If you use a shop-bought oven cleaner, ventilate properly, wear gloves, keep children and pets out of the kitchen, and never use it on a pyrolytic or self-cleaning liner, which can be damaged by harsh products. Pyrolytic ovens run a very hot self-clean cycle that turns residue to ash: empty the cavity completely first, open a window, and be aware the appliance and kitchen will get noticeably hot.
How often should I actually clean the oven?
A full clean two or three times a year is enough for most households, with a quick wipe of spills while the oven is still warm — not hot — whenever something overflows. That five-minute habit is what keeps the big clean from becoming an afternoon-long excavation, because fresh grease comes away with a cloth while year-old grease needs chemistry.
What's the safest way to clean the oven glass?
Bicarbonate paste left to sit, then a plastic scraper used flat against wet glass, handles nearly everything without scratching. Avoid wire wool, metal blades and abrasive powders on the inner pane, and never spray a cold-water cleaner into a hot oven, as the sudden temperature change risks cracking the glass. Let the appliance cool completely before you start, every time.
