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How to Clean Your Oven Like a Professional

Cleaning your oven is one of the most dreaded household chores, but it’s also one of the most important. A dirty oven doesn’t just look and smell unpleasant – it can affect the taste of your food, increase energy use, and even become a fire hazard.

Over time, grease, burnt-on food, and carbon deposits build up, making it harder to remove stains with a simple wipe. The good news? With the right method and products, you can clean your oven to a professional standard without spending a fortune.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide and share expert tips to make oven cleaning easier, safer, and more effective.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before diving into the cleaning process, gather the right tools and materials. Having everything ready will make the job smoother and prevent you from spreading grease around your kitchen.

  • Rubber gloves to protect your hands

  • Baking soda (a natural, non-toxic cleaning agent)

  • White vinegar in a spray bottle

  • A non-scratch sponge or microfibre cloth

  • A plastic or silicone spatula for scraping

  • A bucket or sink filled with hot, soapy water

  • Optional: a steam cleaner for stubborn grease

  • Optional: commercial oven cleaner (for extreme cases)

Step-by-Step Professional Oven Cleaning

Step 1 – Remove Racks and Accessories

Take out all racks, trays, and liners. Place them in a sink or bathtub filled with hot, soapy water. For heavy grease, add a few tablespoons of baking soda and let them soak for 2–3 hours. Later, scrub with a sponge or brush until clean.

Step 2 – Apply Baking Soda Paste

Mix ½ cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until you form a thick paste. Spread the paste over the interior surfaces of the oven using gloves or a sponge. Avoid coating the heating elements. The paste will turn brown as it absorbs grease – this means it’s working.

Step 3 – Let It Sit Overnight

The longer the baking soda sits, the better it works. Leave it overnight, or at least 8 hours, to break down stubborn grease. This is the secret to effortless scrubbing the next day.

Step 4 – Wipe Away Residue

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe out the baking soda paste. For areas that are still greasy, use a spatula to gently scrape without scratching the oven’s surface. Rinse the cloth frequently to avoid spreading grime.

Step 5 – Use Vinegar for Shine

Spray white vinegar inside the oven, especially where baking soda residue remains. The fizzing reaction will help lift dirt and leave your oven sparkling. Wipe again with a clean cloth until the surface is streak-free.

Step 6 – Clean the Oven Door

Don’t forget the glass door! Apply the same baking soda paste to the glass and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing. For extra shine, spray with vinegar and buff with a microfibre cloth.

Natural Cleaners vs Store-Bought Oven Cleaners

Both natural and commercial products can get the job done, but there are pros and cons to each:

  • Natural Cleaners: Safe, eco-friendly, and inexpensive. Baking soda and vinegar are gentle but may require more scrubbing.

  • Store-Bought Cleaners: Very powerful and fast-acting, but can release harsh fumes and damage oven surfaces if not used carefully.

Common Oven Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Using metal scrapers or steel wool – these can scratch the oven’s enamel.

  • ❌ Spraying cleaner directly onto heating elements – this can cause damage or even fire hazards.

  • ❌ Not wearing gloves – oven cleaners and even natural products can irritate skin.

  • ❌ Skipping regular cleaning – leaving it too long makes the job harder and less effective.

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?

  • Light cleaning: once a week to prevent build-up.

  • Wipe spills: as soon as they happen.

  • Deep clean: every 3–6 months depending on how often you cook.

  • Frequent bakers/roasters: aim for a deep clean every 2–3 months.

When to Hire Professional Oven Cleaners

Sometimes DIY isn’t enough. Hire professionals if:

  • Your oven has years of built-up grease

  • You’re moving out and need it spotless for inspection

  • You simply don’t have the time

Professionals use specialised equipment and safe, effective solutions to restore your oven quickly and without harsh fumes.

Final Thoughts

A clean oven improves safety, efficiency, and the quality of your meals. With the step-by-step guide above, you can achieve professional-level results at home.

But if you’d prefer to save time and guarantee a spotless finish, let us handle the hard work.

Contact Peace Cleaning Service Today

📞 Call us: 07543 695 937
📧 Email: info@peacestaffingservices.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.peacecleaningservice.co.uk