How to Clean an Oven and Extractor Hood

Ovens and extractor hoods are the greasiest parts of any kitchen, and the jobs most people put off. Here's how to clean them safely, step by step.

Before you start

• Turn the oven off and let it cool completely. Switch the hood off at the wall if you can.
• Read the label on any cleaning product and follow it. Wear rubber gloves.
• Open a window. Oven cleaners can have strong fumes.
• Never mix cleaning products, especially bleach with ammonia or acids. It can release dangerous gas.
• Check your oven's manual. Self-cleaning (pyrolytic) ovens and special coatings may need different care.

What you'll need

• Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar (for a gentler clean), or an oven cleaner
• Rubber gloves
• A plastic scraper
• Non-scratch scourers and microfibre cloths
• Washing-up liquid and hot water
• A bin bag or old towel to protect the floor

How to clean the oven

1. Take out the racks and trays and put them to one side.
2. Remove loose crumbs with a dry cloth or a vacuum.
3. Apply your cleaner. For a gentler method, mix bicarbonate of soda with a little water into a paste and spread it over the inside of the oven, avoiding the heating elements. Leave it for several hours, or overnight.
4. Scrape and wipe. Use the plastic scraper and a damp cloth to lift off the paste and grime. Spray a little white vinegar on any leftover bicarbonate; it will fizz and loosen it.
5. Rinse well with clean water until no residue is left.
6. Clean the glass door with the paste or a glass-safe cleaner, then wipe dry.

How to clean the racks

Soak the racks in hot water with washing-up liquid (a bath works well for large racks; put an old towel down first to protect it). After a few hours, scrub with a non-scratch scourer, rinse and dry.

How to clean the extractor hood

1. Take out the grease filters. Most metal filters slide or clip out.
2. Soak the filters in very hot water with washing-up liquid and a few spoonfuls of bicarbonate of soda for 15–30 minutes. Scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse. Some metal filters can go in the dishwasher; check the manual.
3. Charcoal filters can't be washed. If your hood recirculates air, replace the charcoal filter as the manufacturer recommends.
4. Wipe the hood inside and out with warm soapy water. For stainless steel, wipe in the direction of the grain and dry with a microfibre cloth to avoid streaks.
5. Put the filters back once they're completely dry.

How often?

• Oven: every 3–6 months, or more often if you cook a lot
• Extractor filters: about once a month if you fry regularly
• Hob and hood surfaces: a quick wipe after cooking

When to call in a professional

If your oven hasn't been cleaned for a long time, if you're moving out of a rented home (see our end of tenancy cleaning checklist), or if you run a café or restaurant kitchen with fryers and grills, a professional deep clean saves hours of scrubbing. With TidyGo, kitchens with greasy equipment are always booked as a deep clean, so your cleaner has the time the job really needs.