8 Best Oven Cleaners of 2024, Tested by Cleaning Pros
Safely remove baked-on grease and drips without wasting an entire day.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
If the kitchen had a taskmaster, it would be the oven. From roasting chicken and reheating pizza to baking casseroles and lasagna, the humble appliance does it all. And, as such, cleaning it can be one of the toughest chores. Just think about those times when your gooey apple tart filling bubbles over or the pizza toppings slide off the pan and onto the oven floor. It's a serious stuck-on mess made for the best oven cleaners.
Want even more from our cleaning experts? Sign up for Good Housekeeping's FREE pop-up spring cleaning newsletter!
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, we've scrubbed and buffed our way through dozens of sprays, liquids, creams, foams and gels to handle every cooking mess. After brushing layers of sticky barbecue sauce onto oven and grill grates and letting them burn, we evaluate each product for how quickly, thoroughly, neatly and easily it works to remove the stuck-on mess. We also study labels for clear directions and ensure they include safety precautions, based on their ingredients.
- Best Overall: Easy-Off Fume Free Oven Cleaner
- Best Value: Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray
- Most Versatile: Carbona Oven Cleaner Spray
- Best for Ovens and Gas Cooktops: Weiman Stove & Oven Cleaner
- Best for Grease: Goo Gone Oven & Grill Cleaner
- Best for Oven Racks: Carbona Two-in-One Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner
- Best for Baked-on Messes: Zep Oven & Grill Cleaner
- Best for Spot-Cleaning: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable Scrubber
Pros
- Loosens grime in 30 seconds to spot clean
- Easy to wipe away
Cons
- Some users say you need a repeat treatment for very stubborn messes
Easy-Off Fume Free Oven Cleaner has a loyal following, with some testers touting it as a particular must-have during the holiday season when turkey, pie and other sticky, greasy foods find a home inside your oven. We found in our tests that it loosens grime to efficiently spot-clean in just 30 seconds, just like the can says, making it one of the quickest oven cleaners we’ve seen. For deep cleaning, a two-hour soak time is recommended — some testers said repeat treatments may even be necessary for the toughest jobs.
Since it works on cold ovens and is free of caustic fumes, using it doesn't require heating up or venting your kitchen — a big plus, according to our Lab pros. Simply apply the cleaner, wait for the suggested time window (30 seconds or two hours) and wipe away the residue with a wet sponge, paper towel or soft cloth.
Form: Aerosol | Standing time: 30 seconds for spot cleaning, 2 hours for deep cleaning | Scent: Lemon
Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray
Pros
- Targets greasy spots and baked-on residue
- Great scent options, including lemon, apple and lavender
- Very versatile kitchen cleaner
Cons
- Might not be best for handling an entire dirty oven
The winner of a Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning Product Award and a Good Housekeeping Seal-holder, Dawn Powerwash spray impressed us in the Lab with its fast, no-fuss formula and grease-fighting power. In our tests, it tackled grease deposits on contact and the precise spray nozzle was ideal for targeting trouble spots. Just spray it on, wait a few minutes and wipe up the residue.
It is particularly convenient and effective on oven door glass, but we love the overall versatility of this budget-friendly pick — even if it isn’t designed to tackle an oven that needs all-over TLC. Whether you're using it in the interior of your oven, your cooktop or a pot caked with burnt-on grease, simply spray, wipe and rinse. For tougher messes, let sit 3 to 4 minutes, scrub and rinse. It comes in a line of scents, including Lavender, Apple and even Free & Clear. Refills are available for the spray bottle.
Form: Dish soap spray | Standing time: 3–4 minutes | Scent: Fresh, apple, citrus, lemon, lavender, free & clear
Pros
- Also works on microwave interiors, fireplace doors and cookware
- No strong odor
Cons
- Needs to stand four hours for deep cleaning
Carbona Oven Cleaner is not your typical spray. It's a fume-free gel that penetrates and lifts grease from ovens, microwave interiors, baking pans, outdoor grills and even glass fireplace doors. You may want to try it on your overworked casserole dishes and Dutch ovens too.
Many testers loved the fact that it's odorless, though some shared that it took multiple applications to get rid of very heavily burnt-on messes. Because it’s a gel, it clings to grime even on vertical surfaces like oven walls. Remove racks and clean them separately with the gel for the best results. Heavily soiled ovens may need to soak for up to four hours to look fresh again.
Form: Gel | Standing time: 20 minutes for spot cleaning, 4 hours for deep cleaning | Scent: Unscented
Weiman Stove & Oven Cleaner
Pros
- Tackles stubborn residue on oven door glass
- Can be used on gas cooktops
Cons
- Requires muscle to fully clean surfaces
Weiman Stove & Oven Cleaner delivers grease-cutting muscle in foam form. We found that this Good Housekeeping Seal holder dissolves baked-on residue in under 10 minutes, so it's a good match for pizza, quiche, cake batter and pie filling spills. In our Lab tests, it performed well on both stainless steel and porcelain enameled grates too.
