We've all been there with oven-cleaning – we know it needs to be done sooner rather than later, and you may be lucky to have a self-cleaning oven, but if not, it doesn't need to be daunting.
There are effective oven-cleaning kits out there to help tackle the job, but many are highly toxic, corrosive and can be hazardous, ranging from inhaling fumes to chemical burns and are destructive if spilt. For a more sustainable, low-impact, clean option, many eco-friendly alternatives are safer and easier to use and do a good job, even if they require a little more elbow grease.
For eco-friendly and safer cleaning, use plant-based creams such as Ecover Cream Cleaner, which we found to be highly effective. Alternatively, a cheaper, effective method is to make a thick paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, which is also great for cleaning. However, it needs to be applied to stains and burnt-on food at least overnight to work effectively.
Although eco-friendly, plant-based products are safer to use, it is still recommended to keep them out of reach of children and wear rubber gloves.
How to clean an oven
We used:
- Rubber gloves
- Vinegar spray (optional)
- Ecover Cream Cleaner/Bicarbonate of Soda
- E-Cloth oven cloth
- J-cloths
- Sponge
- Eco antibacterial all-purpose spray
1. To begin, make sure the oven is cold. If you have a removable door, doing this will make things much easier. If the inside of the oven is particularly greasy, spray with a bit of white vinegar and leave it for 10–15 minutes, then wipe it clean.
2. Remove all oven racks and side runners (if possible). If the racks and runners are very dirty, an hour or so in hot, soapy water will help, then proceed to step three.
3. To prevent the racks from scratching the sink or taps, line key areas with J-cloths or dishcloths. Using a sponge or cloth, coat the racks and runners with either the cream cleaner or bicarbonate of soda paste. Leave the cream for at least 15-30 minutes, and the paste for several hours or overnight.
4. When ready to clean, rinse with hot water. Then, use a cloth to scrub away any remaining burnt-on food. We'd recommend an E-Cloth oven cloth for this job, as it's effective and doesn't scratch. Alternatively, use E-Cloth non-scratching scrubbing pads or similar. Rinse and dry well.
5. Meanwhile, wipe the bottom and sides of the oven with a sponge to remove any loose debris or crumbs.
6. Using either the cream cleaner or paste, cover the sides and bottom wherever it's dirty. Don't forget to cover the areas around the oven seal, door sides, and glass if needed. Leave the cream for at least 15-30 minutes, and the paste for several hours or overnight.
7. To clean the oven and around the seals and door, use the non-scratch cloth or pad as described in step four. However, for the glass and door, use a soft sponge to clean and rinse.
8. Refit the runners if you removed them, then replace the shelves.
9. Spray a damp cloth with a little antibacterial all-purpose cleaner – we used Bower All-Purpose Sanitiser Spray as we love the fresh pineapple scent – and shine up the glass and door inside and out.
10. Say hello to your super-clean, shiny oven.
Self-cleaning ovens
Many ovens now feature pyrolytic cleaning: a self-cleaning system that utilises exceptionally high temperatures to burn off food, stains and other debris from the oven cavity without the use of chemicals. It leaves only grey ash that requires little more than a quick wipe-down.
There are a few downsides to this time-saving method. It can take several hours at scarily high temperatures, consuming more electricity than usual. Pyrolytic ovens are more expensive to buy, too, and racks and runners all need to be removed and cleaned by hand. And, be aware that if you leave anything inside the oven, it cannot be opened until the end of the cycle, as it will create a lot of smoke and fumes, as we know from experience. However, it can still be a useful feature.
How to keep your oven in tip-top condition
- Wipe up any spills quickly but be careful if the oven is still hot
- Cover any foods likely to splatter
- Use baking trays and roasting tins to catch food likely to spill over
- Do light, frequent cleans to prevent it from becoming overwhelming
- Try a mini homemade steamer to easily loosen grime or burnt-on food by placing 400ml of hot water and a squirt of washing-up liquid in a heatproof bowl. Heat the oven to 220C. Put the bowl on the lowest shelf and leave it for 20 minutes
- Always refer to the manufacturer's guide before cleaning your oven, as different models may have specific care instructions
Top-rated ovens
Bosch Series 4 HBS534BB0B
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This 71-litre oven keeps things simple but it’s effective, with seven heating methods (including a great pizza function), five shelf positions and an A energy rating. It’s easy to clean thanks to a catalytic coating that breaks down grease while you cook. Available in three finishes, it’s a practical, well-priced oven that fits easily into most kitchens.
Latest DealsIndesit Aria IDU6340IX built-under double electric oven
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A solid budget-friendly option, this double oven offers 37L and 59L capacities with basic grilling and cooking settings. It lacks advanced features but covers the essentials, including fan-assisted cooking and easy-clean enamel. The B energy rating is respectable, and while the design is simple, it delivers good performance for the price. Ideal for smaller households or occasional bakers.
Latest DealsNeff N50 U2ACM7HH0B built-in electric double oven
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With spacious 34L and 71L capacities and seven heating methods, this no-fuss oven handles everyday cooking with ease. It features a handy pizza function for crisp bases, an energy-efficient A rating and Eco Clean Direct lining that breaks down grease as you cook. Available in three stylish finishes, it’s a reliable, low-maintenance choice that suits most kitchens.
Latest DealsRelated guides:
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More cleaning guides:
How to descale a kettle
How to clean an air fryer
How to clean a dishwasher
source https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/how-to-clean-an-oven
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