damp cloth and spray the surfaces with white vinegar - this causes a fizzing reaction that lifts residue. Wipe everything clean with a microfibre cloth.

If you used a chemical cleaner, wipe away the solution with a damp microfibre cloth, rinsing it several times afterwards. For any persistent food residue, use a non-abrasive brush to lift it from the surface, and wipe the residue away. 

6. Clean the Oven Door

To clean the oven door, use your chosen method on the inside glass - baking soda paste or chemical oven cleaner. Alternatively, you could use a standard glass cleaner. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then scrub gently using a non-abrasive sponge, warm water, and diluted vinegar. Don’t forget to clean the exterior and control knobs, too!

7. Run a Short Oven Cycle

After cleaning, run your oven on a short, empty cycle at 180°C  for 15 to 20 minutes (with the door closed). This helps burn off any leftover residue, ensures no cleaner remains inside the cavity, and evaporates any remaining moisture. Ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated during this step. 

8. Reinsert Racks

Leave the oven to cool completely before giving it one last wipe with a damp cloth and reinserting the clean oven racks and accessories. If any other spills occur before your next deep clean, remember to remove them promptly - it’ll make this whole process a lot more straightforward next time!

Here are some of the top “need-to-knows” next time you clean your oven (or even whilst you use your oven), delivered by our oven experts!

• Never mix cleaning products, as this can create corrosive substances or toxic gases.
• Use gloves to protect your hands, especially if you’re using a chemical cleaning solution.
• Consider covering food which is messy or prone to spills to keep your oven cleaner.
• Place a reusable, non-stick oven liner in the bottom of your oven to catch spills or drips. 
• Clean up any spills quickly before they become harder to remove later on. 
• Use natural cleaning alternatives, as they’re less harsh on your oven’s interior. 
• Ensure your oven has completely cooled before giving it one final wipe. 
• Remember to clean under any seals or in corners, as grime can build up here too. 
• Use an oven with an antacid lining in the cavity, which combats grime on the surface.
• If your oven door glass can be removed, this will make it much easier to clean (see below).

Removing Your Smeg Oven Door Glass For Cleaning (Video)

If you’re looking for an oven which takes care of the cleaning for you, our innovative self-cleaning range is for you. With a focus on style and functionality, these ovens are packed with features that make cooking more efficient and enjoyable; without the worries about cleaning the appliance afterwards. 

Explore our range of self-cleaning ovens 

Discover how self-cleaning ovens work