How to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)

You may be using your oven less now that it’s warmer outside, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect it. After using it frequently all winter long, spring is the perfect time to clean your oven. Here’s how to clean an oven quickly, inside and out, so you can get back to enjoying the warmer weather.

Published November 27, 2019, Updated May 16, 2021

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Remove it All

Take out the racks, foil, filters and everything else that is removable from your oven. You’ll have to clean these separately.

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Wipe Out the Oven

If you organize your kitchen like Marie Kondo, you’ll probably have eliminated paper towels. Instead of paper towels, you can use a regular old cloth to wipe out the oven, removing all large bits of food.

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Use the Self-Cleaning Function

Unless you’re an avid baker, the oven is normally one of the kitchen appliances where you should save rather than splurge. However, in a modern kitchen, you may have invested in an oven with a self-cleaning feature. You simply flip the switch to let the oven run through the self-cleaning cycle, avoiding using commercial oven cleaner.

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Wipe Out the Ashes

During the self-cleaning cycle, your oven will become very hot. Especially if your home has a simple cozy kitchen design, you may want to stay out of the kitchen during this time. Once the cycle is over, wait for the oven to cool to room temperature and then simply wipe out the ashes.

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Use a Commercial Oven Cleaner

With a commercial oven cleaner, you simply spray the cleaner onto the baked-on grease, grime and dirt. Then you let it sit for about half an hour before wiping everything away. However, remember that commercial oven cleaners usually contain harsh chemicals that can give off serious fumes. You may want to open a window in addition to wearing rubber gloves and even a face mask while cleaning your oven this way.

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Use Baking Soda

A more natural – and cheaper – way to clean your oven is to use the power of baking soda. Start by making a spreadable paste of baking soda and a bit of water. Then spread this all over the interior of your oven, avoiding the heating elements. Let it stand overnight.

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Add the Power of Vinegar

Once the baking soda has done its work overnight, it’s time to add something that will pack some extra punch. Spray some vinegar over the baking soda paste and let it bubble. Then scrub off the dirt. Finally, give everything a final once-over with vinegar and a soft cloth.

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Bake Some Lemons

The scent of citrus can really help create a sense of hygge in your home, even while you’re cleaning your oven. Simply cut up two lemons and squeeze their juices into a baking dish. Add the rest of the lemons and fill the dish about a third full of water. Then bake it for about half an hour to loosen the dirt.

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Scrub Away the Dirt

Once the oven has cooled enough, dip a scouring pad in the lemon water and use it to scrub away any grime that’s still left inside the oven. A spatula can help you lift off larger pieces of dirt. Use more lemon water to rinse as you go and then dry everything with a towel.

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Soak the Oven Racks

To clean the oven racks and other removable bits, you need to first soak them overnight. If your small kitchen has a small sink too, you may have to use the bathtub instead. Submerge the oven racks in very hot water with some dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent added. Leave it overnight.

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Use Baking Soda and Vinegar Again

If your oven racks are one of the grossest things in your house right now, you may want to add some extra cleaning power before soaking them overnight. Sprinkle baking soda over them and then douse them with vinegar. Let things bubble before submerging the oven racks in hot water and letting them soak.

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Scrub

Once the oven racks and other removable bits have soaked overnight, scrub them with a dish towel to get rid of the grime. For stubborn bits of dirt, sprinkle some salt onto a toothbrush and use this to scrub. Afterwards, dry the oven racks and put them back in the oven.

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Use the Dishwasher

Some oven racks are dishwasher safe. Check your oven’s manual and if it gives you the green light, pop the racks into the dishwasher and let the machine do its magic.

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Clean the Glass Oven Door

You’ll need a gentle approach for cleaning your glass oven door so that it doesn’t scratch. Make a spreadable paste of baking soda and water, spread it onto the door and leave it for about half an hour. Then gently wipe it away and buff the door with a microfibre cloth.

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Use Vinegar for the Glass Door

Another option for cleaning your oven’s glass door is to use vinegar. Dilute the vinegar a little and use it with a soft cloth to wipe down the glass. The vinegar will cut through the grease and the cloth will give the surface a nice buff.

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Vacuum Up Crumbs

If your oven has one of those glass doors consisting of two pieces, carefully unscrew it. Then use a vacuum with a small nozzle to suck up any crumbs and dust that may have accumulated between the two pieces.

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Use Vinegar for the Outside

Vinegar’s grease-cutting properties are great for cleaning the outside of your oven too. Simply spray a bit of diluted vinegar on a microfibre cloth and wipe down the exterior of your oven.

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Use a Lemon for the Outside

One of the quick and easy hacks to clean your microwave is to use a lemon for the exterior. This method works for a regular oven too. Slice a lemon in two and then use the halves to rub down the outside of your oven. That lemony smell will complement simple cozy home decor and your oven will be sparkly clean.

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Clean the Knobs and Switches

You shouldn’t use a liquid cleaner to clean the knobs and switches of your oven, since the liquid can get behind them and cause the control panel to short-circuit. Instead, wipe them and the area around them with a damp microfibre cloth.

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Prevent Too Much Dirt Build-Up

Once your oven is clean, you want to prevent it from getting too dirty too quickly again. So, after using your oven, place a pot of boiling water on the bottom rack. Leave it for about half an hour to let the steam loosen any bits of food and grime. Then wipe everything with a damp cloth.