Between juggling work, life, and the mystery of why appliances always act up right before guests arrive, who has the time to endlessly scrub their oven?
The good news is you don’t have to. Once you have got the right tools, you can get it sparkling before your tea even goes cold.
And since we have already done the testing, you can skip the trial-and-error. Are you ready to learn some handy tips to keep your oven in great shape? Here are a few tips for you.
1. Heavy-Duty Scraper
When the grime in your oven refuses to budge, a heavy-duty scraper is your secret weapon. It will slice through stubborn baked-on bits and carbonised stains that even the toughest sponge can’t touch.
Go for one with a solid, comfy grip, and you will find that cleaning doesn’t feel like a battle anymore.
If you want to be kinder to the planet while you are at it, reach for bamboo or stainless steel scrapers. They don’t crack under pressure, and they last far longer than the plastic ones that end up in landfills.
Before you start cleaning, let your oven cool down first. There is no need to rush in and risk burning your hands or scratching the surface.
And once you are done, rinse the blade to make sure it is clean and ready next time. Finally, stash it in a kitchen drawer, right alongside the rest of your cleaning tools, so you don’t waste time hunting it down when you need it.
2. Microfibre Cloths
If you don’t already have microfibre cloths in your cleaning kit, you’re missing out. They capture dust and grease far better than regular cloths, thanks to their tiny fibres that dig in and lift away dirt. That means less scrubbing for you and a much cleaner oven in less time.
Not to mention, they are surprisingly durable for something so light. Unlike disposable ones, they handle repeated use without falling apart.
For the best results, you can use one to apply the cleaner and a second to wipe it off. This way, you will get rid of all the dirt and leave everything spotless.
You can also keep a few different sizes on hand: a large one for big surfaces, a medium one for knobs and handles, and a small one for those awkward spots we always miss. When dealing with the glass panel, go for lint-free ones so you don’t leave streaks behind.
Just don’t forget to wash your towels in hot water and mild detergent to refresh them after cleaning. But skip the fabric softener, because it coats the fibres and stops them from gripping dirt.
Once they are clean, store them in a clean, dry place so they are fresh and ready the next time a splatter appears. That way, you are never stuck wiping with a towel that smells like last week’s roast chicken.
3. Oven Cleaning Brush
Some smudges hide in plain sight, while others wedge themselves into corners you can barely see, let alone reach.
An oven cleaning brush handles both, getting into the tight nooks and crannies that sponges skip over. With one of these, cleaning your unit will be a breeze.
When selecting a brush, look for one with firm bristles. Soft bristles won’t cut it when grease clings stubbornly to every surface.
Nylon or coconut fibre bristles are tough enough to scrape away baked-on grime without damaging the surface, and they’ll last you far longer than flimsy alternatives.
If you want bonus points for sustainability and savings, pick one with a replaceable head so you don’t end up tossing away the whole thing every time it wears out.
Also, think about the handle. Long ones are better because they keep your hands safely away from the heat and any mess. Look for heat-resistant materials, too. This makes them more comfortable to use, so you won’t have to replace them often.
When your unit needs a deeper clean, grab a gentle cleaner to use with your tool. The product will loosen the grease, the bristles will lift it away, and together, they’ll have your oven looking like it’s ready for a showroom.
4. Steam Cleaner
When most people hear ‘steam cleaner,’ they picture a bulky machine. But for ovens, you’ll want the compact, handheld type that blasts concentrated steam straight at the mess. With heat and water doing all the hard work, you won’t need toxic sprays.
You’ll be amazed at how the steam loosens baked-on grime and greasy splatters that usually need a full arm workout to shift. For more precision, pop on a narrow nozzle or a brush attachment to clean those corners that haven’t seen daylight in years.
Better yet, you can use this device to tackle stovetops, tiles, and other tricky kitchen surfaces. So, it is more of an investment than a splurge.
Just make sure to stick to the manufacturer’s instructions, and your steam cleaner will keep running smoothly and last for years.
5. Non-Toxic Oven Cleaner Spray
Ever cleaned your oven and felt like you’d just fumigated the whole house? A good non-toxic cleaner will save you from that gas mask experience. These sprays cut through grime without filling the air with suspicious fumes, so your kitchen smells like dinner, not a chemistry lab.
Don’t just grab any bottle with a green label and hope for the best, though. Look for one that’s safe for all surfaces, with no mysterious unpronounceable ingredients lurking in the fine print.
Once you’ve found the right one, spray it and let it do its thing while you have a cuppa. After 15-20 minutes, swoop in with a microfibre cloth or a brush for that gleaming finish.
Of course, even the best spray has its limits. If you’re dealing with smudges or grime that just won’t budge, that’s where professional services come in. If the build-up has gone too far or you are short on time, you can always look for oven cleaners in your area.
Many local services offer deep cleaning without the harsh chemicals, and they can restore your unit to its former glory. It’s a practical option when you want to start fresh or simply skip the heavy lifting.
So rubber gloves, a scrub brush or sponge, a microfiber cloth, a spray bottle for applying cleaning solutions, and Baking soda can be the best tools for natural oven cleaning.
