You probably know what we're going to say, but it's true that the longer you put off cleaning your oven, the harder it'll be! This does mean that you must take precautions when cleaning your oven. Make sure that you cover up, wear gloves, and protect your eyes. Always keep these chemicals away from kids and pets, and make sure your kitchen is ventilated too. How often should I clean my oven? If hard scrubbing isn't your thing (is it anyone's?), you should look into professional-grade oven cleaning products. Not all of them are suitable for home use, but some are, and will save you a lot of time and effort. For a broad overview of everything you need to know about oven cleaning, see our ultimate guide on how to clean your oven. Wipe off all grease and dirt from your oven grill element using a microfiber cloth moist with warm soapy water.

In addition to a regular cleaning schedule, you should try to clear any major drips and spills as soon as you can safely do so. Then drench them in vinegar in a large sink or in the bathtub (protecting your bathtub with towels). Dirty oven glass can be a nightmare when it comes to keeping an eye on your food, especially if you are cooking something where you shouldn’t open the door.If you’re only concerned with cleaning the interior walls of the grill compartment of your oven, then you can follow the steps we’ve listed above. However, if you’re hoping to clean the grill’s elements then you’ll need a different tactic. You can try to burn off the dirt from the elements, by turning them up and letting them smoke for 10 minutes. After this, you’ll need to wait for the elements to cool down before wiping them down with detergent and a damp cloth. These ovens have a dedicated heat cycle that runs the oven at 220°C or higher for thirty minutes to burn this trapped food off. Whilst this is handy, it does mean that you should be careful about which chemicals that you use to avoid damaging the catalytic lining. The dryer sheet method is a fascinating one that is often met with mixed results, though it's still worth a shot. The theory goes that dryer sheets and dishwasher detergent will work to break down the bond between the cooked-on grease and metal. Here's how to do it. Without regular cleaning, ovens can easily end up incredibly dirty. Not only is this nasty to look at, but it will also end up smelling when your oven heats up too when this old food starts burning off. This is especially noticeable if it is oil or grease. Some of the oven cleaners in this guide are also suitable for use on the glass door, but always read the label before you start.

Using hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly. If there are any areas that are still soiled, a further spot application may be needed Tie the bag tightly, removing as much air as you can, and turn it several times to cover all the surfaces.

How to Clean Oven Racks with a Bicarbonate of Soda

Try to scrape away any food that ends up on the door regularly using a glass scraper and avoid using any harsh scourers that could leave tiny scratches across the glass. HG recommend that the chemical is left on surfaces for just 3 to 5 minutes before wiping away, so it is ideal for busy households. If the dirt is particularly baked on, you can always just repeat the process if needed. By Rik Hellewell on 19th December 2018 (updated: 20th September 2023) Oven Cleaning in A Bag: What You Need To Know Mix the washing powder in your bath using a large spoon, ensuring the powder is completely dissolved.

In addition to covering up, you should also ensure that your kitchen is well ventilated during the cleaning process. If you don't have them on hand, you can follow the same steps as above without the dryer sheets. Some DIYers rave that dishwashing detergent will do just as much work as the combo of dryer sheets and detergent. You may need to scrub a little harder to get rid of the old grease, but this option requires fewer supplies to get the job done.

Explore our brands

The inside of an oven is most likely to get dirty over time. To clean the inside, you should always first switch off the power at the mains. Most cleaning products have a lot of harsh chemicals, so it’s important to dispose of the products and equipment safely. Oven-cleaning bags are no different. Here’s the best way to dispose of your oven cleaning bags: In addition, it is much safer to cook in an oven that is clean. Dirty ovens that are full of debris and grease can pose a fire risk as if they get hot enough, some of this debris could start to catch. As with any cleaning chemical, always read the label. Some oven cleaners are not suitable for use on certain types of surfaces, so care should always be taken. You should also clean the oven if you notice that there is burnt food falling into what you are cooking, or if there is smoke or the oven smells particularly strong. How do I clean the inside of my oven?