With the arrival of the cold season, you’ll probably want to do everything you can to create that sense of cosiness that the Danes call hygge. And what better way to do that than with some home-baked cookies or a roast? You may find yourself using your oven more regularly as temperatures drop, but that also means having to clean your oven more often. Here’s how to clean an oven quickly, inside and out, so you can get back to snuggling up.
Published November 27, 2019, Updated December 20, 2020
Published November 27, 2019, Updated December 20, 2020
Kitchens
How to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)
December 20, 2020
With the arrival of the cold season, you’ll probably want to do everything you can to create that sense of cosiness that the Danes call hygge. And what better way to do that than with some home-baked cookies or a roast? You may find yourself using your oven more regularly as temperatures drop, but that also means having to clean your oven more often. Here’s how to clean an oven quickly, inside and out, so you can get back to snuggling up.
Published November 27, 2019, Updated December 20, 2020
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Remove it All
1/20Remove it All
1/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Take out the racks, foil, filters and everything else that is removable from your oven. You’ll have to clean these separately. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/how-to-add-instant-personality-to-your-rental-kitchen-1898519/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">11 Cheap and Cheerful Ways to Perk Up Your Rental Kitchen</a>KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Remove it All
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -Take out the racks, foil, filters and everything else that is removable from your oven. You’ll have to clean these separately. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/how-to-add-instant-personality-to-your-rental-kitchen-1898519/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">11 Cheap and Cheerful Ways to Perk Up Your Rental Kitchen</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Wipe Out the Oven
2/20Wipe Out the Oven
2/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/organize-kitchen-like-marie-kondo-1925853/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">organize your kitchen like Marie Kondo</a>, you’ll probably have eliminated paper towels. Instead of paper towels, you can use a regular old cloth to wipe out the oven, removing all large bits of food.KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Wipe Out the Oven
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -If you <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/organize-kitchen-like-marie-kondo-1925853/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">organize your kitchen like Marie Kondo</a>, you’ll probably have eliminated paper towels. Instead of paper towels, you can use a regular old cloth to wipe out the oven, removing all large bits of food.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use the Self-Cleaning Function
3/20Use the Self-Cleaning Function
3/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Unless you’re an avid baker, the oven is normally one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/kitchen-appliances-splurge-and-save-1930029/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kitchen appliances where you should save rather than splurge</a>. However, in a modern kitchen, you may have invested in an oven with a self-cleaning feature. You simply flip the switch to let the oven run through the self-cleaning cycle, avoiding using commercial oven cleaner.KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Use the Self-Cleaning Function
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -Unless you’re an avid baker, the oven is normally one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/kitchen-appliances-splurge-and-save-1930029/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kitchen appliances where you should save rather than splurge</a>. However, in a modern kitchen, you may have invested in an oven with a self-cleaning feature. You simply flip the switch to let the oven run through the self-cleaning cycle, avoiding using commercial oven cleaner.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Wipe Out the Ashes
4/20Wipe Out the Ashes
4/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
During the self-cleaning cycle, your oven will become very hot. Especially if your home has a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/small-kitchen-design-ideas-1916131/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">simple cozy kitchen design</a>, you may want to stay out of the kitchen during this time. Once the cycle is over, wait for the oven to cool to room temperature and then simply wipe out the ashes. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/most-popular-kitchen-designs-around-world-1932513/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Most Popular Kitchen Designs From Around the World</a>KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Wipe Out the Ashes
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -During the self-cleaning cycle, your oven will become very hot. Especially if your home has a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/small-kitchen-design-ideas-1916131/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">simple cozy kitchen design</a>, you may want to stay out of the kitchen during this time. Once the cycle is over, wait for the oven to cool to room temperature and then simply wipe out the ashes. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/most-popular-kitchen-designs-around-world-1932513/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Most Popular Kitchen Designs From Around the World</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use a Commercial Oven Cleaner
5/20Use a Commercial Oven Cleaner
