How to Clean Oven: Step-by-Step Guide for a Grease-Free Shine

If the oven is not cleaned for a long time, it will inevitably become dirty. Grease and burnt food residues accumulate over time and form carbonized materials. Every time it is used, it emits a burnt smell, which not only affects the quality of food but also poses a fire hazard. Knowing how to clean oven properly is essential for both hygiene and safety. Although some ovens have self-cleaning functions, heavy dirt is often difficult to remove.

Cleaning magic of baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are an environmentally friendly cleaning combination that leaves the oven clean and residue-free.

Preparation and steps

① Completely empty all items in the oven

Remove all items from the oven, including the grill. Make sure to remove all removable parts, such as the grill, pizza stone, aluminum foil, and thermometer, and place them in a safe and easy-to-clean place for subsequent disposal.

② Prepare baking soda paste

Mix an appropriate amount of baking soda with water and stir until a paste is formed.

Mix 90 grams of baking soda with about 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of water in a small bowl and stir thoroughly until a spreadable paste forms. If necessary, add or reduce water or baking soda to adjust the mixture to a moderate consistency.

This DIY mixture is key when learning how to clean oven without harsh chemicals.

③ Apply the baking soda paste evenly

Apply the baking soda paste evenly to the inside of the oven, taking care to avoid the heating elements. Use a clean paintbrush to apply the baking soda paste, especially to areas that are heavily stained or sticky. If the inside of the oven’s glass door is also dirty, you can also apply the baking soda paste to clean it. If the amount is insufficient, you can mix it appropriately to ensure that it covers the area that needs to be cleaned.

④ Wait for the baking soda paste to penetrate the stains

After applying the baking soda paste, be sure to wait at least 12 hours to ensure that it fully penetrates and softens the stubborn stains in the oven. After evenly applying it to the entire oven interior, close the oven door and let the baking soda paste continue to work overnight or for at least 12 hours. Please note that it is normal for the baking soda paste to turn brown, which is just proof that it is effectively absorbing and breaking down the dirt in the oven.

⑤ While waiting for the baking soda paste to work, you may want to clean the grill.

First, fill the sink or bathtub with warm water and add 60 ml of dishwashing liquid, and stir well. Then, soak the grill for 1-2 hours. After the soap has fully worked, scrub it carefully with a sponge or scouring pad until it is as clean as before. At the same time, if the grill pan also needs to be cleaned, you can treat it in the same way and then gently wipe the inside of the grill oven with a wet rag. If the internal stains are heavy, you can also apply an appropriate amount of baking soda paste for deep cleaning.

⑥ Remove baking soda paste

Remove the dried baking soda paste with a wet rag and scraper. After waiting for 12 hours, take a clean rag, wet it with water, and wring out the excess water to ensure that there is no dripping. Wipe off as much baking soda paste as possible and remove any remaining lumps with a plastic or silicone scraper. Please note that metal scrapers should be avoided to prevent scratching the oven’s coating.

⑦ Spray the interior of the oven with a white vinegar solution

Mix 120 ml of white vinegar with 470 ml of water and put it in a clean spray bottle. Next, spray the mixture evenly into every corner of the interior of the oven. At this time, the remaining baking soda paste will react with the vinegar to produce bubbles, completely removing all baking soda residue.

⑧ Use a damp rag to gently wipe off the remaining baking soda and vinegar.

Get another new rag, wet it with clean water, and wring it out to make sure there are no drips. Next, wipe off the white vinegar solution and baking soda residue vigorously. Although it may take some effort, the interior of the oven will soon be brand new.

⑨ Put the grill back into the oven.

If you use the oven frequently, it is recommended to clean it once a month; if you use it less frequently, cleaning it once every three months is sufficient. In addition, every time food spills, be sure to clean it up in time so that it will be easier to clean the oven next time.

Use a special detergent

Commercial detergents can effectively remove grease stains, and you need to make sure they are suitable for the material of the oven.

Steps and precautions

① Remove all removable parts

Before you start cleaning the oven, be sure to remove all removable parts, such as the grill, pizza stone, and aluminum foil. Set the grill aside for a thorough cleaning later.

② Spread old newspapers on the floor around the oven

If you don’t have access to old newspapers, paper towels will work just as well. Simply place paper towels under the oven to keep the floor clean even if detergent or dirt accidentally drips.

③ Spray a commercially available cleaner evenly inside the oven.

