The Best Ways to Clean an Oven, According to Our Readers

Lisa Freedman
Lisa FreedmanExecutive Lifestyle Director
Lisa Freedman is the Executive Lifestyle Director at The Kitchn. She has never met a cheese or a washi tape she didn't like. She lives in New York state with her husband and their pup, Millie.
updated May 1, 2019
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We once asked Kitchn’s Facebook friends to tell us the best way to clean an oven. Many of you suggested the self-cleaning button, which is an option we’re not always fans of. (See: Why You Should (Almost) Never Use Your Oven’s Self-Cleaning Function.) Even more of you suggested either not using your oven at all or getting someone else to do it for you. But those aren’t super-realistic suggestions because we like to cook and we don’t live at Downton Abbey.

So with Thanksgiving coming up, we’re revisiting the most helpful ideas. Our takeaway? You guys use a variety of cleaners. Keep reading to see what they are!

1. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

“Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide with a splash of Dawn. Make a paste, scrub, and let it sit. Then pour some white vinegar on, scrub a little more, and wipe it off. Be sure to wear rubber gloves.”

2. Pumice stone and water

“Pumice stone and plain water works a treat, emits no fumes, leaves no residue.”

3. Bathroom cleaner

“Foam bathroom cleaner! It does a great job and there aren’t any fumes like with oven cleaner. Just spray it on and let it sit for a couple of hours.”

4. Ammonia and garbage bags

“Throw metal racks in heavy black garbage bag with ammonia and water. Set in the sun for an hour or so, open the bag and spray them off. Clean and shiny.”

5. Boiling water

“Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and place in your oven. Let it steam for an hour and wipe clean! Works like a champ!”

6. Baking soda, liquid dish soap, and vinegar

“Make a paste with baking soda and liquid dish soap. Thin with water as needed. Use a rag or sponge to apply paste all over oven. Then mix equal parts water and vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray all over the paste, and allow to sit for 10 minutes or so. Use rags or paper towels to wipe away. Continuing to spray vinegar water, or plain water until you’ve gotten all of the paste cleared.”

7. Baking soda and vinegar

“Prepare a paste of baking soda and vinegar. Apply at night and leave it to rest.
Go to sleep. Clean it the next day.”

8. Baking soda, salt, and vinegar

“I do a weekly thing with baking soda, salt, and water. Make it into a paste and rub it on. Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Spray with vinegar and wipe off. Been in my apartment for two years and you can’t tell I ever use it.”

9. Ammonia

“Put a bowl of ammonia in it overnight. Wipe out in the morning.”

10. Orange peels and apple cider vinegar

“Orange peels soaked in apple cider vinegar for about 3 to 4 days or longer. Sprinkle the oven with baking soda, spray the orange and ACV mixture, let sit for about 20 to 30 mins … wipe clean.”

Is your go-to method listed here? How do you clean your oven?