5/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
With a commercial oven cleaner, you simply spray the cleaner onto the baked-on grease, grime and dirt. Then you let it sit for about half an hour before wiping everything away. However, remember that commercial oven cleaners usually contain harsh chemicals that can give off serious fumes. You may want to open a window in addition to wearing rubber gloves and even a face mask while cleaning your oven this way. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-to-clean-your-kitchen-using-all-natural-solutions-to-save-you-time-and-money-1926856/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Clean Your Kitchen Using All-Natural Solutions to Save You Time and Money</a>KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Use a Commercial Oven Cleaner
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -With a commercial oven cleaner, you simply spray the cleaner onto the baked-on grease, grime and dirt. Then you let it sit for about half an hour before wiping everything away. However, remember that commercial oven cleaners usually contain harsh chemicals that can give off serious fumes. You may want to open a window in addition to wearing rubber gloves and even a face mask while cleaning your oven this way. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/how-to-clean-your-kitchen-using-all-natural-solutions-to-save-you-time-and-money-1926856/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Clean Your Kitchen Using All-Natural Solutions to Save You Time and Money</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use Baking Soda
6/20Use Baking Soda
6/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
A more natural – and cheaper – way to clean your oven is to use the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/30-things-you-should-be-cleaning-with-baking-soda-1913816/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">power of baking soda</a>. Start by making a spreadable paste of baking soda and a bit of water. Then spread this all over the interior of your oven, avoiding the heating elements. Let it stand overnight.KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Use Baking Soda
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -A more natural – and cheaper – way to clean your oven is to use the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/30-things-you-should-be-cleaning-with-baking-soda-1913816/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">power of baking soda</a>. Start by making a spreadable paste of baking soda and a bit of water. Then spread this all over the interior of your oven, avoiding the heating elements. Let it stand overnight.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Add the Power of Vinegar
7/20Add the Power of Vinegar
7/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Once the baking soda has done its work overnight, it’s time to add something that will pack some extra punch. Spray some <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/30-things-you-should-be-cleaning-with-vinegar-1912030/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vinegar</a> over the baking soda paste and let it bubble. Then scrub off the dirt. Finally, give everything a final once-over with vinegar and a soft cloth.KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Add the Power of Vinegar
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -Once the baking soda has done its work overnight, it’s time to add something that will pack some extra punch. Spray some <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/30-things-you-should-be-cleaning-with-vinegar-1912030/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vinegar</a> over the baking soda paste and let it bubble. Then scrub off the dirt. Finally, give everything a final once-over with vinegar and a soft cloth.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Bake Some Lemons
8/20Bake Some Lemons
8/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The scent of citrus can really help create a sense of hygge in your home, even while you’re cleaning your oven. Simply cut up two lemons and squeeze their juices into a baking dish. Add the rest of the lemons and fill the dish about a third full of water. Then bake it for about half an hour to loosen the dirt. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/20-things-you-can-clean-with-a-lemon-1053116/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Things You Can Clean With a Lemon</a>KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Bake Some Lemons
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -The scent of citrus can really help create a sense of hygge in your home, even while you’re cleaning your oven. Simply cut up two lemons and squeeze their juices into a baking dish. Add the rest of the lemons and fill the dish about a third full of water. Then bake it for about half an hour to loosen the dirt. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/20-things-you-can-clean-with-a-lemon-1053116/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Things You Can Clean With a Lemon</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Scrub Away the Dirt
9/20Scrub Away the Dirt
9/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Once the oven has cooled enough, dip a scouring pad in the lemon water and use it to scrub away any grime that’s still left inside the oven. A spatula can help you lift off larger pieces of dirt. Use more lemon water to rinse as you go and then dry everything with a towel. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/15-ways-to-give-your-kitchen-a-deep-clean-for-spring-1914321/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Ways to Give Your Kitchen a Deep Clean</a>KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Scrub Away the Dirt
