Too Easy! How To Clean Your Oven Without The Elbow Grease

Why (And When) You Should Clean Your Oven

Between daily dinner prep, weekend cook-ups and holiday baking, your oven sees a lot of action.

“Grease and food residue build up with every use, so it’s important not to neglect your oven for too long. Depending on how often it's used (and how dirty it gets!), aim to clean regularly every 3–6 months, with spot cleans in between – or whenever the interior looks dirty and smells smoky,” Tania says.

Regular cleaning is a key ingredient in the recipe for a perfectly performing and long-lasting oven. A grime-free oven heats up quicker and retains heat better, so you can continue to nail all those family classics (hello, gooey choc-chip cookies!).

Self-Cleaning Ovens

Looking for the most convenient way to clean? A pyrolytic oven is the way to go. In addition to the usual grilling, roasting and baking skills, these savvy models also boast a self-cleaning function.

A pyrolytic oven can heat up to 500°C to reduce all that built-up gunk (even hard-to-shift grease) to ash. Once the oven has cooled, simply wipe out the inside with a cloth and the cleaning is done!

“The pyrolytic function used to be limited mainly to premium appliances and pro chef appliances, but these days you’ll find a self-cleaning oven to suit any budget,” says Tania Grillinzoni.

So if you’re keen to dodge this dreaded chore once and for all, an oven upgrade may be well worth considering. (Need more convincing? Some of the latest pyrolytic ovens even come with extra perks like a built-in air fryer or steam mode!)

Shop Pyrolytic Ovens

Westinghouse 90cm Pyrolytic Oven

Bosch 60cm Pyrolytic Oven Series 4

Electrolux 60cm Pyrolytic Oven Dark Stainless Steel

Fisher & Paykel 60cm Pyrolytic Oven

How To Clean Your Oven

Cleaning your major appliances doesn’t have to be a mission… follow these five steps for a speedy and spotless oven clean.

Step 1: Prep The Oven

Make sure your oven has cooled down from any recent use. To clean the oven racks, remove them and place in a bathtub or laundry sink to soak in warm, soapy water.

Next, apply an oven cleaner to the interior, or use a homemade paste. Whip up an easy cleaner using equal parts bicarb soda and water, until it becomes a paste that you can spread around the oven’s interior.

Step 2: Let The Cleaner Clean

Follow the instructions of your oven cleaner product, or leave your homemade paste overnight to soak up grease and grime.

Step 3: Wipe And Scrub

Wipe out the oven with a damp cloth or sponge. For stubborn spots or hard-to-reach areas, use a non-metal spatula or similar item.

Don’t forget the oven door! Scrub that glass with warm, soapy water so you can easily peer through and watch your cakes rise. 

Step 4: The Final Wipe Down

A spray of white vinegar is the secret weapon to getting your oven sparkly. Use a cloth to do a final lap of wiping, while giving the interior a light spritz of a white vinegar-water mix.

Use a non-scratch cloth and warm water to gently wipe the exterior, including the door, knobs and handle.

Step 5: Prepare For Use

If you’ve used an oven cleaning product, it’s best to run your oven at max temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before putting it back on food duty. This burns off any leftover chemicals from the cleaner.

If you used a bicarb soda and water mix to clean, then you’re good to start using the oven right away.

Want an oven that’s more shine than grime? Whether you’re upgrading to a pyrolytic oven or stocking up on essential oven cleaners, The Good Guys has you sorted. Visit us in-store and online for an oven that’s beautiful, both inside and out!