How to Deep Clean Your Oven

A dirty oven isn't just unsightly – it can affect how your food tastes, cause smoke when cooking, and even become a fire hazard. Here's how to get it spotless without expensive chemicals.

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?

• Quick wipe: After each use (when cool)
• Deep clean: Every 3-6 months
• Self-clean cycle: Follow manufacturer guidelines

The Natural Cleaning Method

This bicarbonate of soda and vinegar method is effective, safe, and cheap.

Step 1: Remove the Racks

Take out all oven racks, trays, and removable parts. Set aside – we'll clean these separately.

Step 2: Make the Cleaning Paste

Mix in a small bowl:

• 1/2 cup bicarbonate of soda
• 2-3 tablespoons water

Adjust until you have a spreadable paste.

Step 3: Apply the Paste

Wearing gloves, spread the paste all over the inside of the oven:

• The back wall
• The sides
• The bottom
• The inside of the door

Avoid the heating elements and fan. Pay extra attention to greasy, burnt areas.

Step 4: Leave Overnight

Close the oven door and leave the paste for at least 12 hours (overnight is ideal). The bicarbonate of soda will work into the grime.

Step 5: Clean the Racks

While waiting, clean the racks:

1. Fill your bathtub or large sink with hot water
2. Add 1/2 cup bicarbonate of soda
3. Submerge the racks and soak overnight
4. Scrub with a sponge and rinse

Step 6: Wipe Out the Paste

After 12 hours, use a damp cloth to wipe out the paste. You'll see it's turned brown as it absorbed the grease.

For stubborn spots, use a plastic scraper – don't use metal as it can damage the oven lining.

Step 7: Spray with Vinegar

Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray the inside of the oven. It will fizz as it reacts with remaining bicarbonate – this helps lift final residues.

Step 8: Final Wipe

Wipe everything with a clean, damp cloth until all residue is gone. You may need to do this several times.

Step 9: Replace Racks and Dry

Put the clean racks back and leave the oven door open for 30 minutes to air dry.

Cleaning the Oven Door Glass

The door often gets the worst of it. For the space between the glass panels:

1. Many doors can be dismantled – check your manual
2. Alternatively, make a cleaning wand from a wire coat hanger with a cloth attached
3. Insert through the vent slots at the bottom of the door

Using the Self-Clean Function

If your oven has a pyrolytic (self-clean) function:

1. Remove all racks and trays (they can discolour)
2. Select self-clean cycle
3. Lock the door (most do this automatically)
4. Wait 2-4 hours for the cycle
5. Let cool completely before opening
6. Wipe out the ash residue

Preventing Buildup

• Use oven liners: Catch drips on the bottom
• Cover dishes: Use lids or foil when cooking splashy foods
• Wipe spills promptly: When cool, wipe up fresh spills before they bake on
• Regular quick cleans: A monthly light clean prevents heavy buildup

When to Call an Engineer

If your oven has issues beyond dirt – uneven heating, faulty elements, or error codes – get a fixed price repair quote. Electrical and gas oven repairs should always be done by professionals.