How to clean an oven for an end-of-lease inspection
The oven is one of the most-checked items at a final inspection. A thorough clean takes time, so start a day or two before the rest of the bond clean.
Safety classification
Safe homeowner task
This guide covers safe first actions only. It is not a licence to perform regulated work or enter a dangerous area.
What to do
- 1
Switch off and let it cool
Turn the oven off at the wall if possible and make sure it is completely cool before cleaning.
- 2
Remove racks, trays and grill parts
Soak them in hot water with dishwashing liquid or a suitable cleaner, then scrub with a non-scratch pad.
- 3
Clean the cavity
Apply a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, leave it for several hours or overnight, then wipe out with a damp cloth. If using a commercial oven cleaner, follow the label, wear gloves and ventilate the kitchen.
- 4
Clean the door glass
Clean the inside glass with the same paste and wipe until clear. Only remove the door or inner glass if the manual shows how.
- 5
Check the rangehood and cooktop
Inspectors check these too. Degrease the cooktop and clean or replace rangehood filters.
When to stop
- The oven is pyrolytic or self-cleaning — follow the manual instead
- Cleaning products are causing fumes or irritation
- Seals, glass or elements are damaged
- Carbon build-up will not shift after two attempts
Cleaning
Prepare the problem, safety status and location once. The matching category and service will be pre-filled.
Start a free requestEditorial boundary
Fixit247 does not publish instructions for unlicensed electrical, gas, asbestos, structural, high-roof, dangerous tree or live-road work.
Read the policyRelated guides
How to clean a rangehood filter
How to remove, degrease and refit metal rangehood filters, when carbon filters need replacing instead, and why it matters for inspections and fire safety.
ReadHow to remove carpet stains safely
How to treat common carpet stains without spreading them or damaging the fibres, and when a professional carpet clean is the better option.
ReadHow to clean window and sliding door tracks
A simple way to clean grime from window and sliding door tracks before an inspection, and when high or external windows need a professional.
ReadDIY vs professional end-of-lease cleaning: which is right?
When a DIY bond clean is enough, when a professional end-of-lease clean is worth it, what to check in a cleaning quote, and what your lease may require.
ReadHow to get your rental bond back in every Australian state
How bond refunds work in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and the NT, what landlords can claim for, and how to prepare so your full bond comes back.
ReadEnd-of-lease cleaning checklist for Australian renters
A room-by-room bond cleaning checklist based on your entry condition report, plus when to book carpet, oven or window specialists.
Read