How to Clean an Oven With Zero Frustration

Start by taking out the oven racks and placing them in a sink or bathtub filled with warm water and dish soap.

Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to loosen grime before scrubbing with a sponge or brush. You can also use steel wool for the toughest caked-on messes. Rinse thoroughly and set the racks aside to dry.

Mix baking soda with a little water in a bowl until it forms a thick baking soda paste. Letting the solution sit for up to 12 hours after mixing can also help it thicken.

Spread the mixture generously over the oven interior, avoiding the heating elements. Let it sit for several hours or overnight to break down tough stains and grease.

After the baking soda mixture has had time to work, use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe away the loosened grime. If any stubborn spots remain, spray them with vinegar and let the foaming reaction help lift the residue. Continue wiping until all baking soda residue is removed.

For the oven door, apply a small amount of baking soda and vinegar to a soft cloth and scrub gently. If the grease is particularly stubborn, a commercial oven cleaner may help break it down. Wipe the door clean with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any remaining residue.

Finish with an all-purpose glass cleaner to give the window a like-new shine.

Oven knobs and the exterior surface can collect grease and dust over time. Use a spray bottle filled with a mixture of dish soap and water to wipe them down. Avoid spraying directly onto electrical components. Dampen your cloth and clean around the knobs carefully.

If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, this can be an easy way to remove baked-on grime. The oven's self-cleaning function locks the door and heats the interior to extremely high temperatures, turning food residue into ash.

During the self-cleaning cycle, you may see flames inside the oven, but these will not be hot enough to damage the structure of the cooking implement. Once the cycle is complete, use a plastic brush, damp cloth, or a scraping tool to wipe out any remaining debris.

For stubborn stains, a commercial oven cleaner can help cut through grease more effectively. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure proper ventilation while using the product. Wipe down the oven thoroughly afterward to remove any cleaner residue.

To keep your oven in top shape, aim to clean it every three months or more frequently if you cook often. Regular maintenance, such as wiping spills immediately and using a DIY oven cleaner monthly, can help prevent heavy buildup.

If you notice strong odors or smoke while baking, that's a sign your oven is due for a deep clean.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.