Which Oven Cleaner Is the Best?

Photo: Mytour / Brian Kopinski

Top Pick

Easy-Off Fume-Free Oven CleanerPHOTO: Amazon

The Easy-Off Fume-Free Oven Cleaner Spray ticks all the boxes for an excellent oven cleaner: it’s effective, flexible, and user-friendly. This option performs well on standard ovens, self-cleaning models, oven doors, broilers, broiler pans, and various stainless steel surfaces. While labeled as "fume-free," it has a light lemon fragrance.

Created for daily use, this cleaner may not tackle exceptionally tough crusts. However, it shines when it comes to handling regular grease and grime, and following the manufacturer's advice for daily use means you won't have to deal with heavy build-ups. For spot cleaning, spray the cleaner in a cold oven from 9 to 12 inches away, let it sit for 30 seconds, and simply wipe it off. For deep cleaning, the process is the same, except you’ll need to let it stand for two hours. It’s that easy—and gloves are optional.

Type: Aerosol | Stand Time: 30 seconds or 2 hours | Volume: 24 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Lemon scent

Top Spray

Zep Oven and Grill CleanerPHOTO: Walmart

Oven cleaners come in various types, but if you’re in search of the top oven cleaner spray, we recommend Zep Oven & Grill Cleaner. This powerful aerosol spray tackles stubborn messes, grease, and carbon buildup, making it perfect for cleaning your oven, burner grates, and barbecue grill. It's also safe for use on stainless steel, porcelain, and ceramic, making it ideal for cleaning the bottoms of pots and pans.

Keep in mind that the cap on this oven cleaner spray can sometimes fail to stay on, so it's a good idea to double-check it before storing with your other cleaning supplies. If you stay on top of this, it’s not a major issue, and your oven and grill will remain spotless.

Type: Aerosol | Stand Time: 5 to 10 minutes | Volume: 19 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Not listed

Top Paste

Stardrops The Pink StuffPHOTO: Amazon

If you’re curious about viral cleaning products from TikTok or simply looking for a versatile and efficient paste, try The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaning Paste. This mildly abrasive paste is suitable for almost any surface, making it a great choice for cleaning your oven.

We enjoy the subtly sweet rhubarb scent, offering a refreshing alternative to the usual citrus aromas found in many cleaning products. This oven cleaner also excels at tackling stubborn stains and grime while leaving a shiny finish. To use, apply about a tablespoon of paste to a damp cloth, sponge, or brush, then gently scrub the targeted area. Wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth (using warm or hot water for best results), and repeat as needed. Gloves are recommended to avoid getting the paste on your hands or under your nails.

Type: Paste | Stand Time: None | Volume: 17.63 ounces | Fragrance: Rhubarb

Top Choice for Stubborn Grease

Goo Gone Oven and Grill CleanerPHOTO: Amazon

Over time, baked-on messes will build up inside your oven, so if you need a powerful solution to tackle them, we recommend Goo Gone Oven & Grill Cleaner. This foaming cleaner adheres to oven and grill surfaces, breaking down grease, carbon, burnt stains, spills, and grime. It’s also safe for use on both self-cleaning and non-self-cleaning ovens, grills, oven racks, pots and pans, oven doors, and even rotisserie toasters.

For light or daily cleaning, spray the targeted areas from 8 to 10 inches away, close the oven door, and let the spray sit for a few minutes to allow it to work. Then wipe the area clean with a damp cloth or sponge. For deeper cleaning, repeat the same process, but let the spray sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Be sure your oven is off and cool before applying the product. It's also a good idea to test the spray on a smaller section to ensure the nozzle is spraying properly to avoid any mess.

Type:

Spray | Stand Time: 3 minutes to 1 hour | Volume: 28 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Citrus

Best for Cooktops

Rejuvenate Cooktop & Oven CleanerPHOTO: Amazon

For a powerful cleaner that’s safe for glass and ceramic surfaces, we recommend Rejuvenate Cooktop & Oven Cleaner & Restorer. This liquid cleaner comes with a cleaning pad to effectively clean glass oven doors and ceramic cooktops, leaving behind a brilliant shine. The formula also forms a nonstick layer on ceramic, reducing the need for frequent cleanings and keeping your cooktop cleaner for longer.

