Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.
10 best oven cleaners for a spotless finish 2023
If your oven is starting to look like a bit of a health hazard, the best oven cleaner will tackle stubborn stains and leave it looking all shiny and new again.
By Natasha Gregson | Last updated Jun 13, 2023
There are two types of people in this world: people who shudder at the thought of cleaning the oven and those who will channel their inner Mrs Hinch and roll up their sleeves for a good scrub.
Whichever one of these two camps you fall into, you’ll need a quality oven cleaner that is fit for the job. If your oven is covered in grease and burnt-on food and is not often cleaned, then an industrial-strength cleaner may be the best choice for you. But if you just need a quick polish, a lighter touch may suffice.
To find the best oven cleaners to get your oven sparkling again, we’ve trawled the Mumsnet forums to find out which cleaners our users - the largest online network of parents in the UK - recommend. We’ve made sure to consider the various types of different ovens and components that may need cleaning, including single and double ovens, gas ovens and electric, and not forgetting the types of cleaners that will leave your glass oven door gleaming again and keep your wire racks free of burnt-on food. This includes whole oven cleaning kits and eco-friendly options.
As many of our recommendations come from Mumsnet users, we know they stand up to scrutiny. We also researched each product to make sure it came highly recommended by consumers and other expert reviews sites so we know it will leave your oven shining. From ranking the best dishwashers to the best fridge freezers, our network of Mumsnet families know their stuff when it comes to rating essentials for the kitchen (and everywhere else, for that matter!)
Here are the best oven cleaners to buy in 2023.
1. Best overall oven cleaner: Lakeland Oven Mate Oven Cleaning Gel
Price on writing: £10 | Buy now from Amazon
What we love
Easy to use
Kit comes with brush and gloves
No pungent smell
Can be used on oven, grill, racks and barbecues
What to know
Not suitable for all stainless steel surfaces, so do a patch test first
Be careful not to get it on bare skin as it is can leave burn marks
What Mumsnet users say
“The glass in the door comes up sparkly clean if you paint on the Lakeland Oven Mate with the brush provided. For really baked-on dirt a couple of applications may be necessary. It really works.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user pam290358)
“Get yourself some Lakeland Oven Mate cleaner. This one will do the job very well.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user AlCalavicci)
Our verdict
Lakeland’s Oven Mate is the go-to cleaning product for many Mumsnetters who can’t stand cooking in a grubby oven.
Oven Mate’s powerful gel formula makes light work of stubborn grease and burnt-on food, with no scrubbing required. Just paint it on, let it work its magic, then simply wipe it off to reveal an oven that looks like it’s just been newly installed. What could be simpler?
Beware this product can’t be used for cleaning inside agas, or on light and coloured metals, painted surfaces (including painted enamel) or self cleaning ovens. It’s also not suitable for all stainless steel surfaces.
The great thing about this kit is that, unlike some of the other products such as Mr Muscle, it doesn’t have a pungent smell and there’s also a brush and gloves included in the packet to help making applying it safer and easier so there’s no excuse not to tackle the grime straightaway. Combine with the best cleaning products to up your spring cleaning game just in time for spring.
2. Best budget oven cleaner: The Pink Stuff Paste
Price on writing: £1.50 | Buy now from Tesco
What we love
Affordable
Can be used on the whole oven
Made from 99% natural ingredients
Very versatile cleaning product
Non-toxic
What to know
Scrubbing may be required
What Mumsnet users say
“It's called The Pink Stuff and it's simply the most amazing thing known to man. Cheap as chips[...] It's a paste; you whack on a dollop and it takes off all the muck. And doesn't smell chemical-y. Love it.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user RaspberryCoulis)
Our verdict
What self-respecting list of the best oven cleaners would be complete without a tub of The Pink Stuff? This little pot of paste, which you can pick up for just £1.50, is so versatile you can get to work cleaning everything from your cooker tops to your trusty freezer and even garden furniture.
If you find that your oven door is not looking as transparent as it should do, an application of The Pink Stuff will soon shift the muck. A mild abrasive, it works well on racks and the rest of the oven too, but you may need to give it a bit of welly for particularly ground-on dirt.
