Deep cleaning an oven is one of the toughest but most rewarding tasks in the entire home. Over time, ovens accumulate layers of burnt-on food, congealed grease, stubborn carbon deposits, smoke residue, and grime that cannot be removed with quick wipe-downs. Whether you live in a modern apartment in Canary Wharf, a family home in Croydon, a Victorian terrace in Islington, or a rental property in Stratford, neglected ovens are a common issue. Poor oven cleaning can lead to unpleasant smells, smoky cooking, uneven heating, and even failed end-of-tenancy inspections.
This detailed Better Maid guide explains the best way to clean an oven safely and thoroughly, using methods trusted by households across Greater London. You’ll learn which products actually work, how to clean each oven component, what to avoid, how different oven types should be treated, and when professional London oven cleaning services are the better option.
Why Oven Deep Cleaning Should Never Be Ignored
Many London households underestimate how quickly grime builds up. Frequent roasting, grilling, oil splashes, melted cheese, sauces, and crumbs all contribute to thick carbonised layers. In busy homes, ovens are heavily used but rarely deep-cleaned. As residue increases, ovens heat unevenly, emit burnt smells, produce smoke, and affect food quality. In rental properties, poor oven cleaning is one of the most common reasons tenants lose part of their deposit.
Deep oven cleaning improves efficiency, removes odours, prevents smoke, maintains hygiene, and extends appliance lifespan.
What You Need Before You Begin
Before starting, gather rubber gloves, microfibre cloths, a soft sponge, a non-scratch scraper, a detail brush, hot water, and your chosen cleaning product. Baking soda and vinegar are popular natural options, while commercial products are effective for heavier grime. Steam cleaners are helpful but optional.
Step 1: Remove All Racks, Trays, and Side Rails
Begin by removing everything inside the oven – shelves, grill trays, and the side rails. Many side supports unclip easily, allowing access to every interior surface. Place all removable items aside for separate cleaning.
Step 2: Soak the Oven Racks
Racks collect some of the thickest carbon. Soaking them in very hot water mixed with a strong degreaser, washing-up liquid, or baking soda and vinegar works extremely well. The longer they soak, the easier the residue is to remove. If you live in a London rental with a delicate bathtub, place a towel on the bottom to prevent scratches. After soaking, scrub the racks until clean and shiny.
Step 3: Apply Your Chosen Cleaner to the Oven Interior
Coat the oven interior with your cleaning product. Baking soda paste is ideal for delicate surfaces in rental homes. Spread it across the bottom, sides, and back of the oven. Do not apply products directly to heating elements. For faster results, commercial oven cleaners can be used following the instructions. Leave the cleaner to work for at least two hours, or overnight for heavy grime.
Step 4: Clean Carefully Around the Heating Elements
Heating elements are sensitive and should not be soaked or heavily scrubbed. For electric ovens, wipe gently with a damp cloth only. For gas ovens, avoid wetting the ignition components. Clean these areas carefully to avoid damaging the oven.
Step 5: Remove Loosened Grease and Carbon
After soaking, the grease and burnt-on grime will have softened. Use a non-scratch scraper or sponge to lift away the residue, repeating the process until surfaces look restored. Many older or rental ovens in Greater London require several passes due to years of accumulated carbon.
Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the oven interior with warm water using microfibre cloths until all cleaning product residue is gone. Incomplete rinsing can cause smoke, unpleasant smells, and chemical odours during cooking, so this step is essential.
Step 7: Deep Clean the Oven Door
Oven glass often becomes cloudy or brown over time. Apply baking soda paste to the interior glass, leave it for at least 30 minutes, then scrub gently. For severe staining, a glass scraper can be used carefully on tempered glass. Outside glass can be cleaned with multi-surface cleaner and polished with a microfibre cloth.
Step 8: Clean the Oven Door Seal
The rubber seal around the oven door must be treated gently. Avoid strong cleaners or heavy scrubbing. Wipe lightly with a damp cloth to protect its heat-retaining function.
Step 9: Clean the Racks, Rails, and Accessories
Once the racks and rails have soaked, scrub them clean, rinse thoroughly, and dry them before reinstalling. Grill trays, drawers, and warming compartments should also be cleaned and dried fully.
Step 10: Heat the Oven Briefly to Finish
Turn the oven to a low temperature- around 100°C- for ten minutes. This evaporates any leftover moisture and neutralises lingering cleaning smells.
Cleaning Different Oven Types in London Homes
London properties feature a wide range of ovens. Pyrolytic ovens burn residue to ash but require rack removal. Catalytic liners absorb grease and should not be treated with harsh chemicals. Fan-assisted ovens need gentle cleaning around the fan cover, while gas ovens require minimal moisture to protect ignition systems.
Effective Natural Degreasers
Baking soda paste, white vinegar solutions, lemon juice mixtures, and cornstarch are popular eco-friendly oven cleaning products across London homes and rentals. These are safe for most surfaces and help avoid the harshness of aggressive commercial cleaners.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Metal scourers, razor blades on enamel, soaking electrical components, using caustic cleaners incorrectly, and removing oven doors without knowing how to reinstall them are some of the most common mistakes. These can damage the appliance or cause issues during tenancy inspections.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
In heavily soiled ovens—common in family homes, long-term rentals, and Airbnb properties—professional London oven cleaning is recommended. If your oven produces smoke, has visible carbon layers, or you’re preparing for a tenancy inspection, expert cleaning saves time and protects your appliance.
Better Maid provides professional oven cleaning across Greater London, including carbon removal, steam-assisted cleaning, fan detailing, glass restoration, and odour elimination.
We serve East, West, North, South, and Central London, covering areas such as Southwark, Camden, Lambeth, Hackney, Kensington, Chelsea, Tower Hamlets, Westminster, Stratford, Clapham, Pimlico, Bethnal Green, Fitzrovia, and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I deep clean my oven?
Every three to four months for regular home use, monthly for heavy cooking, and after every one to two guests for Airbnb kitchens.
How long does professional oven cleaning take?
Most appointments take between 60 and 90 minutes.
Do I need to supply anything?
No. BetterMaid provides all tools, cleaning products, and equipment.
Can you remove years of carbon buildup?
Yes. We specialise in deep restoration, even for heavily used ovens.
A spotless oven transforms your kitchen, improves hygiene, and prevents smoke and odours. Whether you’re preparing for a tenancy checkout, maintaining an Airbnb, or simply want a cleaner home, BetterMaid provides professional oven deep cleaning across all areas of Greater London.
📞 Call us: +44 204 603 4190
🌐 Book online: https://bettermaid.uk/contact
🏙 Service areas: Greater London zones 1-4.