We found it easy to use, but it did require more elbow grease than some other picks to get all of the test grates fully clean. It's versatile enough to clean the interior, racks and grates of both ovens and grills. Spray it on the oven door and use a soft bristle brush to restore the window view.
Form: Foam spray | Standing time: 2–10 minutes | Scent: Unscented
Pros
- Dissolves grease in 3–5 minutes
- Works in a cold oven
- Requires minimal elbow grease
Cons
- Can cause damage to aluminum, faux stainless steel, painted walls and marble
- Scent is polarizing
Spritz Goo Gone Oven & Grill Cleaner in a cold oven, wait three to five minutes, then wipe away grease with a wet sponge or cloth. The fast-working, citrus-based foam can power through baked-on buildup on an oven, grill, toaster oven and pots and pans. To really work through tough, stuck-on food and grease, let it soak for up to an hour, but according to testers, you won't have to fight too hard.
The scent yielded mixed reviews; some users liked the citrus and said fumes were minimal, but others said they had to open windows and wear a mask when applying. The formula is not recommended for aluminum, faux stainless steel, painted walls and marble, so be sure to test it on a small hidden spot before using it.
Form: Spray foam | Standing time: 3–5 minutes for spot cleaning, up to 1 hour for deep cleaning | Scent: Citrus
Carbona Two-in-One Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner
Pros
- Very little work required
- Cleans up to two oven racks at once
Cons
- Must use an entire bottle of solution for one cleaning
Carbona’s Two-in-One Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner has the longest wait time (overnight, or eight hours) of all of our picks, but it was the top performer in our Lab tests, cleaning oven racks overnight with just a rinse of warm water afterward.
The kit is single-use only, but it comes with everything you'll need: a bottle of oven rack and grill cleaner, a large plastic bag to put the racks in and gloves to protect your hands. Simply brush big chunks of debris off the racks, place up to two racks in the bag, pour in the cleaning solution and seal the bag. Swish the solution around in the bag to make sure the racks are coated with the liquid, then let them sit overnight. Be sure to keep the soaking bag away from children or pets and work in a well-ventilated area.
Form: Liquid gel | Standing time: 8 hours | Scent: Unscented
RELATED: How to Clean Your Oven Racks, According to an Expert
Pros
- Can be used on ovens and cookware
- Works in just 10 minutes
Cons
- Fumes might be bothersome
This product, from a brand that dates back to 1937, earned the second-highest overall score in our Lab tests. After spraying it on dirty grates and letting them sit for 10 minutes, it took just nine swipes on our stainless-steel grates and five swipes on our porcelain-enameled grates to get all of the baked-on barbecue sauce off.
The Zep heavy-duty formula can handle dirty ovens, cookware, racks, grills and more. For best results, the company recommends applying the aerosol spray to a warm (not hot) oven. Make sure to ventilate the kitchen with fresh air or fans as the fumes may be unpleasant. Wear gloves and shield surrounding surfaces (like cabinets or countertops) with newspaper to prevent any damage from overspray.
Form: Aerosol | Standing time: 5–10 minutes | Scent: Unscented
RELATED: Best Grill Cleaners for Every Kind of Barbecue Mess
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable Scrubber
Pros
- Extra durable
- Versatile and convenient to use
Cons
- Requires scrubbing
- Can be too abrasive for high-shine finishes
The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal because it impressively spot-cleans a range of surfaces, from walls marked with washable paint to scuff marks on many types of floors. This extra-durable version gives us another strong reason to love it — for oven interiors.
We keep these in the Lab for erasing emergencies. To use, cover baked-on spots with a hot, wet cloth to help loosen them up and then scrub away grime with a damp Magic Eraser.
Because these scrubbers are extra durable, they stand up well to tough stuck-on spots. Unlike other oven cleaners, they contain no chemicals that might damage or discolor an oven's interior. But you do have to work harder to get the job done. Since the Magic Eraser is a bit abrasive, don’t use it on anything with a delicate, high-shine surface, such as a granite countertop. It can also dull the appearance of stainless steel, so avoid using it on the exterior of your oven if it has a stainless-steel finish.
Form: Scrubber sponge | Standing time: N/A | Scent: Unscented
RELATED: Best Stainless Steel Cleaners, Tested by Cleaning Experts
How we test oven cleaners
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we’ve evaluated over two dozen oven and grill cleaners. Because these products so often overlap in their application, we test them all in the same way: brushing and broiling several layers of a sticky barbecue sauce mix onto stainless steel and enamel grill and oven grates to create an even, burnt-on coating. Then one by one, we apply the products to the grates according to label instructions and grade how well they wipe out our stubborn barbecue mess to reveal nice clean grates again.
As our testers apply the cleaners, they evaluate how easy each one is to use and assess label directions for clarity and completeness. We track every single swipe taken to remove the barbecue sauce and the time the product needs to sit on the grates. (Suggested wait time ranges from a few minutes to eight hours.)
