Wipe up spills immediately – Don’t let spills and drips bake onto the oven interior. Wipe them up as soon as possible with a damp cloth.

Use the self-cleaning cycle – Most modern ovens have a self-cleaning cycle that heats the oven to extremely high temperatures to burn off built-up grime. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Make a baking soda paste – For tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and let it sit on the affected areas before scrubbing. The baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can cut through grease and grime.

Clean the racks separately – Remove the oven racks and soak them in hot, soapy water to loosen up any baked-on food. This allows you to clean the racks thoroughly without damaging the oven interior.

Avoid harsh chemicals – Harsh chemical oven cleaners can be harsh on your lungs and the environment. Stick to natural, eco-friendly cleaning solutions whenever possible.

Regular maintenance is key – Make oven cleaning a routine part of your kitchen cleaning schedule, whether that’s weekly, monthly or every few months. Staying on top of it will make the job much easier.