There isn’t a trick that cleans a heavily burned oven effortlessly, but you can make the job much easier with a few proven methods.
For light to moderate baked-on grease
- Remove the oven racks.
- Make a paste of baking soda and a little water.
- Spread it over dirty areas, avoiding heating elements.
- Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
- Wipe away with a damp cloth or sponge.
- If baking soda residue remains, wipe with a little white vinegar on a cloth to help remove it.
For stubborn burnt-on residue
- Use an oven cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. These products are often more effective than homemade remedies for heavy carbonized grease.
- Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation.
Cleaning the oven racks
- Soak them in hot water with dish soap for a few hours, then scrub with a non-scratch sponge or brush.
Avoid
- Mixing bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners, as this can produce dangerous gases.
- Using abrasive metal tools that may damage the oven’s finish.
- Getting excess liquid into electrical components or heating elements.
Regularly wiping up spills after the oven cools can prevent heavy buildup and make future cleaning much easier.
