Are you tired of burnt smells, uneven cooking, and stubborn stains inside your oven? You’re not alone. Many people avoid cleaning their oven because it seems messy, time-consuming, or too hard to do right. But a dirty oven can affect your meals, energy use, and even your health. This blog will discuss how to clean your oven safely and easily, without harsh chemicals or expensive tools.

Why Cleaning Your Oven Matters

A clean oven isn’t just about appearances. Grease buildup and burnt food particles can produce smoke, bad smells, and even fire hazards. These residues may also affect how evenly your oven cooks, which means your cakes may come out burnt on one side and undercooked on the other. Regular cleaning improves energy efficiency, extends the lifespan of your oven, and ensures better-tasting food.

What You’ll Need to Clean an Oven Properly

Before diving in, gather these essential tools:

• Rubber gloves
• Microfibre cloths or old towels
• Sponge or soft brush
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Plastic spatula or scraper
• Large trash bag (for soaking racks)

 

Pro Tip: Natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar are safe and effective. At St Anne’s Housekeeping, we only use non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products to protect your family, pets, and appliances.

Step-by-Step Oven Cleaning Instructions

Step 1: Remove Oven Racks

Take out all trays, racks, and removable items. Place them in a bathtub or large sink filled with warm soapy water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to loosen up grime and grease.

Step 2: Make a Cleaning Paste

Mix half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until it forms a thick paste. This natural solution breaks down food residue without scratching the oven’s interior.

Step 3: Apply the Paste to the Oven Interior

Wearing gloves, spread the paste all over the interior of your oven. Focus on the bottom, sides, and back. Avoid coating heating elements or gas vents. Let the paste sit for 10–12 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse the Racks

While the paste is doing its job, scrub your oven racks using a sponge or soft scouring pad. Use an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach corners. Rinse thoroughly and leave them to dry.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Oven Interior

Use a damp cloth to wipe away as much of the dried paste as possible. For stubborn spots, gently scrape using a plastic spatula. Don’t use metal tools – they can damage your oven’s enamel.

Step 6: Use Vinegar to Remove Residue

Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray it over any leftover baking soda. The fizzing reaction will help lift off remaining grime. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Step 7: Clean the Oven Door

Apply the baking soda paste to the glass door, let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub gently and spray vinegar to finish. For dirt between glass panels, professional help may be required as disassembling the door improperly can cause damage.

Step 8: Reassemble and Final Touches

Once everything is dry, place the racks back into the oven. Wipe the exterior, knobs, and handles with a damp cloth. Your oven should now look as good as new.

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?

How frequently you clean depends on usage:

• Occasional cooking (1–2 times a week): Every 3–6 months
• Frequent baking or roasting: Monthly
• After spills or smoke: Immediately after cooling down

Regular maintenance prevents hard-to-clean buildup and keeps your oven efficient.

Preventing Oven Messes in the First Place

Reduce the need for deep cleans with these habits:

• Place a tray under bubbling dishes like lasagna or pies
• Use oven-safe liners to catch crumbs and drips
• Wipe up small spills as soon as the oven cools
• Avoid using foil on the bottom, which can damage heating elements

Is the Self-Cleaning Function Worth It?

While self-cleaning ovens may seem convenient, they heat up to 900°F, releasing fumes that can be harmful, especially to pets, children, and those with breathing issues. The high temperature can also wear down internal components over time.

Manual cleaning is safer, quieter, and better for your oven’s longevity.

Common Oven Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping pre-soak for racks – Makes scrubbing harder
• Using harsh chemicals – Can damage surfaces and leave harmful residues
• Cleaning while oven is hot – Increases risk of burns and reduces cleaner effectiveness
• Neglecting door seals – Dirt buildup here affects the seal and heat retention

When to Call in the Pros

If your oven is heavily soiled, smells persist after cleaning, or you’re prepping for a move or a party, a professional cleaning service can be a time-saving solution.

Our trained team at St Anne’s Housekeeping offers thorough oven cleaning in London using safe, high-grade products that leave no residue.

What Makes St Anne’s Housekeeping the Right Choice?

Families and businesses in London trust us because:

• Our cleaners are hotel-trained for 5-star quality results
• We only use eco-friendly, non-toxic products
• A dedicated account manager ensures personalised service
• Flexible availability 7 days a week
• All staff are vetted, insured, and background-checked

Whether it’s a deep clean or regular maintenance, we make cleaning effortless and reliable.

Benefits of Hiring a Housekeeper in London

Think housekeeping is a luxury? Not anymore. A housekeeper can help with:

• Regular cleaning schedules
• Oven and kitchen appliance maintenance
• Laundry and ironing
• Tidying and home organisation
• Running errands and more

For busy families, professionals, or elderly residents, a housekeeper can offer peace of mind and a better quality of life.

Our Commitment to Quality and Safety

St Anne’s Housekeeping holds:

• ISO 9001 certification – Recognised quality management
• SafeContractor approval – Committed to health and safety excellence

We’re fully insured, highly rated, and proud to deliver consistent, dependable service.

FAQs About Oven Cleaning

Q: Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?
A: Yes, lemon juice also works as a natural degreaser and leaves a fresh scent.

Q: How long should I wait to use the oven after cleaning?
A: Let the oven air out for at least 30 minutes and wipe any remaining moisture before turning it on.

Q: What if the baking soda leaves white marks?
A: A rinse with diluted vinegar and a clean cloth will remove residue.

Ready to Make Oven Cleaning Stress-Free?

Let St Anne’s Housekeeping take care of the hard work for you. Say goodbye to elbow grease and hello to a sparkling, hygienic oven.

Book your free consultation now – and enjoy a cleaner, fresher home today!

 

St Anne’s Housekeeping – Premium care for homes across London.