How to Clean Your Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Sparkling Kitchen

Keeping your oven clean doesn’t just make your kitchen look better—it also helps your oven work more efficiently.

Whether you’ve been dodging the chore for weeks or just finished a cooking spree, don’t stress.

With the right tips and tools, you can make your oven look brand new without breaking a sweat.

Here’s everything you need to know about cleaning your oven, racks, and that tricky glass door!

How to Clean Your Oven

1. Gather Your Supplies
   You’ll need baking soda, white vinegar, a spray bottle, a damp cloth or sponge, gloves, and an old toothbrush for scrubbing tough spots.
2. Remove Everything
   Take out the oven racks, thermometers, or anything else inside your oven. This will make cleaning much easier.
3. Make a Baking Soda Paste
   Mix half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until it forms a thick paste. Adjust the water as needed to get the right consistency.
4. Apply the Paste
   Spread the baking soda paste all over the inside of the oven, focusing on areas with burnt-on grease and grime. Avoid the heating elements. Let it sit for at least 12 hours or overnight for maximum effectiveness.
5. Wipe It Down
   After the paste has worked its magic, wipe it down with a damp cloth. You might need to scrub a bit for tougher spots.
6. Use Vinegar for the Finish
   Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz it over the areas where baking soda residue remains. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a gentle fizz that loosens up stubborn grime. Wipe it down again until your oven shines.

How to Clean Oven Racks

1. Soak the Racks
   Remove the racks and place them in a large sink or bathtub lined with old towels to avoid scratching. Fill it with hot water and add a generous amount of dish soap or a cup of white vinegar.
2. Let Them Sit
   Let the racks soak for at least two hours, or overnight for heavy grime.
3. Scrub Away Residue
   Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to scrub off any remaining grease and food particles.
4. Rinse and Dry
   Rinse the racks thoroughly with warm water and dry them completely before putting them back in your oven.

How to Clean the Oven Glass Door

1. Prepare a Cleaning Solution
   Mix equal parts baking soda and water to make a paste.
2. Apply the Paste
   Spread the paste over the inside of the glass door, focusing on any tough stains. Let it sit for about 15–20 minutes.
3. Scrub Gently
   Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to scrub the glass. Avoid using anything abrasive that could scratch the surface.
4. Wipe It Down
   Dampen a clean cloth with water and wipe away the paste. For a streak-free shine, use a glass cleaner or a mix of vinegar and water as the final touch.