There are cleaning tasks that you almost do on autopilot, and then there are the oven and kitchen hood. These two are in a category of their own. They are like small time capsules of everything you've cooked over months or years: heat, grease, food spills, and steam that has slowly built up layers of something that is significantly harder to remove than one initially thinks. Many who have regular weekly cleaning feel that most of the home stays nice, but the oven and hood still require extra effort. That is also why many describe this as the absolute most boring cleaning job in the entire home. And yet it is one of the most important.

Few know that both the oven and kitchen hood not only affect smell and comfort but also safety and energy consumption. An oven covered in grease deposits becomes unevenly hot, can start to smoke, and in the worst case, pose a fire risk. A kitchen hood with clogged filters does a poorer job and can spread cooking odors throughout the home. So even if it feels daunting to tackle, there are good reasons to do a thorough cleaning now and then.

The good news is that it is indeed possible to achieve really nice results with simple methods. Here comes a guide with tips and tricks that help you avoid using strong chemicals or expensive specialty products. It takes a little time and patience, but the methods work and are friendlier both for the home and for you.

Cleaning the oven: step by step

• Remove everything
• Take out the racks, trays, and any removable parts. Wash the trays separately in hot water and dish soap. If you have oven racks, they may need to soak for a while to release their coatings.

Make a baking soda paste

Baking soda and water are a classic for a reason. Mix into a thick paste and spread it over the inside of the oven, especially in areas where dark stains are stuck. Let it sit for at least 20–30 minutes (longer if needed).

Gently scrape

Use a plastic scraper or a sponge with a soft scrubbing side. Avoid metal that can scratch the surface. Most coatings will come off once the baking soda has had time to work.

Wipe and finish

Wipe clean with warm water and a microfiber cloth. Repeat if necessary! Sometimes the oven needs two rounds if it has been a while.

Cleaning the kitchen hood: the filter is more important than you think

• Remove the filter
• Most hood filters can easily be clicked off. Be sure to check the manual if you're unsure.
• Wash thoroughly

Soak the filter in hot water with dish soap. Many are surprised at how much grease dissolves just from the heat. You can also use a small brush if necessary. Avoid strong degreasers unnecessarily.

Clean the cover

Wipe the outside and inside of the cover with warm water and a mild cleaning agent. Grease splashes and dust often collect where one doesn't think about it.

Let everything dry

A wet filter can start to smell, so let it dry completely before putting it back.

Why it's worth doing it properly

When you put in a little extra time on the oven and kitchen hood, something happens that many do not expect: the entire kitchen feels fresher. The smell changes, cooking becomes more enjoyable, and both the oven and hood work as they should. But it’s also about safety. A clean oven produces less smoke and thus a lower risk of accidents. A clean hood reduces grease buildup that could catch fire if luck is not on your side.

There is also a psychological aspect. When these two “difficult” surfaces are done, the rest of the kitchen tends to feel much more manageable. Many describe it as a small victory, something that truly makes a difference in how the home is experienced.

And if you want to avoid all of this...

This is also one of the areas that many would like help with, and it's not surprising. Ovens and kitchen hoods take time, they wear on the body, and they require more patience than one initially thinks. Therefore, they are always included as part of our deep cleaning services at Nytta. When we take care of the most stubborn tasks, you can instead enjoy the feeling of a kitchen that has truly been revitalized. The guide above helps you to succeed on your own, but if you ever want to skip this task, we would be more than happy to take care of it for you during your deep cleaning.