Remove the oven racks and any loose crumbs from inside the oven.
Place an oven-safe dish filled with hot water inside the oven. Heat the oven at a low temperature for around 20–30 minutes. The steam helps soften dried grease and baked-on food, making it easier to wipe away.
Turn the oven off and allow it to cool enough to work safely. Be careful when opening the door because hot steam can cause burns.
Make a Simple Cleaning Paste
For stubborn areas, mix baking soda with a little water to create a thick paste. Add a small amount of dish soap if desired.
Spread the paste over greasy or heavily stained areas and allow it to sit for at least 15–30 minutes. For particularly stubborn buildup, giving it more time can make the cleaning process easier.
Then gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
Wipe Everything Away
Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove the loosened grime and cleaning paste. You may need to rinse the cloth several times as you work.
For baked-on spots that remain, repeat the process rather than aggressively scraping the oven surface.
Avoid using metal scouring pads or sharp tools on surfaces that can be scratched or damaged.
Don’t Forget the Oven Door
The glass door can collect layers of grease that make the oven look dirty even after the interior has been cleaned.
Apply a thin layer of your baking-soda paste to the glass, avoiding the door’s vents and seals. Let it sit briefly, then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
Finish with a clean, damp microfiber cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Clean the Racks Separately
Place the oven racks in a bathtub, large sink, or another suitable container. Cover them with hot water and add some dish soap.
Allow them to soak until the grease and food residue have softened. Then scrub them with a non-abrasive sponge, rinse thoroughly, and dry them before putting them back in the oven.
A Few Important Safety Tips
Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or other household cleaners. Dangerous fumes can result from mixing certain cleaning chemicals.
Also, don’t pour large amounts of water directly into the oven. Excess moisture can reach electrical components or other areas that aren’t designed to be soaked.
Always check your oven manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before using homemade cleaners or running a high-temperature cleaning cycle.
The Secret Is Loosening, Not Scrubbing
The biggest mistake people make when cleaning a dirty oven is trying to remove hardened grease by force.
Steam and soaking help soften the buildup first. Once the grime has loosened, wiping and gentle scrubbing can do most of the work.
With a little patience and regular cleaning, you can prevent those thick layers of baked-on grease from building up again—and keep your oven looking much closer to new without spending hours scrubbing.
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