Cleaning oven shelves is one of those jobs everyone puts off; no one wants to do it!

Grease builds up, spills harden, and before long, your oven looks far from its best. The good news is that you can get your shelves shining again with a few simple steps and a bit of patience.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather your supplies:

• Rubber gloves
• Old towels or rags
• A large tub, sink, or bath
• Hot water
• Washing-up liquid or baking soda
• A non-scratch scourer or scrubbing brush

Step 1: Soak the Shelves

Remove the oven shelves and place them in a large tub, sink, or your bath, lined with an old towel to prevent scratches.
Fill with hot water and add a good squeeze of washing-up liquid. Leave them to soak for at least two hours, or overnight for heavy grease.

If you prefer a natural option, sprinkle baking soda over the shelves and pour on hot water. The fizzing reaction helps lift off baked-on grime.

Step 2: Clean the Rest of the Oven

While the shelves are soaking, it’s the perfect time to tackle the rest of the oven. Here’s how:

1. Remove loose crumbs and debris: Wipe out any burnt bits or food residue with a damp cloth.
2. Apply your cleaner: Use an oven-cleaning product or make a baking soda and water paste. Spread it evenly over the interior surfaces, avoiding the heating elements.
3. Leave it to sit: Let the cleaner work for at least 30 minutes. For heavy build-up, leave overnight.
4. Wipe clean: Use a damp cloth to remove the cleaner and grease. Repeat if needed.
5. Clean the glass door: Spray with glass cleaner, or use a vinegar-and-water mixture. Wipe with a soft cloth until transparent and streak-free.

If your oven has a self-cleaning function, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using it.

Step 3: Scrub Away the Grease

Once soaked, put on your gloves and start scrubbing the oven shelves with a non-scratch scourer. Focus on corners and edges where grease tends to collect.
If stubborn stains remain, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the marks, and leave it for 15–20 minutes before scrubbing again.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

When the shelves look clean, rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue.
Dry them thoroughly with a clean towel or let them air dry before putting them back in the oven.

Step 5: Keep Them Cleaner for Longer

To make future cleaning easier:

• Wipe shelves regularly with a damp cloth after cooking
• Line the bottom of the oven with a reusable liner to catch drips
• Avoid using harsh oven sprays directly on shelves, as they can damage the finish over time

Leave the Rest to Merry Maids

Cleaning your oven shelves can be messy and time-consuming. If you’d rather not tackle it yourself, Merry Maids can do it as an additional service.

Our trained cleaning teams can handle the jobs you don’t have time for, so you can enjoy a sparkling clean kitchen without the effort.

Find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a clean or call 0800 021 3072 today.