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Whether you're a weekend baker or whip up family meals daily, your oven inevitably gathers grime, grease, and food spills. A quick clean-up after each cooking session helps, but eventually, all ovens demand a deep clean. If the thought of scrubbing burnt food stains makes you sigh, don't worry—we’ve compiled some of the best oven-cleaning hacks for tackling dirt and grease. These expert-approved tips range from DIY natural cleaners to practical methods using everyday household products. By the time you're through, your oven will sparkle like new.

Why Regular Oven Cleaning Matters

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A dirty oven is more than an eyesore. Built-up grease and grime can impact the flavour of your food, cause unpleasant smells, and even create a fire hazard. Regular cleaning not only extends your oven’s lifespan but also ensures healthier cooking and more energy-efficient heating.

And here’s the good news: You don’t need heavy-duty chemicals! With basic household items, you’ll be armed with solutions to tackle even the toughest grease stains right from your home.

1. Vinegar and Baking Soda: The Natural Combo

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This classic cleaning duo comes to the rescue for baked-on grease stains. Here's how:

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Step 1: Create a paste. Mix ½ cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until it forms a thick paste.

Step 2: Apply it generously.  Spread the paste across your oven’s interior (bottom, sides, and glass door), avoiding the heating elements.

Step 3: Let it sit. Leave the mixture on for 2 hours, or for really tough grease, let it sit overnight.

Step 4: Add vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar, spritzing it over the hardened baking soda mixture. Watch as it foams up it’s a natural reaction that helps loosen tough stains.

Step 5: Wipe clean. Use a damp cloth or a rubber spatula for stubborn spots to wipe away the grime easily.

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This is the go-to DIY cleaning hack if you're wondering how to get rid of tough grease in your oven without harsh chemicals.

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2. Salt for Quick Spills

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Baking something and had a spill? Nathan Ripley, cleaning expert and owner of Maid Just Right, suggests using salt for a fast fix:

• Sprinkle salt on the fresh spill whilst your oven is still warm (not hot!).
• Once the oven cools, the salt will have absorbed much of the grease, making it easy to remove with a damp cloth.

This is a fantastic hack for addressing stubborn grease spots and minimising future clean-up headaches.

3. Steam Cleaning with Vinegar and Lemons

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Harnessing the power of steam makes cleaning your oven surprisingly effortless.

Using Vinegar

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Step 1 Boil a pot with equal parts water and vinegar.

Step 2 Place the pot on an oven rack while your oven is preheated to 250°F. Let the vinegar-water mixture sit inside for 45 minutes to loosen the grime with steam.

Step 3 After cooling slightly, wipe away softened stains with a soapy cloth.

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Using Lemons:

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Step 1: Fill an oven-safe pan with water and the juice of two lemons. Add the lemon halves for extra cleaning power.

Step 2: Place the pan in your oven and heat it to 250°F. Let the steam lift stubborn grease for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Once the oven cools, wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth.

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These methods work wonders for loosening stubborn melted stains, making it one of the most natural remedies to clean tough oven grime 

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4. Lemons and Baking Soda for Spot Cleaning

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For smaller stains, cut a lemon in half, sprinkle some baking soda onto the cut side, and use the lemon like a scrubbing sponge. The acidity of the lemon combined with the baking soda’s slight abrasiveness will work to cut through grease.

This method is perfect if you need an easy alternative to store-bought cleaners or want to learn how to clean tough stains naturally.

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5. Deep-Cleaning Oven Racks

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Oven racks are often neglected since they’re awkward to handle, but Sean Parry from Neat Services has a full proof approach:

Step 1: Line a bathtub with old towels to prevent scratches.

Step 2: Fill the tub with hot water and add a dishwasher tablet.

Step 3: Submerge the racks and let them soak for several hours—or overnight for stubborn grease.

Step 4: Use an old toothbrush to scrub away the softened grime.

Step 5: Rinse under warm water and dry 

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