Ever wondered if the inside of your oven is as pristine as the dishes you create in it? Over time, baked-on grime and grease can accumulate, leaving behind an unsightly mess that affects not only the taste of your food but also the efficiency of your oven. That once-gleaming interior can become a breeding ground for stubborn stains and unpleasant odours, hindering your culinary aspirations.

So, what's the best way to tackle this common kitchen conundrum and restore your oven to its former glory? Let's roll up our sleeves and clean that oven interior till it’s spotless!

How Often Do You Need to Clean Your Oven

The frequency of oven cleaning depends largely on your cooking habits. If you're a frequent baker or enthusiastic home cook, tackling those spills and splatters every 3-4 months is a good rule of thumb. However, if you notice smoke or lingering odours during cooking, it's definitely time for a deep clean.

What You May Need

Prepare these things before you begin cleaning:

• Baking Soda: The trusty kitchen staple, a natural cleaner and deodoriser.

• White Vinegar: Another pantry powerhouse, its acidity cuts through grease and grime.

• Water: Essential for creating the cleaning paste and rinsing.

• Rubber Gloves: Protect your hands from cleaning solutions.

• Microfibre Cloths or Non-abrasive Sponges: Ideal for gentle scrubbing.

• Spray Bottle: For easy application of the vinegar solution.

• A Scraper or Spatula: This can help lift stubborn baked-on food.

5 Steps to Clean Your Oven

Unless you own a self-cleaning oven, there’s really no fast way to clean a dirty oven and restore its aesthetic appeal. But before you fret, know that cleaning your oven doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right approach and a clear understanding of what you're up against, you can achieve sparkling results in no time. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Coat the Oven Cavity

Begin by mixing ½ cup baking soda with just enough water to form a smooth, spreadable paste. This concoction is your secret weapon against baked-on grime, arguably the best thing to clean the inside of your oven with.

Before you apply it, remember to remove any oven racks, thermometers, or other loose items from the interior. Now, generously coat the inside surfaces of your oven with the paste, paying special attention to areas with heavy grease or stubborn stains. Be careful to avoid the heating elements and any vents. 

Once the oven is coated, close the door and let the paste work its magic overnight or for at least 12 hours. The longer you let it sit, the easier it will be to remove the grime.

2. Soak the Racks

While the baking soda paste is doing its job inside the oven, it's the perfect time to tackle those grimy oven racks. Fill your sink or bathtub with warm, soapy water and submerge the racks. If you're dealing with particularly stubborn grime, you can add a bit of baking soda to the water or let the racks soak overnight for a deeper clean.

3. Scrub the Cavity

After the baking soda paste has had ample time to work, it's time to scrub. Grab a damp microfibre cloth or a non-abrasive sponge and gently wipe away the paste from the oven’s interior.

If you encounter any stubborn spots that refuse to budge, simply spritz them with white vinegar. Let the vinegar fizz and react with the baking soda for a few minutes, then scrub again. Once you've removed all the paste and grime, rinse the interior thoroughly with clean water to ensure no residue remains.

4. Clean the Inside of the Glass Oven Door


Don't forget about the often-neglected oven door! Apply the same baking soda paste to the inside of the glass door, focusing on areas with baked-on splatters. Allow it to sit for a while, then gently scrub away the grime. Rinse the glass thoroughly with clean water. For a sparkling finish, follow up with a spritz of glass cleaner and a final wipe with a microfiber cloth.

5. Clean the Knobs, Handles and Oven Door Exterior

The final touch is to clean the exterior surfaces of your oven. Wipe down the knobs, handles and the outside of the oven door with a damp cloth and a bit of mild soap. Avoid using harsh abrasives that could scratch the finish. If your oven has stainless steel surfaces, a specialised stainless steel cleaner will help maintain their shine and prevent fingerprints.

Beyond Clean: A Sparkling Oven for a Happy Kitchen

With a little elbow grease and some simple ingredients, your oven can transform from grimy to gleaming. Remember, a clean oven not only looks good but also cooks better and can even extend the lifespan of your appliance. Whether you're using a traditional oven or a modern combi oven in Singapore, these tips will help you maintain its pristine condition. And if you're in the market for a new oven, consider a sleek built-in oven to add to your home essentials checklist.

Embrace a cleaner, healthier cooking experience. After all, a sparkling oven is the heart of a happy kitchen!