A clean oven isn’t just visually satisfying, it improves cooking performance, reduces smoke, and prevents burnt-grease odors from affecting your food. In this expert guide, I’ll walk you through how to clean an oven using multiple proven methods, including natural solutions and built-in cleaning functions, along with smart safety tips and maintenance habits.
Many people put off oven cleaning because they assume it’s messy or labor-intensive, but with the right approach, it becomes surprisingly simple and even satisfying. By the end of this guide, you’ll know which method is best for your oven’s condition and adopt preventative habits that make future cleanings easier.
Why Your Oven Gets Dirty (And Why It Matters)
Every time you roast, bake, or broil, grease droplets, oil splashes, and food debris accumulate. Over time, this buildup turns into carbonized grime that:
- Holds onto odors
- Creates smoke
- Interferes with heating efficiency
- Attracts bacteria and pests
- Can even pose fire hazards
Simply put: a clean oven performs better and cooks better.
Method 1: How to Clean Oven with Baking Soda and Vinegar (Natural & Safe)
This is the safest, family-friendly method—no fumes, no chemicals.
Step-by-step:
- Remove the racks
Take them out and soak separately in warm, soapy water. - Make a cleaning paste
Mix: ¾ cup baking soda
¼ cup water
Add water gradually until thick and spreadable. - Apply the paste
Coat the interior walls and floor.
Do not touch heating elements. - Let it sit
Preferably overnight, or at least 6–8 hours. - Wipe and loosen grime
Use a damp cloth to wipe away residue. - Use vinegar for stubborn spots
Spray white vinegar where the paste remains, it will foam and lift stuck-on dirt. - Final wipe
Buff dry with a clean cloth for a polished finish.
Method 2: Using the Self-Clean Cycle
Many modern ovens have a built-in self-cleaning feature.
How it works:
- Oven heats to extremely high temperatures (800°F / 427°C)
- Turns grease into ash
- You simply wipe out ash afterward
Important precautions:
- Ventilate—open windows
- Remove racks unless manual says they’re self-clean-safe
- Do not use chemical cleaners beforehand
- Keep pets and children away
- Expect smoke and odor if oven is very dirty
Method 3: Steam-Clean or Dishwasher Tablet Steam Method
This is a gentler alternative to self-clean.
Option A: Built-in steam-clean
- Add water to oven bottom
- Activate steam function
- Wipe out loosened residue after cycle
Option B: Dishwasher tablet hack
- Place oven-safe bowl of water with 1–2 dishwasher tablets
- Heat oven to 140–160°C
- Steam breaks down dirt
- Let cool
- Wipe clean
Method 4: Using Store-Bought Oven Cleaners
If your oven has heavy black carbon buildup, commercial cleaners work fastest.
Tips for safe use:
- Wear gloves
- Ensure ventilation
- Avoid heating elements
- Follow instructions carefully
- Do not mix with other chemicals
Quick Comparison of Oven Cleaning Methods
| Method | Time Required | Fumes | Scrubbing Needed | Best For |
| Baking soda + vinegar | Overnight | None | Moderate | Eco-friendly cleaning |
| Self-clean cycle | 2–5 hours | High | Minimal | Heavy internal buildup |
| Steam-clean | 45–90 min | Low | Low | Light–moderate grime |
| Dishwasher tablet steam | 60–90 min | Low–none | Low | Routine cleaning |
| Store-bought cleaner | 30–60 min | Medium–high | Low | Stubborn grease and burnt-carbon |
How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?
Your cleaning frequency depends on usage:
- Heavy cooking/baking: every 4–6 weeks
- Moderate cooking: every 2–3 months
- Light use: 3–6 months
- Spot cleaning: wipe spills immediately after oven cools
Tips for Cleaning Oven Racks
The racks often get overlooked. Here’s the best method:
- Fill bathtub or large sink with hot water
- Add ½ cup dish detergent or laundry detergent
- Soak racks 2–6 hours
- Scrub with sponge or grill brush
- Rinse and dry
What NOT to Do When Cleaning an Oven
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Never clean a hot oven
- Never use abrasive steel wool inside—can scratch interior
- Never spray liquids directly on heating elements
- Do not use bleach
- Do not use vinegar on aluminum racks—it can discolor them
Maintenance Habits to Keep Your Oven Cleaner Longer
- Cover dishes prone to splashing
- Use baking sheets to catch spills
- Place foil on lower rack (not floor of oven)
- Wipe small spills after every use
- Do monthly mini-clean with vinegar spray
FAQs About How to Clean Oven
Do I need to unplug my oven before cleaning?
For manual cleaning—no. For deep cleaning near electrical components—yes.
Is baking soda safe for all oven types?
Yes—gas, electric, and convection ovens.
Can vinegar damage an oven?
Vinegar is safe for enamel interiors but not recommended for aluminum racks or fittings.
How do I clean the oven glass door?
Use baking soda paste → let sit for 20–30 minutes → wipe with microfiber cloth.
Can I use lemon to clean the oven?
Yes—heated lemon water steam helps cut grease and leaves a fresh scent.
Final Thoughts
Once you understand how to clean an oven properly, the process becomes much less intimidating and more of a routine habit. The key is choosing the cleaning approach that matches your oven’s level of buildup and applying preventative maintenance going forward. A regularly cleaned oven not only performs better, but also contributes to a fresher-smelling kitchen, more consistent cooking results, and longer appliance lifespan. Taking a bit of time today to clean it thoroughly will save time and frustration in the future—and you’ll enjoy cooking in a clean, healthy kitchen environment.