While this product is fantastic for glass oven doors and ceramic cooktops, it’s also safe and effective for cleaning your oven’s interior. To use on ceramic and glass, apply a quarter-sized amount directly onto the pad and gently rub it over the surface. Let it sit for 30 seconds (or up to two minutes for tough stains), then wipe the area clean with a microfiber cloth.

Type: Liquid | Stand Time: 30 seconds to 2 minutes | Volume: 10 fluid ounces | Fragrance: None listed

Top Choice for Racks

Carbona Oven Rack and Grill CleanerPHOTO: Amazon

Cleaning oven racks and grill grates can be a tedious and time-consuming task, which is why we recommend the Carbona Oven Rack & Grill Cleaner. This convenient kit includes cleaning fluid (safe for use on stainless steel and enamel), disposable gloves, and a bag for the racks. Although designed for single use, this is the most effective way to restore your oven racks and grates to like-new condition.

To use, place a rack or grate inside the bag (wearing the disposable gloves) and slowly pour the cleaning fluid over it. Seal the bag, gently shake it to ensure the rack is covered in the solution, and watch as the grease and grime dissolve at the bottom—no scrubbing required. Let the solution sit for eight hours or overnight, then remove the rack, rinse with warm water, and you're done. Note: the label advises using the product in a well-ventilated area.

Type: Liquid | Standing Time: 8 hours | Size: 16.8 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented

Best Natural

AspenClean Oven and Stove Top Cleaner KitPHOTO: AspenClean

Natural cleaning products are often dismissed for their perceived ineffectiveness compared to their more aggressive chemical alternatives. However, the AspenClean Oven and Stovetop Cleaner Kit not only meets but exceeds expectations. This set contains a natural kitchen cleaner, a microfiber cloth, and a scouring powder infused with organic tea tree and lavender essential oils. When mixed with a small amount of water, the powder becomes a paste that is highly effective at removing stubborn baked-on grease. Meanwhile, the kitchen cleaner and cloth tackle oil, grease, and other stains on your stovetop and kitchen counters.

While it may come with a premium price, the quality of this kit makes it worth every penny. Alternatively, you can purchase the Super Scrub Powder individually to clean your oven’s interior, which boasts an A rating from the EWG, a testament to its natural and eco-friendly ingredients.

Type: Spray, powder, cloth | Standing Time: Not provided | Size: 22 fluid ounces (cleaner), 12 ounces (powder), 16 x 16 inches (cloth) | Scent: Bergamot and grapefruit (cleaner), tea tree and lavender essential oil (powder)

Best for Multipurpose Use

Method Heavy Duty DegreaserPHOTO: Amazon

Even after you’ve tackled the interior of your oven, don’t forget the greasy areas around it that also need attention. For an effective cleaner that works on your oven, stovetop, range hood, microwave, and more, the Method Heavy Duty Degreaser is an excellent choice. We appreciate its light lemongrass scent that doesn’t linger and the power of its plant-based ingredients to cut through grease, oil, and tough, burnt-on grime.

While heavy-duty messes may require a few more applications, this cleaner remains a highly versatile option for cleaning not only the inside of your oven but also the surrounding kitchen surfaces.

Type: Spray | Standing Time: Not provided | Size: 28 ounces | Scent: Lemongrass

Best for Spot Cleaning

EarthStone International Kitchenstone Environmentally Friendly Cleaning BlockPHOTO: Amazon

For those looking to avoid traditional oven cleaners and abrasive metal scrubbers, the Earthstone Kitchen Cleaning Block offers a perfect alternative to achieve a spotless and smooth oven and cooktop. This compact yet powerful scrubber is crafted from 98% recycled glass, molded into a block that is safe for use on porcelain, ceramic, tempered glass, glass ceramic, oven interiors, and grates.

You can use this scrubbing block either dry or after soaking it in water. Simply apply gentle pressure to tackle baked-on grease and other stubborn messes, then wipe away any remaining residue with a clean, damp cloth. Before using the block, it’s advised to test it on a hidden spot to ensure no damage occurs. While it will begin to crumble after multiple uses, this minor drawback is outweighed by its impressive cleaning effectiveness.