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -Once the oven has cooled enough, dip a scouring pad in the lemon water and use it to scrub away any grime that’s still left inside the oven. A spatula can help you lift off larger pieces of dirt. Use more lemon water to rinse as you go and then dry everything with a towel. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/15-ways-to-give-your-kitchen-a-deep-clean-for-spring-1914321/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Ways to Give Your Kitchen a Deep Clean</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Soak the Oven Racks
10/20Soak the Oven Racks
10/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
To clean the oven racks and other removable bits, you need to first soak them overnight. If your small kitchen has a small sink too, you may have to use the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/worlds-most-extraordinary-bathtubs-1910603/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bathtub</a> instead. Submerge the oven racks in very hot water with some dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent added. Leave it overnight.KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Soak the Oven Racks
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -To clean the oven racks and other removable bits, you need to first soak them overnight. If your small kitchen has a small sink too, you may have to use the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/worlds-most-extraordinary-bathtubs-1910603/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bathtub</a> instead. Submerge the oven racks in very hot water with some dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent added. Leave it overnight.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use Baking Soda and Vinegar Again
11/20Use Baking Soda and Vinegar Again
11/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your oven racks are one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/20-of-the-grossest-things-in-your-house-right-now-1052967/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">grossest things in your house right now</a>, you may want to add some extra cleaning power before soaking them overnight. Sprinkle baking soda over them and then douse them with vinegar. Let things bubble before submerging the oven racks in hot water and letting them soak.KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Use Baking Soda and Vinegar Again
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -If your oven racks are one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/20-of-the-grossest-things-in-your-house-right-now-1052967/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">grossest things in your house right now</a>, you may want to add some extra cleaning power before soaking them overnight. Sprinkle baking soda over them and then douse them with vinegar. Let things bubble before submerging the oven racks in hot water and letting them soak.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Scrub
12/20Scrub
12/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Once the oven racks and other removable bits have soaked overnight, scrub them with a dish towel to get rid of the grime. For stubborn bits of dirt, sprinkle some salt onto a toothbrush and use this to scrub. Afterwards, dry the oven racks and put them back in the oven. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/kitchen-organizing-tips-do-cleaning-for-you-1944434/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Kitchen Organizing Tips That Practically Do the Cleaning for You</a>KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Scrub
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -Once the oven racks and other removable bits have soaked overnight, scrub them with a dish towel to get rid of the grime. For stubborn bits of dirt, sprinkle some salt onto a toothbrush and use this to scrub. Afterwards, dry the oven racks and put them back in the oven. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/kitchen-organizing-tips-do-cleaning-for-you-1944434/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Kitchen Organizing Tips That Practically Do the Cleaning for You</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use the Dishwasher
13/20Use the Dishwasher
13/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Some oven racks are dishwasher safe. Check your oven’s manual and if it gives you the green light, pop the racks into the dishwasher and let the machine do its magic. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/things-you-didnt-know-dishwasher-could-do-1926172/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Things You Didn't Know Your Dishwasher Could Do</a>KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Use the Dishwasher
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -Some oven racks are dishwasher safe. Check your oven’s manual and if it gives you the green light, pop the racks into the dishwasher and let the machine do its magic. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/things-you-didnt-know-dishwasher-could-do-1926172/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Things You Didn't Know Your Dishwasher Could Do</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Clean the Glass Oven Door
14/20Clean the Glass Oven Door
14/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
You’ll need a gentle approach for cleaning your glass oven door so that it doesn’t scratch. Make a spreadable paste of baking soda and water, spread it onto the door and leave it for about half an hour. Then gently wipe it away and buff the door with a microfibre cloth.KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Clean the Glass Oven Door
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -You’ll need a gentle approach for cleaning your glass oven door so that it doesn’t scratch. Make a spreadable paste of baking soda and water, spread it onto the door and leave it for about half an hour. Then gently wipe it away and buff the door with a microfibre cloth.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use Vinegar for the Glass Door
