5 Easy Ways to Degrease Your Oven Fast, According to Experts

Spills in your oven happen all too often. Apple pies and casseroles bubble over, and roasts, sauces, and oils splatter—and what's often left behind is a greasy film of fats and oils. "The high heat bakes the grease onto the surfaces in the oven, leaving a sticky, baked-on residue," explains professional cook and recipe developer Emmy Clinton. Over time, this greasy buildup can affect the performance of your oven and lead to smoke, odors, and the flavors of prior meals seeping into tonight’s dinner.

Luckily, there are a number of easy, effective, and safe ways to degrease an oven, from more natural methods to commercial cleaners. Below, see five ways to keep your oven grease-free.

Steamed Lemon Method

Suitable for light grease buildup

For fresh spills, ovens with light grease buildup, or to control odors, steamed lemon water is an effective and natural option. "This method works because the acid in the lemon juice loosens the grease, and its natural oils help with odors," explains Clinton. However, it is not recommended for ovens with excessive grease buildup. (For stubborn buildup, see one of the more aggressive methods below.)

1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Fill an oven-safe dish halfway with water.
3. Cut two whole lemons into chunks and place them in the water. Alternatively, you can also squeeze the lemon juice into the bowl of water.
4. Leave the bowl in the pre-heated oven for 30-45 minutes. Do not open the oven door during this time. This allows the steam to circulate.
5. Turn off the oven and let it cool completely.
6. Wipe away the now-cooled grease inside your oven with a damp cloth or a sponge. Avoid excess moisture near electrical components and burners.

According to professional oven cleaner Ryan Schellhous, this method is more suitable when grease has begun to harden but is not fully carbonized. “Oven temperatures should stay moderate, and the oven should never be overheated while empty,” he adds.

Dish Soap Method

Suitable for light to moderate grease buildup

For ovens that are cleaned regularly, a lighter touch will do the trick. Enter simple, grease-cutting dish soap. "The dish soap removes grease spots, is great for cleaning glass doors and racks, and can tackle light to moderately greasy ovens that don’t have baked-on residue," says Clinton.

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of grease-cutting dish soap in a bowl of warm water.
2. Wipe down the greasy surfaces with a rag or sponge dampened with the dish soap solution.
3. Rinse the dish soap away with a cloth dampened with clean, warm water.
4. Dry the surface with a clean rag or cloth.
   

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

Suitable for moderate to high grease buildup

Baking soda and vinegar is the most versatile method when it comes to degreasing ovens, according to Clinton. “It’s an effective method to maintain a clean oven and can remove moderate to high grease buildup,” she says. The baking soda serves to break down fatty acids, while the vinegar dissolves mineral residue and grime. Just note that this method is not recommended for ovens with aluminum interiors. 

1. Turn off your oven and let it cool completely. Remove each rack and set aside.
2. Mix baking soda with warm water to form a thick paste. Spread the paste on every greasy surface in the oven, making sure to avoid the vents and heating elements.
3. Let the paste sit in your oven overnight, or 8-12 hours. Afterwards, wipe the loosened grease away with a clean rag or sponge.
4. Spray the entire oven with vinegar to remove any remaining residue and smells.
5. Use a rag dampened with clean water to perform a final rinse.
   

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Commercial Oven Cleaner Method

Suitable for large amounts of grease buildup

If you need to clean a highly greasy oven, commercial oven cleaners will come in handy. “They work best on a neglected oven with burnt-on grease that needs a professional cleaning,” says Clinton. The chemical cleaner will dissolve charred grease quickly, making cleaning stubborn spots easier.

Jared Sarbit, CEO at Picture Perfect Cleaning, recommends products like Easy Off Fume Free Oven Cleaner or Bar Keepers Friend Oven Cleaner but encourages the use of natural methods when possible. “Use natural methods for routine upkeep and mild buildup and only use store-bought cleaners if absolutely necessary,” he says. 

1. Ventilate your kitchen and promote air flow before beginning.
2. Ensure oven is off and cool, then remove the racks and place them on their sides.
3. Consult the label on your chosen commercial cleaner and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Let the cleaner sit for about 30-40 minutes, or per the label instructions.
5. Wipe away the greasy oven residue with a dampened cloth. 
6. Be sure to rinse it with clean water multiple times, even after wiping away the cleaner, says Clinton. Dry the oven entirely before reheating or using.

The Professional Method

Suitable for high grease buildup and speciality ovens

Don't forget: Hiring cleaning and appliance professionals is always an option. According to Schellhous, a hired professional should come equipped with "commercial-grade steamers and a variety of different chemistry options for different baked-on materials."

Schellhous notes that professional oven cleaning is often the best option for severe grease and carbon buildup, neglected ovens, and high-end appliances. “If you are worried about the health of your oven and want to restore it to perfect condition, this is probably the method for you,” he says.