How to Clean an Oven: The Ultimate Guide to a Sparkling Appliance

Why Cleaning Your Oven Matters

• Improves flavour – Burnt residue can affect the taste and smell of your meals.
• Boosts efficiency – A clean oven heats more evenly and accurately.
• Reduces fire risk – Grease and food build-up can ignite during high-heat cooking.
• Protects components – Especially important for double ovens or fan-assisted convection models.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need harsh oven sprays or chemical fumes. Most grime can be tackled with:

• Bicarbonate of soda
• White vinegar
• Water
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Spray bottle
• Microfibre cloth or sponge
• Rubber gloves
• Silicone or plastic spatula

Method 1: How to Clean an Oven Without Scrubbing

If scrubbing isn’t your thing, this natural method does most of the hard work for you.

Steps:

1. Make a paste – Mix ½ cup bicarbonate of soda with water until it forms a thick spread.
2. Apply inside the oven (avoiding heating elements).
3. Leave overnight (or for at least 8 hours).
4. Wipe away using a damp cloth or spatula.
5. Spray vinegar on any leftover residue to create a fizzing reaction and lift dirt.
6. Final clean – Wipe with a fresh cloth and dry.

Pro Tip: Add lemon essential oil to your bicarb paste for natural degreasing and a fresh scent.

Method 2: Steam Cleaning with Lemon

Perfect for freshening up lightly used ovens or in-between deep cleans.

Steps:

1. Place a heatproof bowl filled with water and lemon juice inside your oven.
2. Heat to 200°C for 20–30 minutes.
3. Turn off and let the steam loosen any grease.
4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.

A Quick Note on Self-Cleaning Ovens

Some modern ovens come with self-cleaning functions, but not all work the same way. Here’s how they differ:

Pyrolytic Ovens

• Use extremely high temperatures (up to 500°C) to burn off food and grease to ash.
• Once the cycle ends and the oven cools, simply wipe away the fine ash.
• The Hotpoint SI4854PIX built-in electric oven offers a pyrolytic cleaning cycle that heats up to 470°C, efficiently breaking down grease and spills so you can clean effortlessly.

Tip: Always remove racks and trays before starting a pyrolytic cycle, unless specified.

Catalytic Ovens

• Lined with special panels that absorb and break down grease during normal cooking temperatures (above 200°C).
• Just wipe the surfaces after cooking - minimal effort required.
• The Beko BBIMA13300XC electric oven features a catalytic back wall that effectively traps dirt and grease, making cleaning quicker and easier.

Note: Replace catalytic liners periodically for best performance.

Hydrolytic (Assisted Steam Cleaning)

• Adds water to the base of the oven and uses steam to loosen grime.
• Great for built-in or electric ovens that need a gentle clean.
• The AEG TP8SB731AB 8000 Series electric oven features a steam cleaning function that notifies you when it’s time to clean, allowing you to remove grime easily with just a damp cloth

Tip: Add lemon juice for better results and a pleasant smell.

Cleaning Tips by Oven Type

• Clean the fan blades and behind the cover if accessible.
• Avoid blocking air vents during or after cleaning.

Double Oven

• Clean each cavity separately.
• Don’t let cleaning products drip between compartments.

Electric Oven

• Avoid soaking the lower heating element.
• Use minimal water and a gentle sponge.

Built-In Oven

• Protect cabinetry with a towel or tray during cleaning.
• Check and clean around control knobs and ventilation grills.

Steam Oven

• Use gentle cleaning solutions and wipe down the interior after each use to prevent grease buildup.
• Avoid abrasive materials that could damage steam vents.

Tip: And while you're at it, don't forget the oven door! The oven glass often collects just as much grease and grime.

Keep Your Oven Cleaner for Longer

• Wipe spills quickly: Clean messes while they’re still soft.
• Use liners: Reusable oven liners protect the base from drips.
• Cover food: Prevent splashes by using lids or foil when roasting.
• Monthly refresh: Do a quick steam clean every few weeks to stay ahead of grime.

If you’ve been wondering how to clean the inside of an oven without hours of elbow grease. This guide proves you don’t need harsh chemicals or heavy scrubbing. With steam, natural ingredients, and the right approach. Even the toughest ovens can be brought back to life.

Whether you own a convection, electric, built-in, or self-cleaning oven. Using the correct method ensures better results and less damage over time.

Ready for a kitchen refresh? Browse our full range of ovens designed for convenience, performance, and everyday cooking made easy.