The $5 kitchen staple better for cleaning ovens than products designed for the task, according to an expert

When it's time to clean the oven many of us turn to specially designed oven cleaning products to get the job done.

However, a $5.50 product already in your kitchen that you use at least once a day could get the job done just as well, according to experts.

The team from Oven Gleamers has revealed good old Fairy dishwashing liquid is all you need for a sparkling clean oven.

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"I would suggest using a microfibre cloth and Fairy Washing Up Solution – or any washing up liquid, but Fairy Washing Up Liquid tends to be best – to wipe out the inside of the oven on a regular basis (the cloth needs to be wet)," the experts told the Express.

"Washing up solution works very well on pans and racks too; put them in a hot washing up water solution (again Fairy is best) and you leave them in for 30 minutes and then use a steel scourer to remove the grease, and then dry with a tea towel."

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Oven racks and pans are difficult to fit in the sink though so some people end up soaking them in the bath tub. If that's not your style a large shallow plastic container, like an underbed storage box, works well instead for soaking.

The experts warned that using caustic oven cleaners can actually damage your appliance if the instructions for the product aren't followed to a tee, so dishwashing liquid is a simple solution to try instead.

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For those thinking that detergent alone isn't enough to tackle the baked on grease and grime most ovens have there is a hack for that.

Just like before cooking, before you get started cleaning the oven pre-heat it to 90°C. Switch it off after 20 minutes or so and then wait until it's cooled down enough to touch before you get scrubbing with a cloth, non-scratch scourer/sponge and some dishwashing liquid.

To soften up the residue even more you can pop in an oven-safe tray with some vinegar and water and leave in an oven heated to 230°C for 30 minutes. During this time the steam will work to soften the grime on the oven doors, racks and walls.

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When the time is up wait until the oven is cool enough to touch and then clean using a damp cloth or sponge and some dishwashing liquid.

Another option is to try a glass-safe razor blade scraper, which you can purchase at Bunnings for less than $10 and can use on shower glass and some stove tops.

Use the razor blade scraper after softening the residue with the pre-heating or vinegar steam method and make sure the glass is wet before using. You can also add some detergent with the water to help this process.

"Scraping on a dry surface increases the risk of scratching the glass," Oven Detailing explained in its guide to cleaning with razor blade scrapers. "Re-spray the area with water or a cleaning solution to keep it wet. This helps the blade glide smoothly over the surface."

When using the razor blade it's recommended to hold it at a shallow 45° angle so that it glides smoothly across.

"Apply light, even pressure and scrape the surface slowly. Let the blade do the work—don't press too hard or use aggressive force, as this can lead to scratches," Oven Detailing said, adding that it's best to work in small sections and straight lines.

Wipe residue off the blade as you go and then finish by wiping the glass door with a damp microfibre cloth and buff with a dry cloth.

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