Finally, we take a close look at the safety and first-aid instructions on each label. We never want to recommend a cleaner that could cause harm to consumers due to lack of safety information.
What to look for when shopping for the best oven cleaner
✔️ Formulation: Aerosols are the OG oven cleaners, followed by newer foams, liquids and gels. The original aerosol sprays work very well but are most associated with uncomfortable odors. Good news: Nearly all aerosols today are fume-free with little to no smell and can be used safely with ventilation and rubber gloves to protect skin. Foams, liquids and gels also work well, are easy to apply and are less likely than aerosols to disperse into the air and cause irritation. Clinging gels won't slide off vertical oven walls. Some testers reported that liquid cleaners tend to run or drip off racks. Our top pick for racks, Carbona Two-in-One Oven Rack & Grill Cleaner, solves that problem. It comes with a large plastic bag to hold two racks and keep them coated so the product can do its job.
✔️ Standing time: Wait time for oven cleaners after application can range from 30 seconds to 8 hours. Plan ahead. Don't choose a cleaner that has to sit for 4 hours if you want to clean your oven before you make dinner. Consider a spot cleaner like the Mr. Clean Extra Durable Magic Eraser or a fast-acting deep-cleaning formula like Zep Oven & Grill Cleaner. You might be tempted to apply an oven cleaner for less time than the manufacturer recommends, but it probably won't do a thorough job. Give oven cleaners the proper time window for best results.
✔️ Scent: Look for a fume-free formula that minimizes unpleasant smells in the air. Many brands are upping their nose game now, so keep an eye out for options with essential oils and fragrances like lavender and apple. Some companies make unscented versions as well.
Can I use an oven cleaner in my self-cleaning oven?
Don't use an oven cleaner if your oven has a self-cleaning option. We advise against it and so do most appliance companies. A self-cleaning oven button works by heating the oven to a very high temperature to burn off leftover food and spills inside. Afterward, you wipe away the residue with a damp cloth.
Even if an oven cleaner claims to be safe to use on self-cleaning ovens, always check with your oven's manufacturer first. The products contain strong chemicals that can damage the oven coating, ruin the look of your appliance and often void the oven’s warranty too.
Never, under any circumstances, apply an oven cleaner while running a self-cleaning cycle. Dangerously high temperatures mixed with the chemicals in the cleaner can cause serious trouble in your kitchen. Even oven cleaners that work best in warm ovens specify that the oven should never be hot and explicitly mention that the oven should be off while you clean it.
Are oven cleaners dangerous?
Oven cleaners were notorious for years for releasing smelly fumes and making it difficult to breathe. Now, most are fume-free, come in pleasant scents or unscented versions and cause little discomfort in users. As with any cleaning product, minimize contact with the eyes and skin and never mix an oven cleaner with any other cleaning product.
Make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated and other surfaces are properly protected with newspaper. Read the product label carefully and only use it on the surfaces listed. Oven cleaners can be too harsh to use on stovetops and stainless-steel appliances, so instead reach for a bottle of your favorite stainless steel cleaner or one of our picks for stovetop cleaners.
Can I clean my oven with baking soda and vinegar?
Many sites suggest using a DIY paste made of baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice to clean your oven. It sounds natural, fresh and affordable, so we tested it in our Lab. It worked well enough on small spots but it took a lot more time and scrubbing than any of the products on this list, so we don't recommend it.
All of our picks here are formulated to tackle oven messes and will get the job done in half the time, with half the effort or both.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Carolyn Forté has over 40 years of experience researching, testing and writing about the best ways to clean every part of your home. She has conducted and overseen testing across dozens of product categories including grill cleaners, stainless steel cleaners, oven cleaners, stovetop cleaners and more. She is lucky enough to be married to a skilled griller, who has sometimes made Christmas dinner outdoors.
Contributing writer Alice Garbarini Hurley has written about home, kitchen and style since the 1980s and worked at Good Housekeeping for 10 years. Her work has appeared in Seventeen, Coastal Living, InStyle and other magazines. When she lived in her apartment by the seashore, she baked cookies, brownies, cheesecake and French apple tarts for her friends. When it was time to move out, her landlady told her she had to clean the oven or would not get back her security deposit. That's when she bought a can of Easy-Off.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
Alice Garbarini Hurley has been a lifestyle and consumer writer since a pizza parlor taste test for the Dumont High School Periscope. She wrote about prom dresses and mascara at Seventeen, then about everything that matters at Good Housekeeping as a senior lifestyle writer for 10 years and as a GH freelancer for 10 more. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Coastal Living and InStyle. She has published essays and has blogged at Truth and Beauty since 2010. Writing keeps Alice calm and focused while raising a teenage girl. She loves bluebells and daffodils, Cape Cod, accessories, cream in her coffee and reading cookbooks cover to cover.
The Best Ice Cream Makers
The Best Automatic Espresso Machines
The Best Smart Refrigerators
The Best Countertop Dishwashers
