How to Clean an Oven and Keep It Clean

Here are some simple tips for keeping your oven clean that you can apply to make your oven last longer. These tips are very easy to follow and will surely extend the life of your oven. In case you want to have your oven cleaned by a professional oven cleaner, then you will need to follow certain guidelines that must be followed. These are in order to prevent your oven from getting spoilt and thereby extend its life.

The first tip that will be given is to wipe the baking sheet regularly. If you do not wipe the sheet properly then there are chances of food getting stuck on it. If the food is left there for a long time then it may start to burn and thus spoil the baking sheet. If you have a gas oven then you will also need to ensure that the vent is kept open at all times. This is because if the ventilation is not proper then the gas will get trapped inside and this will, in turn, cause a lot of problems.

Another one of the simple tips for keeping your oven clean is to avoid placing heavy pots or pans on the cooking surface. If you do so then the chances of food getting spilled on the surface are quite high. If the spill happens to be on a delicate part like the baking sheet then you can easily clean it off using a piece of cloth. Other than these tips for keeping your oven clean you should also clean the inside of the oven using a moist kitchen wipe in order to remove any oil or grease that may be present.

Cleaning an oven is one of those jobs most people put off, but it’s far easier than it looks with the right method. Baked-on grease and food spills don’t just look bad. They cause smoke and odours, and can even change the flavour of what you cook. This guide walks you through how to clean an oven using simple household products, then shares easy habits to keep it clean for longer.

What You’ll Need

• Baking soda
• White vinegar in a spray bottle
• Water
• Rubber gloves
• A plastic scraper or old spatula
• Non-scratch sponges and microfibre cloths
• A bowl for mixing

How to Clean an Oven: Step by Step

Step 1: Turn Off the Oven and Let It Cool

Always start with a completely cool oven. For electric ovens, switch off the power at the wall. For gas ovens, make sure the gas is turned off.

Step 2: Remove the Racks and Trays

Take out the oven racks, trays and any loose parts. Set them aside to soak in hot, soapy water while you clean the inside. For detailed steps, see our guides on how to clean oven racks and how to clean oven trays.

Step 3: Apply a Baking Soda Paste

Mix half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to form a spreadable paste. Wearing gloves, spread it over the interior walls, base and inside of the door, avoiding the heating elements and gas outlets. Focus on heavily soiled areas.

Step 4: Leave It Overnight

Let the paste sit for at least 8–12 hours. The baking soda softens baked-on grease and carbon so it lifts off without harsh chemicals.

Step 5: Scrape and Wipe Out the Paste

Use a plastic scraper to loosen the paste and grime, then wipe everything out with a damp cloth. Rinse and wring the cloth often.

Step 6: Spray with Vinegar

Lightly spray any remaining residue with white vinegar. It will foam as it reacts with the baking soda and lift the last traces. Wipe clean with a damp microfibre cloth.

Step 7: Clean the Oven Door Glass

The glass often needs extra attention. Apply the same paste, leave it for 20–30 minutes, then wipe it off. For stubborn build-up and streak-free results, follow our guide to the best ways to clean oven glass.

Step 8: Replace the Racks and Dry

Scrub, rinse and dry the soaked racks and trays, then put them back. Leave the door open for a few minutes so the inside dries completely.

How to Keep Your Oven Clean

Once your oven is clean, a few simple habits will keep it that way and make the next deep clean much quicker.

Put a Tray Under Messy Dishes

Place a baking tray on the rack below pies, lasagnes and roasts to catch drips before they hit the oven base.

Cover Dishes That Splatter

Use a lid or foil over dishes that tend to bubble or spit, especially roasts and casseroles.

Don’t Overfill Dishes

Leave room at the top of baking dishes so sauces and fillings don’t boil over.

Wipe Up Spills Once the Oven Has Cooled

Fresh spills wipe away easily. Left to bake on over several cooks, they turn to carbon and are much harder to remove.

Do a Quick Weekly Wipe-Down

Wipe the inside of the door and the base with a damp cloth once a week to stop grease building up.

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?

For most households, a deep clean every three to six months is enough, with quick wipe-downs in between. If you cook daily or roast often, you may need to clean more regularly. Read more in our guide on how often you should clean your oven.

Common Oven Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

• Lining the oven floor with foil. This can block airflow and damage the oven’s surface.
• Using steel wool or abrasive scourers. They scratch enamel and glass.
• Spraying cleaner on heating elements or fans. Keep all products away from electrical parts.
• Using harsh caustic cleaners in a closed kitchen. Their fumes are strong, so always ventilate well.

Need a Deeper Clean? Call Magic BBQ & Oven Cleaning

If your oven has years of built-up grease and carbon, a DIY clean may not be enough. Our team uses non-caustic products and specialist equipment to get your oven looking close to new. Find out more about our professional oven cleaning in Perth or contact us for a free quote.