What is the average oven cleaning cost? The average oven cleaning cost can range from £60 to £150 for professional services, depending on the oven’s size, type, and the level of cleaning required.
Cleaning your oven can feel like a big chore. It’s often the one appliance we put off cleaning for as long as possible. But a dirty oven not only looks bad, it can also affect how well your oven cooks food and even be a fire hazard. So, how much does it actually cost to get your oven sparkling clean? This guide will break down the oven cleaning cost, exploring professional oven cleaning prices, DIY oven cleaning cost, and more. We’ll help you figure out what does oven cleaning cost for your specific needs.
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Factors Influencing Oven Cleaning Cost
Several factors play a role in determining the final price of an oven cleaning service. It’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Let’s delve into what influences the oven cleaning service charges:
Oven Type and Size
The type and size of your oven significantly impact the oven cleaning cost.
- Standard Built-in Ovens: These are typically the most straightforward and therefore the least expensive to clean.
- Double Ovens: Having two oven cavities means more surface area to clean, naturally increasing the price.
- Range Cookers: These are larger appliances, often with multiple ovens and hob sections, requiring more time and effort. This will reflect in the professional oven cleaning prices.
- Self-Cleaning Ovens: While these have a cleaning cycle, they often still require manual cleaning of the door, racks, and certain areas. Professionals may charge less if the self-cleaning function has been used effectively, but they will still need to attend to residual grime.
- Microwave Ovens/Combination Ovens: These can sometimes be cleaned as part of a larger appliance cleaning package, or separately. Their internal complexity can affect the hire oven cleaner cost.
Level of Dirt and Grime
The more baked-on grease, carbonized food, and general grime your oven has, the more intensive the cleaning process will be. This directly affects the cost to deep clean oven.
- Light Soiling: If your oven has been regularly wiped down and only has minor splashes and drips, the cleaning will be quicker and cheaper.
- Heavy Soiling: Ovens that haven’t been cleaned in months or even years, with thick layers of grease and burnt-on food, will require more time, specialized products, and potentially more elbow grease. This is where you’ll see higher professional oven cleaning prices.
Included Services
What’s included in the oven cleaning service will also dictate the price.
- Internal Cleaning: This usually includes the oven cavity, glass door (inside and out), and racks.
- Hob Cleaning: Many services offer hob cleaning as an add-on or include it in higher-tier packages. Different hob types (gas, electric, induction, ceramic) have different cleaning requirements.
- Oven Racks and Trays: These are often removed and cleaned separately, sometimes in a specialized dip tank.
- Oven Door Glass: Some services offer a complete dismantle of the oven door to clean between the glass panels, which is a more thorough service and will cost more.
- Exterior Cleaning: A basic wipe-down of the oven exterior is usually standard, but a more detailed polish might be an extra.
Location
Where you live can also impact oven cleaning prices near me. In major cities or areas with a higher cost of living, you might find that professional cleaning services are priced higher to account for increased operational costs.
Cleaning Method Used
Professional oven cleaners use various methods, and some are more effective for tough grime than others.
- Eco-Friendly/Non-Caustic Cleaning: These methods often use natural products and are safer for both the cleaner and the environment. They can sometimes be more time-consuming for very stubborn stains.
- Caustic Cleaning: More potent chemicals are used, which can break down grease more quickly. However, these require more stringent safety measures and ventilation.
Professional Oven Cleaning Prices
When you decide to hire an oven cleaner, you’re paying for their expertise, time, specialized cleaning solutions, and equipment. The average oven cleaning cost for professional services can vary widely.
Average Cost Breakdown
Here’s a general idea of what does oven cleaning cost when you hire a professional:
| Service Type | Typical Price Range (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Single Oven | £60 – £90 | Includes interior, racks, and exterior. |
| Double Oven | £80 – £120 | For ovens with two distinct cooking cavities. |
| Range Cooker (e.g., 2 ovens + hob) | £100 – £150+ | Price increases with the number of oven cavities and complexity of the hob. |
| Hob Cleaning (Additional) | £15 – £30 | Varies based on hob type (glass/ceramic vs. gas burners). |
| Grill Pan / Extra Racks | £5 – £10 each | If you have additional items needing cleaning beyond the standard. |
| Cleaning Between Door Glass | £20 – £40 | For a more thorough clean of the oven door. |
| Microwave Oven | £40 – £70 | Often priced separately. |
| BBQ Grill Cleaning | £50 – £80 | Usually a separate service. |
Please note these are indicative prices and can vary significantly.
What You Get for Your Money
When you pay for professional oven cleaning prices, you’re typically getting:
- Time Savings: The most significant benefit is saving your own time and effort.