Even better - The Pink Stuff is made from 99% natural ingredients and is non-toxic, environmentally friendly and isn’t tested on animals, so you can clean with a conscience!
3. Best cleaner for oven racks: Oven Pride Complete Oven Cleaning Kit
Price on writing: £13 (for a pack of two) | Buy now from Amazon
What we love
Easy to use
Comes with bag for cleaning racks
Effectively cleans off grease and burnt on food
What to know
Can be smelly
You’ll need to leave the solution for at least four hours for it to have maximum effect
Some users found the bag had holes in so the liquid leaked out
What Mumsnet users say
“Use Oven Pride, slop it in and wipe off. Couldn’t be easier and no fumes.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user BluebellsGreenbells)
“I use Oven Pride and it makes it so easy.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user WFHWF)
Our verdict
Oven Pride is one of the most popular and effective oven cleaners on the market and it’s not hard to see why. Quick and easy to use, this cleaner produces amazing results over and over again. We especially like that this handy kit includes a bag to clean racks, so it will leave every inch of your oven looking fresh and sparkling. Combine with the best glass cleaner to get your oven doors as shiny and clean as the rest of it will be.
It is not as quick at getting work as say, Oven Mate, which can get work in up to three hours - this needs 4-24 hours. Oven Pride is a strong solution and users claim it can leave a pungent odour during use. Make sure to use the gloves provided and check the bag for holes as some reviews claim the bag leaked liquid, which could cause damage.
4. Best heavy-duty oven cleaner: Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner
Price on writing: £3 | Buy now from Amazon
What we love
Great for shifting stubborn grime
Foam gets to work straight away
You shouldn’t need to scrub
What to know
Can cause severe skin burns and eye damage - wear protective clothing
Very smelly
May need two treatments for very dirty ovens
What Mumsnet users say
“I think a good oven cleaner (I use Mr Muscle) does the trick with the least effort. Just spray the whole oven, leave for as long as tin says and wipe away... Easy and quick result!” (Recommended by Mumsnet user LovingLivingLife)
Our verdict
If your oven is plagued by grease and grime that won’t budge no matter how hard you scrub, then it’s time to bring in the big guns.
Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner works wonders on even the grubbiest of ovens. Just spray the foam and leave it for a bit before wiping it away to reveal shiny surfaces that look as good as new. It’s only for use on the inside of your oven and you need to be careful not to get it on linings and rubber seals, but the foam gets to work straight away, loosening any build-up without the need for scrubbing.
Be warned, if you’re looking for a non-toxic product, this one is not for you. It is super-strength stuff, so make sure you take appropriate safety precautions by wearing long gloves or goggles. Be sure to check out our guide to the best dishwasher tablets for more ways to up your kitchen cleaning game this year.
5. Best oven grill cleaner: Brillo Pads
Price: £1 for 10 | Buy now from Tesco
What we love
Wool pads filled with soap
Effective at removing tough stains
Very versatile
What to know
Scrubbing required
May hurt fingers - take precautions
What Mumsnet users say
“Brillo pads are [also] good for oven door cleaning.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Ninbuscl)
Our verdict
Brillo pads have been around for over a century and they are still doing the business when it comes to cleaning. These versatile soap-filled, steel wool pads can remove the toughest of grease and baked-on dirt from ovens and grills and also leave oven doors sparkling.
Depending on how filthy your oven is, a degree of scrubbing will be required, so be prepared to put the work in to achieve good results. Although it is a good non-toxic alternative, you may want to wear gloves as scrubbing with the pads can hurt your fingers. Brillo pads are really versatile though, so you can use the rest of the pack to clean your dirty pans and dishes too. Invest in one of the best dish racks for a place to store them while they dry.
