How to Easily Clean Your Entire Oven (Including the Windows)

Cleaning your oven might not be your favorite chore, but it’s something we all have to do. A dirty oven can look unappealing and smell awful as leftover food burns up. This can even affect the taste of your meals. Experts recommend cleaning your oven every three to six months to avoid tough buildup. But if you’ve been postponing this task or had a particularly messy spill, don’t fret. There are several ways to clean your oven to get it looking like new, including the racks, doors, and knobs.

5 Foolproof Ways to Clean Your Oven

Method 1: The self-clean option

The self-cleaning option is the easiest way to clean your oven without using harsh chemicals. “The self-clean cycle is a time-saving convenience feature,” says Paul Bristow, executive director of built-in cooking at GE Appliances. “During the cycle, the oven heats up to about 880 degrees Fahrenheit, incinerating food residue and turning it to ash. Once cooled, the leftover ash can easily be wiped out with a damp cloth.”

However, there are some downsides to the self-cleaning method. It locks your oven for three to five hours and can heat up your kitchen, which might not be ideal in summer. Plus, it may emit an unpleasant smell and sometimes doesn’t remove tough stains and grease. In these cases, you may need another cycle or some scrubbing.

Method 2: Store-bought oven cleaner

Store-bought oven cleaners are effective and easy to use. First, remove any large food pieces and ash. Then, spray the cleaner inside the oven and let it sit for 30 minutes before wiping it away. Because of the strong chemicals, it’s a good idea to open windows and wear gloves and face masks when using these products.

Method 3: Baking soda and vinegar

If you prefer avoiding harsh chemicals, you can make your own cleaner using vinegar, baking soda, and water. “The baking soda acts as an abrasive, and the water softens baked-on residue,” says Jessica Samson, director of national branding for The Maids. Make a paste and apply it inside the oven. Let it sit for 20 minutes (or longer) to break down the food. For extra cleaning power, spray vinegar over the baking soda paste and let it sit for another 20 minutes before scrubbing and wiping it with a damp cloth.

Method 4: Baking soda and lemons

For this method, you’ll need two large lemons or half a cup of citric acid. Sprinkle baking soda around the oven and scrub with water. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Then mix the lemon juice or citric acid in warm water and use it to wash off the baking soda. Rinse the oven with the lemon water again for a fresh citrus scent.

Method 5: Steaming

Steaming is a DIY alternative to the self-cleaning cycle. “Place a pan of water in the oven and heat it to 225 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 minutes,” says Kris Koenig, CEO of Natura Clean. Once cool, add dishwashing soap to the pan of water and use a sponge to scrub the loosened residue and the oven’s interior.

Bonus Oven Cleaning Tips

How to Clean Oven Racks: Regardless of the method you pick, clean the metal racks separately. Remove them and soak in hot water with dish soap. Use a large basin or a sink. After two hours, scrub the racks with a stiff brush or steel wool. Rinse and dry them before placing them back in the clean oven. Avoid using steel wool on the oven’s interior to prevent damaging the finish.

How to Clean Oven Knobs: Wipe the knobs with a damp microfiber cloth, adding soap if necessary. Spray the cloth, not the knobs, to avoid liquid getting behind them and potentially damaging the control panel.

How to Clean Glass Oven Doors: Make a paste of ½ cup of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of dish soap. Apply it to the inner glass and let it sit for 30 minutes. Wipe away the grime with a non-scratch sponge. For the outside, spray white vinegar or glass cleaner and scrub with a non-scratch sponge, then rinse with a wet cloth.