- Expertise: Professionals know the best products and techniques for different oven types and levels of dirt.
- Deep Clean: They can often achieve a deeper clean than most DIY methods.
- Specialized Products: Use of commercial-grade, effective cleaning solutions and tools.
- Reduced Risk: Less chance of damaging your oven with harsh chemicals or incorrect methods.
Finding Oven Cleaning Prices Near Me
To get accurate oven cleaning prices near me, it’s best to:
- Search Online: Use search engines with terms like “oven cleaning services” or “professional oven cleaning [your town]”.
- Check Local Directories: Look at local service directories or trade associations.
- Ask for Quotes: Contact a few different local services and explain your oven type and the level of dirt. Many offer online quote forms or phone consultations.
- Read Reviews: See what other customers say about the quality of service and pricing.
DIY Oven Cleaning Cost
If you prefer to tackle the cleaning yourself, the DIY oven cleaning cost is significantly lower, primarily consisting of the cost of cleaning products.
DIY Cleaning Product Costs
Here’s a look at the potential costs for DIY oven cleaning:
| Cleaning Product/Tool | Typical Price Range (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oven Cleaner Spray | £3 – £7 | Specific oven cleaning sprays are readily available. |
| Baking Soda | £1 – £2 | A natural alternative for making a paste. |
| White Vinegar | £0.50 – £1 | Useful for rinsing and deodorizing. |
| Dish Soap | £1 – £3 | For general degreasing. |
| Rubber Gloves | £2 – £5 | Essential for protecting your hands. |
| Scrapers/Blades | £2 – £5 | For gently removing stubborn burnt-on bits. |
| Sponges/Cloths | £2 – £5 | For applying, wiping, and polishing. |
| Protective Sheets | £2 – £4 | To protect your floor from drips. |
| Total DIY Cost | £10 – £32 | This is an estimate and assumes you might already have some of these items. |
DIY Cleaning Methods
There are several popular DIY oven cleaning methods:
1. Baking Soda Paste Method
This is a popular budget oven cleaning option as it uses common household ingredients.
- Materials: Baking soda, water, vinegar, gloves, scraper, cloths.
- Process:
- Remove oven racks and any loose debris.
- Mix baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste.
- Spread the paste all over the interior surfaces of the oven, avoiding heating elements.
- Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
- Scrape off the dried paste and wipe down with a damp cloth.
- Spray a little vinegar onto any remaining residue to help it dissolve, then wipe again.
- Clean the oven racks separately (often by soaking in hot, soapy water or a baking soda solution).
- Wipe the oven interior and door dry.
2. Commercial Oven Cleaner Spray
These are powerful and effective but require careful handling.
- Materials: Commercial oven cleaner spray, gloves, eye protection, cloths, scraper.
- Process:
- Ensure good ventilation and wear protective gear.
- Remove oven racks and protective sheets.
- Spray the cleaner generously inside the oven, following product instructions.
- Close the oven door and leave for the recommended time (often 20 minutes to a few hours).
- Use a damp cloth or scraper to wipe away the loosened grime. You may need to rinse multiple times to remove all chemical residue.
- Clean racks separately.
3. Steam Cleaning (for light dirt)
This method is less aggressive and best for ovens with minimal build-up.
- Materials: Oven-safe bowl, water, vinegar (optional), cloths.
- Process:
- Fill an oven-safe bowl with water and a splash of vinegar.
- Place in the oven and heat to a moderate temperature (around 150-200°C) for 30-60 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth. The steam should have loosened some of the grime.
Pros and Cons of DIY Oven Cleaning
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Significantly cheaper than professional services.
- Control: You control when and how the cleaning is done.
- Immediate Results: Can be done on your schedule.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Can take several hours of your time.
- Effort Intensive: Requires physical effort, especially for tough stains.
- Harsh Chemicals: Some DIY products can be harsh on skin and lungs if not used carefully.
- Potential for Damage: Risk of scratching surfaces or damaging elements if not done correctly.
- Less Thorough: May not achieve the same deep clean as professional methods for very grimy ovens.
When to Hire a Professional Oven Cleaner
While DIY is an option, there are definite advantages to hiring a professional for oven cleaning service charges. Consider this route if:
You Lack Time
If your schedule is packed, paying for a professional service is often the most practical solution. The hire oven cleaner cost might be worth the regained free time.
Your Oven is Extremely Dirty
For ovens that haven’t been cleaned in a long time, the build-up of grease and carbon can be very tough to remove with DIY methods. Professionals have the equipment and stronger cleaning agents to deal with severe grime. This is when the cost to deep clean oven is justified.