15/20Use Vinegar for the Glass Door
15/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Another option for cleaning your oven’s glass door is to use vinegar. Dilute the vinegar a little and use it with a soft cloth to wipe down the glass. The vinegar will cut through the grease and the cloth will give the surface a nice buff. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/30-things-you-should-be-cleaning-with-vinegar-1912030/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">30 Things You Should Be Cleaning With Vinegar</a>KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Use Vinegar for the Glass Door
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -Another option for cleaning your oven’s glass door is to use vinegar. Dilute the vinegar a little and use it with a soft cloth to wipe down the glass. The vinegar will cut through the grease and the cloth will give the surface a nice buff. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/30-things-you-should-be-cleaning-with-vinegar-1912030/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">30 Things You Should Be Cleaning With Vinegar</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Vacuum Up Crumbs
16/20Vacuum Up Crumbs
16/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your oven has one of those glass doors consisting of two pieces, carefully unscrew it. Then use a vacuum with a small nozzle to suck up any crumbs and dust that may have accumulated between the two pieces.KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Vacuum Up Crumbs
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -If your oven has one of those glass doors consisting of two pieces, carefully unscrew it. Then use a vacuum with a small nozzle to suck up any crumbs and dust that may have accumulated between the two pieces.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use Vinegar for the Outside
17/20Use Vinegar for the Outside
17/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Vinegar’s grease-cutting properties are great for cleaning the outside of your oven too. Simply spray a bit of diluted vinegar on a microfibre cloth and wipe down the exterior of your oven.KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Use Vinegar for the Outside
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -Vinegar’s grease-cutting properties are great for cleaning the outside of your oven too. Simply spray a bit of diluted vinegar on a microfibre cloth and wipe down the exterior of your oven.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use a Lemon for the Outside
18/20Use a Lemon for the Outside
18/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
One of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/quick-and-easy-hacks-to-clean-your-microwave-in-minutes-1925540/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">quick and easy hacks to clean your microwave</a> is to use a lemon for the exterior. This method works for a regular oven too. Slice a lemon in two and then use the halves to rub down the outside of your oven. That lemony smell will complement simple cozy home decor and your oven will be sparkly clean.KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Use a Lemon for the Outside
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -One of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/quick-and-easy-hacks-to-clean-your-microwave-in-minutes-1925540/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">quick and easy hacks to clean your microwave</a> is to use a lemon for the exterior. This method works for a regular oven too. Slice a lemon in two and then use the halves to rub down the outside of your oven. That lemony smell will complement simple cozy home decor and your oven will be sparkly clean.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Clean the Knobs and Switches
19/20Clean the Knobs and Switches
19/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
You shouldn’t use a liquid cleaner to clean the knobs and switches of your oven, since the liquid can get behind them and cause the control panel to short-circuit. Instead, wipe them and the area around them with a damp microfibre cloth.KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Clean the Knobs and Switches
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -You shouldn’t use a liquid cleaner to clean the knobs and switches of your oven, since the liquid can get behind them and cause the control panel to short-circuit. Instead, wipe them and the area around them with a damp microfibre cloth.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Prevent Too Much Dirt Build-Up
20/20Prevent Too Much Dirt Build-Up
20/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Once your oven is clean, you want to prevent it from getting too dirty too quickly again. So, after using your oven, place a pot of boiling water on the bottom rack. Leave it for about half an hour to let the steam loosen any bits of food and grime. Then wipe everything with a damp cloth. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/20-fast-and-easy-house-cleaning-hacks-everyone-should-know-1923957/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Fast and Easy House Cleaning Hacks Everyone Should Know</a>KitchensHow to Clean an Oven Quickly (Inside and Out)Prevent Too Much Dirt Build-Up
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -Once your oven is clean, you want to prevent it from getting too dirty too quickly again. So, after using your oven, place a pot of boiling water on the bottom rack. Leave it for about half an hour to let the steam loosen any bits of food and grime. Then wipe everything with a damp cloth. <BR><BR> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/20-fast-and-easy-house-cleaning-hacks-everyone-should-know-1923957/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Fast and Easy House Cleaning Hacks Everyone Should Know</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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