HOW TO CLEAN YOUR OVEN WITHOUT SCRUBBING

Updated February 2026

If your oven gets a regular workout, you’ve probably noticed how quickly grease can build up. Especially with very oily or fatty foods, which can turn into burnt-on grease. Left too long, this stubborn grime can feel exhausting to clean. However, keeping your oven fresh doesn’t always require heavy effort. With a few simple habits and gentle cleaning methods, you can keep your oven spotless without the workout of scrubbing.

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?

A helpful rule of thumb is to wipe down your oven little and often. With the rush of daily life and trying to get dinner prepped, we often put it off as long as possible. Wiping up spills while they’re still fresh can save you time and effort later.

After cooking, wait until the oven has cooled enough to touch. Then use a damp cloth to wipe away any splatters. This prevents food from drying out and sticking, making it easier for you later on.

Life can be busy, and it’s easy to put off cleaning. But small, regular touch-ups help avoid the need for a deep scrub in the future.

How to Clean Stubborn Oven Grime

Left some grease and spills sitting for a while? There’s a surprisingly simple way to loosen them without turning it into a workout.

You’ll need baking soda, white vinegar, and a little water. These everyday items work gently and effectively, and they do most of the work for you. Baking soda will cut through the grease, and the vinegar will break down any remaining food on contact.

Start by removing the oven racks and any trays or stones. This gives you clear access to the inside. Next, mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. Spread it over the inside of the oven, focusing on areas with heavier build-up. Avoid the heating elements if your oven is electric.

As the mixture sits, it will begin to turn brown. Don’t worry, this is just the paste doing its job.

Close the oven door and leave the paste to work for several hours, or overnight if possible. The longer you leave it, the more effective it will be. When you’re ready, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe it away. Most of the residue should come off easily. If needed, a plastic scraper can help with the remaining spots.

Finish off by spraying a small amount of vinegar over the surface. This helps remove any remaining residue and neutralises odours. Then wipe it again with a damp cloth, and you’re done!

How to Clean Light Oven Build-Up

If your oven needs a light clean, steam cleaning can be a gentle alternative. Using just water and a zesty lemon requires little maintenance, and works wonders at softening grime so it just wipes away.

First, fill an oven-safe dish with water, then add the juice of two or three lemons along with the squeezed halves. Next, place the dish in the oven, heat it to around 150°C, and leave it for 30 to 45 minutes. As the water heats, steam will soften grease and residue.

Once the time has passed, turn off the oven and crack open the door to allow it to cool slightly. While it’s still warm, wipe the inside with a cloth or sponge. Most light grime should come away easily, but if there are stubborn areas, just repeat.

Tips to Keep Your Oven Cleaner for Longer

Want to keep your oven spotless for longer? A few simple habits can help reduce build-up over time:

• Use an oven liner when cooking foods that splatter. Either disposable liners or ones that just require a wipe afterwards, this will mean less work for you later.
• Clean up spills as they happen. A quick wipe before spills set reduces the risk of staining or rust.
• Wipe down your door seal frequently. It’s an easy spot to overlook, and grime can build up quickly.
• Avoid cooking greasy foods at unnecessarily high temperatures. This reduces splatter inside your oven.

These small steps can make oven cleaning quicker and less demanding.

A Little Extra Help at Home

Kitchen cleaning can take time and energy, and sometimes it’s the last thing we feel like doing.

Simply Helping offers flexible domestic assistance to help keep your kitchen neat and tidy. Our services are available through government-funded programs such as Support at Home and the NDIS.

If you don’t receive government funding, you can still access our services privately. Many people choose to book a regular weekly or fortnightly clean, while others engage us during busy periods, after illness, or when preparing for guests. Whether you receive government-funded support or simply want reliable help around the home, our team provides practical assistance to keep your household running smoothly.

Click here to contact your local Simply Helping team and learn more about how we can support you around the home.