You Want a Deep, Professional Finish
If you desire a truly spotless oven, right down to the nooks and crannies, a professional service is likely your best bet. They can often clean parts you might miss or struggle to reach.
You Have Health Concerns or Sensitivities
Some individuals are sensitive to the strong chemicals often found in commercial oven cleaners. Professional cleaners often have access to less toxic, yet effective, cleaning solutions or can offer eco-friendly options.
You Want to Protect Your Appliance
Incorrect cleaning methods can damage your oven. Hiring a professional minimizes this risk.
Professional Oven Cleaning Services: What to Expect
When you book an oven cleaning service, what’s the typical process?
The Cleaning Process
- Arrival and Assessment: The cleaner will arrive, assess the oven, and confirm the services agreed upon.
- Preparation: They will lay down protective sheeting to keep your kitchen clean.
- Disassembly (Minor): Oven racks, shelves, and the door (if agreed) will be removed.
- Degreasing and Scrubbing: The interior surfaces will be sprayed with a degreasing solution and then scrubbed. For tough stains, they might use specialized scrapers or cleaning pads.
- Rack Cleaning: Racks are typically cleaned separately, often in a dip tank or via a powerful spray.
- Door Cleaning: The oven door, including the glass, will be cleaned thoroughly. If you opt for cleaning between the glass, this is when it will be done.
- Rinsing and Polishing: The interior will be rinsed to remove all cleaning residue, and then polished.
- Reassembly: Racks and shelves are put back into the clean oven.
- Final Check: The cleaner will do a final check to ensure all areas are clean and satisfactory.
Specialist Oven Cleaning Companies
Many companies specialize solely in oven cleaning. They often employ trained technicians and use proprietary cleaning systems. These are usually the ones offering the highest quality service and can provide comprehensive quotes for professional oven cleaning prices.
Local Handymen and General Cleaners
Some general cleaning services or local handymen also offer oven cleaning. While they might be cheaper, ensure they have specific experience in oven cleaning to guarantee a good result. Always clarify what their oven cleaning service charges include.
Budget Oven Cleaning Options
If your budget is tight, here are some ways to keep oven cleaning cost down:
- Focus on One Area: If your oven isn’t too bad, just tackle the door and racks, which are often the dirtiest parts.
- DIY with Natural Ingredients: As discussed, baking soda and vinegar are very cheap and effective for moderate dirt.
- Clean More Frequently: Regular light cleaning prevents heavy build-up, making future cleans easier and cheaper, whether DIY or professional.
- Look for Deals: Keep an eye out for special offers or package deals from local cleaning companies.
- Combine with Other Services: If you’re having a full house clean, see if you can get a discount on oven cleaning as part of a larger service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does professional oven cleaning take?
A1: Typically, cleaning a standard single oven takes between 1 to 2 hours. Double ovens or range cookers may take longer, up to 3 hours.
Q2: Is professional oven cleaning worth the cost?
A2: For many people, yes. It saves significant time and effort, and professionals achieve a level of clean that can be difficult for the average person to replicate. If your oven is heavily soiled, it’s often more efficient to hire a pro.
Q3: Can I clean my self-cleaning oven?
A3: While self-cleaning ovens have a cycle, they still benefit from manual cleaning of the door and racks. The self-cleaning cycle can sometimes leave a residue that needs wiping away. It’s not recommended to use harsh chemicals on the interior of a self-cleaning oven, as it can damage the lining.
Q4: What should I do before the oven cleaner arrives?
A4: Remove all oven racks, shelves, and any loose food debris from the oven cavity. You might also want to cover the floor around the oven with old newspapers or cloths if you’re concerned about drips, although professionals usually bring their own protective coverings.
Q5: What if my oven has a lot of grease and burnt-on food?
A5: If your oven is exceptionally dirty, expect the cost to deep clean oven to be at the higher end of the scale. Professional cleaners are equipped to handle this level of grime, but it will require more time and potentially stronger, specialized cleaning agents.
Q6: Are professional oven cleaners insured?
A6: Reputable professional oven cleaning services are typically insured, which covers accidental damage to your appliance or property during the cleaning process. It’s always a good idea to confirm this when booking.
Q7: How often should I clean my oven?
A7: It’s best to wipe up spills as they happen. A quick wipe-down of the interior surfaces every 1-3 months is ideal. A deep clean, either DIY or professional, is recommended every 6-12 months, depending on how frequently you use your oven and the types of food you cook.
By weighing the oven cleaning cost against the benefits of a sparkling clean oven, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and budget.