How to Clean Your Oven Naturally (step-by-step)

Step 1, Prep with steam (lemon method)

Steam loosens grease and carbon, making the scrubbing stage faster. This works best as preparation, not as the whole clean.

How to do it

1. Put a large oven-safe bowl on the middle shelf.
2. Fill it around three quarters with hot water.
3. Add the juice of 2 to 3 lemons, drop the halves in too.
4. Heat the oven to a moderate temperature until the water steams (do not let it boil dry).
5. Turn the oven off, keep the door shut, leave it for 30 to 60 minutes.
6. Carefully remove the bowl, then wipe away loosened grime with a damp cloth.

Tip: If grease is thick, repeat once and move to Step 2 straight away.

Step 2, The clean that actually shifts grease

You will often see “bicarbonate + vinegar” recommended. It bubbles, but that reaction can reduce cleaning power because the bicarbonate neutralises the vinegar.

For a more effective natural approach, use a bicarbonate paste and let time do the work.

Option A, bicarbonate paste (best for most ovens)

1. Mix bicarbonate of soda with a little water to make a spreadable paste.
2. Remove shelves, coat the oven interior (avoid heating elements and fans).
3. Leave for 20 to 30 minutes (longer for stubborn areas).
4. Wipe off with a damp cloth, use a soft scraper for baked-on bits if needed.
5. Finish with a clean damp cloth to remove residue.

Option B, boosted paste (for heavier grease)

1. Mix: half a cup bicarbonate of soda, quarter cup hydrogen peroxide, one teaspoon washing-up liquid.
2. Apply as above, leave 20 to 30 minutes, then wipe clean.
3. Rinse with a damp cloth until residue is gone.

Safety note: Always ventilate, wear gloves, and keep products away from children and pets.

Step 3, Keep it clean (so you do not need to deep clean often)

A quick wipe after cooking prevents build-up.

Simple natural spray

1. Mix 1 cup distilled water with 1 cup white vinegar.
2. Add the juice of half a lemon.
3. Optional: 10 to 15 drops essential oil (lemon or orange).
4. Shake in a spray bottle, spray lightly, wipe with a clean cloth.

Important: Do not spray onto hot surfaces.

What not to do

• Do not mix cleaning products together.
• Do not use abrasive pads on enamel or glass, they can scratch.
• Do not soak or flood fan ovens, moisture can cause issues.
• Do not rely on quick hacks for heavy carbon, it usually wastes time.

When to book a professional oven clean

DIY methods are fine for light to moderate build-up. If you are dealing with any of the below, a professional clean is normally faster and gives a better result:

• Thick carbon build-up that smokes when the oven heats.
• Time-sensitive situations (end of tenancy, inspections, guests).
• You have tried DIY twice and it still looks the same.
• Sensitive household (asthma, strong odours, chemical sensitivity).

Why pay for professional oven cleaning?

DIY products can help with light grease, but most people book a professional clean for three reasons:

1) Time and hassle

A proper DIY clean often means repeated applications, waiting, scraping, rinsing, and airing the kitchen. We do it in one visit, without you losing a weekend.

2) Level of clean (not just what you can see)

Store-bought cleaners usually improve the visible areas. A professional clean targets the baked-on carbon and hard-to-reach sections, then finishes properly, shelves, door glass, and problem areas.

3) Safer, and you get a second pair of eyes

We spot issues you might miss, worn door seals, failing elements, poor temperature stability, damaged fan covers, and we flag it early so it does not turn into a breakdown.

Bottom line: you are paying for speed, a deeper result, and fewer surprises.