How to Clean Your Oven the Easy Way

When was the last time you cleaned your oven? If you can’t remember, it’s probably been too long. Most experts recommend cleaning your oven at least once every three months, depending on how often you cook. Still, oven cleaning is one of those tasks many people put off, often because it feels messy, time-consuming, or confusing.

The good news is that cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right method and a few simple tools, you can tackle grease and grime without harsh chemicals or hours of scrubbing. This guide walks through the easiest way to clean your oven, step by step—so you can get back to enjoying a clean, functional kitchen.

What Not to Clean an Oven With

Before getting started, it helps to know what to avoid. Using the wrong products or tools can damage your oven or create safety issues.

Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia or chlorine bleach, abrasive scrubbers such as steel wool, pouring water into a hot oven, and using commercial oven cleaners inside a self-cleaning oven. These can damage oven surfaces, release strong fumes, or interfere with built-in cleaning functions.

Why It’s Important to Clean Your Oven

Regular oven cleaning supports both safety and performance. Over time, grease and food residue can cause unpleasant odors, affect how evenly your oven heats, increase fire risk, and transfer burnt flavors to food. Keeping your oven clean also helps it run more efficiently, reduces cooking time, and can extend the life of the appliance.

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?

Most ovens should be cleaned every three to six months, depending on usage. If you cook frequently, wiping up spills once the oven has cooled can help prevent residue from hardening and make deeper cleaning much easier later.

How to Clean the Inside of Your Oven

1. Remove Loose Debris

Make sure the oven is completely cool. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away crumbs from the walls and door, then remove any loose debris from the bottom of the oven.

2. Clean the Oven Racks

Remove the racks and place them in hot water with a small amount of dish soap. Let them soak while you clean the oven interior. This helps loosen grease and baked-on residue, making scrubbing easier later.

3. Apply Your Cleaner

Create a simple, spreadable paste using dish soap and a small amount of water, or make a DIY cleaner with baking soda, water, and vinegar. Apply the paste to greasy areas inside the oven and on the glass door. Let it sit for a few minutes to help break down buildup.

4. Scrub and Wipe

Use a non-abrasive scrub sponge to loosen stubborn stains, grease, and grime. Allowing the paste to sit a bit longer can help with tougher spots. Once loosened, wipe everything clean with a damp cloth, paying extra attention to the glass door. Wearing gloves during this step can help protect your hands.

5. Final Touches

Once the inside is clean, wipe down the outside of the oven, including the door, handle, and knobs, using a multi-surface cleaner and a soft cloth. This final step removes fingerprints and leaves your oven looking polished.

Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be difficult or intimidating. The easiest oven cleaning methods rely on simple ingredients, gentle scrubbing, and consistent upkeep. By cleaning your oven every few months and addressing spills early, you can keep your kitchen cleaner, safer, and more efficient—without resorting to harsh cleaners.