What you need
- Rubber gloves and a bin bag
- Oven cleaner, or bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar for lighter soiling
- A non-scratch scourer and microfibre cloths
- A large sink or bath for the racks
Method
- Make sure the oven is off and cool, then remove the racks, trays and any loose crumbs
- Soak the racks in hot water with washing-up liquid, or a bio-washing powder, for an hour or more
- Apply the oven cleaner to the interior following the label, avoiding heating elements, and leave for the recommended time (many are better left for a few hours)
- Wipe out the loosened grease with a damp cloth, repeating on stubborn spots
- Clean the glass door, including between the panes if your oven allows it, and the door seal gently
- Scrub the racks, rinse and dry them, then refit everything
Mistakes to avoid
- Never mix oven cleaner with other products, and always ventilate the room
- Do not use abrasive pads on enamel or glass
- Do not wet the fan, heating elements or electrics
- Follow the manufacturer's guidance, especially for self-cleaning ovens
When to hire a professional
If the oven has heavy, baked-on carbon, a fan oven that is hard to access, or you are moving out and short of time, a professional clean as part of a deep or end of tenancy clean is often quicker and more thorough.
Common questions
Is bicarbonate of soda enough to clean an oven?
It works well for light grease. Heavy build-up usually needs an oven cleaner or a longer soak.
Would you rather we did it for you?
Ample Cleaners offers deep cleaning across Barking, Dagenham, Romford, Ilford and surrounding areas, with DBS-checked cleaners and a fixed price.