Use a Dishwasher Tablet to Make Your Oven Sparkle and Eliminate Every Trace of Grease
Cleaning an oven often feels like a big, grimy chore that takes ages to sort out. But there’s a surprising trick that makes it much easier — dishwasher tablets. Normally used for plates and cutlery, these tablets combine abrasive and detergent action, which can be very effective on oven grime. It’s a handy alternative to some commercial oven cleaners, many of which are caustic and give off fumes you’d rather avoid, and it complements other cleaning methods used in the kitchen.
How it works and what to check first
Before you start, check the ingredients on your dishwasher tablets. Avoid any that contain chlorine bleach — it can release toxic fumes during cleaning or when the oven is next used, and it can react dangerously with other common cleaners such as ammonia, hydrogen peroxide or acidic products like vinegar (these reactions can produce hazardous gases).
The kit you’ll need is simple: rubber gloves for protection, dishwasher tablets (without chlorine bleach), a bowl of warm water, microfibre cloths, an old towel, aluminium foil, a plastic scraper and a dustpan. A damp sponge or cloth and a vacuum can be useful for clearing loose debris.
Step-by-step: clean the oven
Start by removing the oven racks and getting them ready to soak. The manufacturer Finish suggests placing an old towel you don’t mind soiling in the bottom of a bath, wrapping the racks in aluminium foil and filling the bath with hot water so the racks are submerged. Drop in one dishwasher tablet and leave the racks to soak for two to three hours — this softens the grime and makes it much easier to wipe off.
Next, clear out any loose debris from the oven itself. Use a plastic scraper and a dustpan, or a vacuum, to remove loose particles. This makes the scrubbing stage more effective.
Put on your rubber gloves and wet a sponge or cloth. Soak a dishwasher tablet in a bowl of water just long enough to dissolve the outer coating, but don’t let the tablet fall apart. Use the damp tablet in circular motions on each stain, repeating until the marks are gone. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, wipe away any soap residue with a damp cloth.
Don’t forget the oven door. Use another dishwasher tablet to scrub the glass until stains disappear, then wipe clean with a damp cloth until the glass is clear. For edges and stubborn spots, use a soapy cloth first and follow up with the dishwasher tablet as needed.
When the racks have soaked long enough, unwrap them from the foil — the muck should be soft enough to wipe away easily. Rinse the racks with clean water, dry with a towel and put them back in the oven. Leave the oven door open for a while so everything can air dry fully.
How often to do it and precautions
If you only bake occasionally, doing this once a season (about every three months) is usually enough. If you use the oven a lot, monthly cleaning is a good idea. As an in-between measure, wipe up spills after the oven has cooled to stop food burning and producing smoke, which can irritate the lungs.
This method is notable for avoiding some of the harsher chemicals found in commercial cleaners, which is better for home health and the environment. That said, pick the right dishwasher tablet and follow the steps carefully — sensible precautions will help you end up with a spotless oven and a safer kitchen.