First, put on rubber gloves and goggles, and open a few windows for ventilation. Make sure the inside of the oven is fully soaked with the cleaner, especially for areas that are particularly dirty, which should be sprayed more heavily.
>After making sure the inside of the oven is fully soaked with the cleaner, the next step is to wait for the cleaner to work. At this point, you can start timing so that you can track the progress of the cleaning.

④ Start timing

Set the timer and wait for the cleaner to penetrate the dirt and work its cleaning power. Generally, commercially available cleaners work within 25 to 35 minutes. Follow the instructions and set the time exactly as required.

⑤ Grill Cleaning: Place Grill in Large Trash Bag

After the initial cleaning of the oven, carefully remove the grill and place it in a large trash bag. This prevents debris and dirt from contaminating other items during the cleaning process.

⑥ Clean the inside of the oven

When cleaning the inside of the oven, you can use a damp rag to wipe it. After wiping, wipe it again with a clean, damp rag to ensure thorough cleaning.

⑦ Rinse the inside of the oven with soapy water and put it back in place.

Rinse the grill thoroughly with soapy water and then return it to the oven. After the grill is cleaned, open the trash bag and remove it, then rinse it in the sink or bathtub until it is clean. Finally, gently wipe off any remaining grease or dirt with warm soapy water and a damp towel. This step is crucial if you’re following a natural method on how to clean oven safely and effectively.

⑧ Clean the oven regularly

Regular cleaning of the oven is key to keeping it in perfect working order. When cleaning, focus on cleaning the grill and baking tray inside the oven to remove accumulated grease and food residue. At the same time, pay attention to cleaning the oven shell and door seal to ensure that it looks neat and maintains great sealing performance. Following the above steps can ensure the durability of the oven and protect your cooking experience.

The magic of lemon juice

Lemon juice can soften stains, which is environmentally friendly and safe.

Operation and skills

① Making lemonade

Squeeze the juice of two lemons into the baking tray, and then add water to one-third of the position. Next, put two halved lemons into the baking tray and make sure that all the lemon juice is squeezed out. If you find it difficult to squeeze out, you can use a juicer to assist. After that, put the lemon peels in the baking tray together. And you can easily complete the cleaning without removing the grill. Due to the combination of lemon juice and water, they can soften the dirt on the grill, making the cleaning process more convenient, and can also effectively clean other parts of the oven.

② Baking lemon juice

Prepare lemon juice and water in the baking tray, put two halved lemons in, and make sure that the lemon juice is fully squeezed out. Then, put the baking tray in the oven and bake it properly. In this way, the aroma of lemon juice will be fully released. And after combining with water, it can soften the dirt on the grill, making it easier to clean later. At the same time, the process of baking lemon juice can also add a fresh lemon aroma to the oven.

Place the baking tray with lemon juice in the oven and bake for 30 minutes at a temperature of 120 degrees Celsius. Before baking, be sure to preheat the oven. When preheating is complete, place the baking tray on one of the oven racks and set the timer for 30 minutes.

③ Use a scraper to easily scrape off the dirt attached to the baking tray.

After the oven has cooled sufficiently, you can start to remove the loose dirt. Turn off the oven and wait for the interior to cool for at least 1 hour, or until the internal temperature drops to a level that is safe to touch. Then, use a scouring pad to gently wipe off the loose stains. For more stubborn dirt, you can try to use a rubber or silicone scraper to scrape it off.
In addition, do not pour out the remaining lemon water from the previous baking of lemon juice. It is actually a natural cleaner that can effectively clean stains and remove grease in the kitchen. You just need to dip a scouring pad in lemon water and continue to scrub.

④ Dry the oven and replace the grill.

Use a towel to carefully dry the oven, and then reset the grill. After removing all the remaining dirt, take a clean towel and wipe the inside of the oven. If there is still dirt, you may want to take some time to use a scouring pad for a deeper cleaning. It is worth mentioning that citrus juice is very effective in removing grease, which can make the oven look brand new and restore its original cleanliness and beauty.

This method leaves your oven clean and fresh-smelling—a citrus-scented solution to how to clean oven naturally.

Conclusion

Learning how to clean oven using different methods—be it baking soda and vinegar, commercial cleaners, or lemon juice—can help you extend the lifespan of your appliance, avoid bad odors, and cook healthier meals. Choose the method that best suits your needs and keep your oven spotless with regular maintenance.