Type: Recycled glass block | Standing Time: None | Size: 6 by 4 by 2 inches | Scent: None

Best Sponge

Scrub Daddy Sponge SetPHOTO: Amazon

If you're ready to get your hands dirty, you'll need a sponge that can handle the task. Although Scrub Daddy is often linked with dishwashing, this versatile sponge can be used on almost any surface, including glass, stainless steel, cast iron, nonstick coatings, copper, chrome, and leather. Additionally, it's odor-resistant, stain-resistant, and machine washable, making it even more convenient.

This set contains three differently colored sponges, each designed to help you remember which one is suited for each surface. With the brand’s iconic smiley cutouts, the sponges are both charming and practical, offering a secure grip while cleaning. The foam’s flexibility means it's soft in warm water and firm in cold water, tough enough to tackle grime but gentle enough to avoid scratching. Do note, however, that you may need to scrub a bit harder with these.

Type: Sponge | Standing Time: None | Size: 6 x 1.62 x 1 inches | Scent: None

Final Verdict

We highly recommend the Easy-Off Fume Free Oven Cleaner for its user-friendly formula, affordable price, minimal standing time, and excellent performance in tackling stubborn stains, grease, and grime. If you're in search of a more versatile, all-purpose cleaner, the Method Heavy-Duty Degreaser excels at cleaning not just ovens but also stovetops, range hoods, microwaves, burner grates, and almost any other kitchen surface you can think of.

How to Shop for Oven Cleaners Like a Pro

Type

Oven cleaners come in various forms, such as sprays, pastes, liquids, scrubs, aerosols, and cleaning tools like scrubbing sponges or blocks. When choosing the right type for your needs, consider the condition of your oven. You should also take into account the type of oven you have (e.g., conventional, self-cleaning) and how much manual effort you're willing to put in. The formula used in the cleaner will also influence how easy it is to clean up afterward.

Standing Time

Many oven cleaners require a certain standing time, which refers to how long you need to leave the formula on before wiping it away. Depending on the product, this time can vary from just a few minutes to several hours or even overnight. Some cleaners, like the Easy-Off Kitchen Degreaser, can be wiped off almost immediately, while others, like the Carbona Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner, should be left on for eight hours or overnight.

Size

Liquid, spray, and aerosol oven cleaners typically range in size from 10 to 36 ounces, while pastes and scrubs usually come in around 16 ounces. Oven-cleaning tools, on the other hand, are often about the size of a standard sponge or even smaller. If you don’t clean your oven often, smaller products or tools might be ideal. However, for frequent or heavy-duty cleaning, a larger size might be more practical.

Scent

Like most cleaning products, oven cleaners can have strong odors, either from the chemicals used or added fragrances. If you prefer a cleaner with no scent, look for options labeled as 'fume free' or 'unscented.' You could also choose products made with natural ingredients like citric acid or essential oils, as their fragrance tends to be less persistent.

Questions You Might Ask

How often should you clean an oven?

The frequency with which you clean your oven’s interior depends on how often you use it. A general guideline is to clean it every six to twelve months. If you're a frequent baker, you may want to clean it more often, but if you don’t use your oven much, once a year should be sufficient.

Can you use an oven cleaner on a self-cleaning oven?

Self-cleaning ovens are designed to reach extremely high temperatures—around 800°F—to burn off grease and food residues, meaning they only need a quick wipe with a clean, damp cloth afterward. Be sure to check the product label before purchasing an oven cleaner, as not all formulas are safe for use with self-cleaning ovens.

Which cleaning agent best removes baked-on grease?

According to Conn, there are several cleaning agents that can effectively remove baked-on grease from your oven. Regardless of the product you choose, he advises following the manufacturer’s guidelines and testing it on a small, discreet area first to ensure it’s suitable for your oven.

"For tough, baked-on grease, you need a product that's powerful but gentle on surfaces. I suggest using Zep Heavy Duty Oven and Grill Cleaner," says Conn. "If you prefer a more natural approach, try mixing baking soda and water into a paste and letting it sit. For cleaning glass oven doors, most commercial oven cleaners will work, but white vinegar and a microfiber cloth are also great alternatives."

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for Mytour, who has nearly three years of experience writing about lifestyle topics and product reviews, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Mytour. To create this list, she conducted hours of research on oven cleaners, considering factors such as type, scent, and standing time. She also gathered insights from Tim Conn, CEO and co-founder of Image One USA.