Deep Clean Oven: Simple Steps You Can Do Today

If your oven looks like a science lab after a big roast, it’s time for a deep clean. Forget the pricey chemicals – you can get it sparkling with stuff you already have at home. Grab a few minutes, follow these steps, and enjoy a fresh‑smelling kitchen without the hassle.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these items: a spray bottle, baking soda, white vinegar, a scrub brush or old toothbrush, a soft cloth, and rubber gloves. If you prefer a ready‑made mix, a mild dish soap works too. Make sure the oven is cool – you don’t want to burn yourself.

Step‑by‑Step Deep Clean

1. Remove racks and accessories. Take out the metal racks, thermometer, and any trays. Soak them in hot, soapy water while you clean the oven cavity.

2. Make a paste. Mix half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until you get a spreadable paste. It will look a bit gritty – that’s normal.

3. Apply the paste. Spread the baking soda paste over the interior walls, avoiding the heating elements. Focus on greasy spots and baked‑on stains. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes; longer (up to a few hours) works better for tough grime.

4. Spray with vinegar. After the paste has set, fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz it over the paste. You’ll see it fizz – that reaction helps lift the grime.

5. Scrub and wipe. Use a scrub brush or an old toothbrush to agitate the paste, especially in corners. Then wipe everything away with a damp cloth. Rinse the cloth often to avoid spreading grease.

6. Clean the racks. After the oven interior is dry, scrub the soaked racks with the same brush. Rinse, dry, and slide them back in.

7. Finish with a rinse. Give the oven a final wipe‑down with a clean, damp cloth to remove any leftover baking soda residue. Leave the door open for a few minutes to air‑dry.

That’s it – your oven should look like new. If you still see stubborn black spots, repeat the paste step or use a commercial oven cleaner just on those areas.

When to Call a Professional If the oven has heavy carbon buildup inside the heating elements, or if you notice strange smells after cleaning, it’s safer to let a pro handle it. They have tools that can clean without damaging the appliance.

Regular maintenance makes deep cleans easier. Wipe spills right after cooking, and run a quick 10‑minute oven‑only cycle with a bowl of water and a splash of lemon once a month. Small habits keep the big clean from becoming a nightmare.

Now you’ve got a straightforward plan to deep clean any oven. Give it a try, and enjoy cooking in a fresher, healthier kitchen.