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The average rating for Bark Cleaners is 4.81, based on 5,021,707 reviews
5/5
based on 5,021,707 reviews
A clean oven is essential for both the quality of your food and the efficiency of your appliance. If you're staring at a grimy oven wondering where to start, this guide will walk you through the most effective cleaning methods—from natural solutions to professional techniques. Whether you're tackling the job yourself or considering hiring a cleaner to clean your oven, you'll find practical advice to make your oven sparkle again.
Beyond the obvious aesthetic benefits, keeping your oven clean has practical advantages. Built-up grease and food residue can affect the taste of your meals, reduce energy efficiency (requiring the oven to work harder and use more energy to reach the desired temperature), and even pose a fire hazard. According to a Flash survey, cleaning the oven is considered one of most hated household chores in the UK, which explains why many let it build up until it becomes a daunting task.
The good news is that with regular maintenance and the right techniques, you can keep your oven in top condition without spending hours scrubbing. Think of it like this: a quick wipe-down after each use prevents the need for those marathon cleaning sessions!
If you prefer to avoid harsh chemicals, several natural ingredients can effectively clean your oven. These methods are not only gentler on the environment but also safer for your family and pets.
This simple technique is perfect for lighter, day-to-day cleaning:
Remove everything from your oven except one rack
Place an oven-safe bowl with equal parts water and white vinegar on the rack
Heat your oven to around 120°C (250°F) for 20–60 minutes
Turn off the oven, let it cool slightly, and wipe down surfaces with a microfibre cloth
The acidic steam helps loosen grime, making it easier to wipe away without intensive scrubbing.
For more stubborn residue, bicarbonate of soda (also known as baking soda) works wonders:
Mix bicarbonate of soda with water (1:1 ratio) to form a spreadable paste
Apply the paste to dirty surfaces inside your oven (avoiding heating elements)
Leave for at least 30 minutes or overnight for better results
Spray with white vinegar (it will foam up as it reacts)
Wipe clean with a damp cloth
For a pleasant-smelling oven with lighter grime:
Cut two lemons in half and place them in an oven-safe dish filled with water
Heat at 150°C (300°F) for 30–45 minutes
Let the oven cool, then wipe down the interior surfaces
Light residue: bicarbonate of soda paste, leave 20 mins, wipe
Stubborn marks: plastic scraper only — no metal!
Finish with glass cleaner for a streak-free shine
Soak racks in hot water with biological washing powder overnight
Line sink with foil, add hot water and dishwasher tablet for trays
Scrub gently using foil or non-abrasive scourer
"Many people don't realise that aluminium foil can be used as an effective scrubber for oven racks. It's gentlerthan steel wool but still removes burnt-on residue effectively." – Sarah Jenkins, Professional Cleaner
Heats to 500°C to turn residue to ash
Requires 2–4 hours
Auto door lock for safety
Studies show it’s energy-intensive and can produce fumes, so ventilate well
Gentler, uses water and heat to loosen grime
Around 30 mins, energy-efficient
Best for light or regular cleans
Warm oven to 80°C then turn off
Apply cleaner — warmth boosts cleaning power
Always cool slightly before touching
Apply cleaner, close oven, leave overnight
Wipe clean in the morning
According to cleaning industry statistics, 52% of people say overnight methods reduce scrubbing.
Heavy, long-term build-up
Mobility or time constraints
Pre-rental inspections
Want it spotless with minimal effort
Find reliable oven cleaning services if you’d rather outsource it.
Full disassembly
Cleaning of all parts: door, trays, fan
Eco-friendly solutions
Reassembly and safety checks
Many say it extends appliance life and boosts cooking quality. As Which? reports, the average price is £45–£90. At Bark.com, this is often far cheaper.
Foil ball scrub: Great for racks
Coffee steam: Loosens grime and smells good
Dishwasher tablet: Use damp on stubborn spots
Oven liners: Catch mess before it bakes on
"Having cleaned thousands of ovens, I’ve found that regular 10-minute maintenance cleans after cooking something messy can save hours of intensive cleaning later on." – Mark Reynolds, Professional Oven Cleaner
Wipe up messes once cool
Use baking trays to catch drips
Roast meat in bags to limit splatter
Quick weekly wipe-downs make deep cleans easier
Check out our spring cleaning tips for more ways to stay on top of it.
Time: 1–2 hrs vs. all-day effort
Depth: They clean areas you won’t reach
Finish: Often better than DIY
Health: No harsh fumes or chemicals
According to a Good Housekeeping survey, 68% would rehire their professional oven cleaner again.
Whether you're cleaning it yourself or using a pro via Bark.com, a clean oven improves your cooking and your appliance’s lifespan. Regular maintenance avoids big scrubbing jobs down the line.
For more guidance on choosing between DIY or hiring help, check out professional house cleaning vs doing it yourself.
The average rating for Bark Cleaners is 4.81, based on 5,021,707 reviews
5/5
based on 5,021,707 reviews
Struggling to keep on top of the household chores but unsure how much a house cleaner will set you back? Read on to find out how much you’ll pay for a residential cleaning service based on the type of cleaning, number of rooms, and more!