6. Best oven glass cleaner: Elbow Grease Cleaner - All Purpose Degreaser
Price: £1 | Buy now from Amazon
Pros
Very versatile - can be used on a range of materials
Cuts through grease
Cleans oven door, hobs and other parts
Affordable
Cons
May need more than one application
Users claim it has an unpleasant chemical smell
Can’t be used on wood
What Mumsnet users say
“Elbow grease spray is good though; might take a couple of goes.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user SnotMikeUpPuffedHe)
Our verdict
This all-purpose spray cleaner can be used to remove grease on a whole range of surfaces, including fabrics, metals and plastics so if you have an oven door which needs a good clean, this could be the product for you.
It is not a dedicated oven cleaner as such (although Elbow Grease does have one) but it can be used to remove grease and food from glass and other oven parts, including your extractor fan and hobs. You may need to put a bit of - ahem - elbow grease into it and make sure to wear gloves and avoid breathing in the mist as it’s a powerful solution.
It is not advised to use this product on wood or transparent polycarbonates though. Don't miss our guide to the best kitchen bins while we're on the subject of keeping your home shipshape.
7. Best non-toxic oven cleaner: Astonish Specialist Oven and Grill Cleaner
Price: £6 | Buy now from Amazon
What we love
No harsh chemicals
Vegan-friendly
Affordable
Comes with a sponge for easy application
Safe to use
What to know
Other products may be a better choice for really filthy ovens
What Mumsnet users say
“Anything from Astonish. The popular oven cleaners scare me they are so caustic. The grease lifter is dead easy _ spray on, wipe off. The paste cleaners are very easy to use for a more heavy duty clean.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user CaffeineInfusion)
Our verdict
Prepared to be, well, astonished at the results from this humble pot of paste. This cleaner swaps harsh chemicals for orange oil so you get a nicer scent than other products and it can be used all over the oven, including the door.
It does have some chemicals in it but you don’t need to wear gloves and it’s got the seal of approval from the Vegan Society and Cruelty Free International, and it smells lovely to boot. A great ethical alternative to some of the harsher products on the market. Some users found it wasn’t as effective on heavily soiled glass doors.
Don't miss our guide to the best vacuum sealers to keep your fridge as organised as your oven.
8. Best oven cleaner for baked-on grease: Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser
Price: £8 | Buy now from Amazon
What we love
Particularly good for dirty ovens
Versatile for use on a range of surfaces and stains
Non-abrasive formula
What to know
Scrubbing required
Can irritate or damage eyes and skin
What Mumsnet users say
“On Amazon, you can get something called Barkeepers Friend. It's a powder and a little goes a long way [...] It's really inexpensive and you can use it in all manner of ways, in a mop for the floor, as a paste to clean stainless steel and the bathroom. Wonderful stuff.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Tiktokersmiracle)
“Bar Keepers Friend powder and a bit of water is brilliant for cleaning ovens, sinks etc.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user TrixieMixie)
Our verdict
There’s a reason why Bar Keepers Friend has been around for decades. Their cleanser is a great all-rounder and can be used to clean ovens, kitchen sinks and beyond.
If you’re prepared to put in a bit of elbow grease, your oven will be gleaming in no time at all. Just be aware that it can cause irritation and damage to the eyes and skin, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the task. This non-abrasive formula can be used remove everything from water marks and rust stains on a range of surfaces, including wood and copper. Speaking of protecting your surfaces from stains, don't miss our guide to the best placemats as tried and tested by Mumsnetters.
9. Best spray oven cleaner: Cif Perfect Finish Oven & Grill
Price: £3 | Buy now from Amazon
What we love
Easy application
Good for tackling very dirty ovens
Results within minutes
Can be used on oven, racks and BBQs
What to know
Not suitable for all surfaces
Not always effective on really burnt-on food
Can cause severe skin burns and eye damage
What Mumsnet users say
“I did mine this morning with those steel scourer things. 39p from Home Bargains and Cif. Dead easy.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user myusernamewastakenbyme)
Our verdict
Boasting 100 percent grease removal, Cif’s Perfect Finish promises to transform dirty ovens in less than 30 minutes. Just apply the spray to the inside of your oven, to your grill or to your hob and then rinse. Job done.
It can be used to clean up your oven, grill and BBQ. Although Cif does produce some impressive results, it’s corrosive when used on certain surfaces, so keep it away from aluminium, copper, brass, marble, painted wood or appliance lettering.
