How to Clean an Oven and Rangehood: Glass, Racks and Burnt-on Grease

The oven and rangehood are the most common reason people lose points at a rental inspection, and the jobs most people put off. The secret is time, not elbow grease. Let the products do the work.

What you need

• Bicarb soda, white vinegar and warm water
• Dish soap or a degreaser
• Rubber gloves and old towels
• A non-scratch scourer and a plastic scraper
• A large tub or the bath for soaking racks

Cleaning the oven interior

1. Turn off the oven and let it cool completely. Remove the racks and trays.
2. Mix about half a cup of bicarb soda with a few tablespoons of water to make a spreadable paste.
3. Spread the paste over the inside surfaces, avoiding the heating elements and any gas outlets.
4. Leave it for at least 12 hours, or overnight.
5. Wipe out the paste with a damp cloth, using a plastic scraper on stubborn spots.
6. Spray a little white vinegar over any remaining residue, which will foam, then wipe clean.
7. Rinse the cloth often and dry the interior with a clean towel.

Racks, trays and the glass door

• Soak racks and trays in a hot water and dish soap bath for an hour or two, then scrub.
• For the glass door, use the same bicarb paste and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes, then wipe off.
• Some ovens have a removable door glass. Check your manual before taking it apart.

Rangehood and filters

1. Switch off the power at the wall.
2. Remove the filters and soak them in very hot water with degreaser for 15 to 30 minutes.
3. Scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse well, then let them dry fully.
4. Wipe the hood inside and out with a degreaser, then dry with a clean cloth.
5. Refit the filters when they are completely dry.

How often should you do it?

Wipe spills after every few uses, give the oven a full clean every three to four months, and wash rangehood filters monthly if you cook with a lot of oil. If you would rather skip the job, ask for an oven clean as part of our deep cleaning or end of lease cleaning.