Cif warns that it can cause skin burns and eye damage so be careful when using it and make sure to take precautions when cleaning.
10. Best eco-friendly oven cleaner: Dirtbusters Bio Oven Cleaner
Price on writing: £6 | Buy now from Dirtbusters
What we love
Non-toxic oven cleaner
Environmentally friendly
Nice citrus odour
Cruelty-free oven cleaner
Can be used on both interior and exterior of the oven
What to know
May need more than one application for heavily soiled ovens and parts
Pricey
Our verdict
If you want to try and avoid chemicals, Dirtbuster’s oven cleaning spray is a non-caustic formula which is eco-friendly and biodegradable. Unlike the likes of Mr Muscle, there’s no strong odour, in fact it has a pleasant citrus smell.
It can be used on to the interior and exterior of the oven, and is suitable for self-cleaning ovens, agas, hobs, racks, fans and BBQs. Use a stainless steel scourer to remove grease and burnt-on food, although you may need to do more than one application for really stubborn stains. Check out our guide to the best tea towels for more ways to spruce up your kitchen this year.
What is the best product for cleaning an oven?
Mumsnetters can’t get enough of Lakeland’s Oven Mate Oven Cleaning Gel. Odour-free and easy to use, Oven Mate will get the job done quickly and effectively if your oven is in need of a clean.
What are the best natural oven cleaners?
If you’re not a fan of harsh chemicals in your cleaning products then there are some natural alternatives which Mumsnetters recommend for cleaning a grubby oven.
Start by taking a peek inside your pantry and selecting an old faithful: baking soda. A dash of this mixed in with some warm water will form a paste, which you can then smear over stains.
Failing that, try a combination of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. The vinegar will provide natural acidity while the bicarbonate of soda focuses on getting right into the heart of the stain to loosen and lift it, so all you have to do is wash it off.
How do you clean the glass on the oven door?
When it comes to cleaning the glass on an oven door, make sure you select a spray, paste, foam or liquid cleaner that is appropriate for the job.
Apply the product as per the instructions and leave it for the amount of time stated.
Remove with a cloth or sponge as directed. Be aware of products that may leave scratches on the glass.
When using a cleaning product, it’s important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Wear protective clothing if required and never mix your cleaning products.
How often should you clean your oven?
It’s thought that you should clean the inside of your oven at least every three months or when there is burnt-on food, smells or your food tastes different. A dirty oven can reduce the efficiency of your appliance so a regular clean will keep it in good working order. Some newer models have a self cleaning feature which will make it a lot easier to keep your surfaces shining. Don’t forget to remove the racks and wash them too.
Is it worth getting your oven professionally cleaned?
Plenty of our Mumsnet users recommend getting your ovens professionally cleaned to get it looking brand new again. Getting a professional to do it will not only save you time and a lot of elbow grease, but will leave your oven shining like it did when you first bought it.
A professional will take the oven apart and clean the areas you may not be able to reach so you are much more likely to get a deeper clean, which can help prolong the appliance’s life cycle and prevent damage to your oven.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from parents
Our research always begins with asking our Mumsnet users which products they recommend. There are over 7 million users each month, so we know we’re getting products that can not only withstand family but that have been thoroughly put to the test in everyday situations.
Expert guidance
We also look to the experts to help us find products that can stand up to scrutiny. When compiling our list of recommendations, our trusted and experienced parenting journalists research each product category thoroughly, consulting a variety of sources to evaluate which products are the best. This includes expert review sites, such as Which?.
Consumer feedback
Knowing that the real experts are the consumers, we scour the internet to read online reviews to see how well rated the products are when they are put to the test. We consult reviews on websites such as Argos and Amazon to make sure the products are up to scratch.
We don’t just look for positive feedback, we look for negative comments too, to help us consider the quality, safety, value for money and any extra features to ensure the products perform well across the board.
Celebrated best products
Finally, we look out for any products that have received awards and cross-reference all of our research to help us recommend a variety of oven cleaners that suit a range of needs and budgets.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.