How much does oven cleaning cost in Australia?

While crafting delicious meals can be labour-intensive, an oven offers a convenient hands-off approach. However, changes in taste or the presence of smoke during baking indicate a need for cleaning. Oven cleaning prices vary based on several factors, which this article will explain, along with tips for saving money in the process.

What are the average costs of oven cleaning in Australia?

How much does an oven clean cost these days? It depends on where you live, and the prices may differ by as much as 76%.

What factors affect the costs of oven cleaning?

How much to clean an oven also depends on other factors, not just location. The type of oven, its condition, and where the cleaner is located may drive up the price of tidying up your cooking device. 

Oven type and size

Wiping an oven door handle with a soft cloth (Source: iStock)

The size of your oven significantly impacts oven cleaning service costs. Larger ovens typically have more removable components like screws, trays, and racks, increasing cleaning time. Smaller ovens, on the other hand, are generally easier to clean due to their accessibility. 

Regardless of size, effective cleaning often requires strong chemicals to dissolve grease and grime, though natural alternatives like baking soda and vinegar are available. Hot water is always necessary for wiping away residue.

Oven condition

Regularly maintaining your oven prevents the need for deep cleaning. Wiping the interior with hot water and a damp cloth after each use can save hours of scrubbing stuck grease. However, dropped food can lead to mould, especially in poorly ventilated ovens. Additionally, melted plastic creates stubborn stains. These issues can increase oven deep cleaning cost.

Cleaning method

Using a detergent spray to clean the interior of an oven door (Source: iStock)

When it comes to the cost of oven cleaning, cleaners provide different prices depending on the energy and time it takes to remove unwanted residue. 

• Built-in cleaning: Self-cleaning, effective for light debris, uses high heat (427-482°C), making it energy-intensive and a fire risk with significant buildup. Steam cleaning is more energy-efficient (around 121°C) but slower and best for light cleaning. These methods often don’t add to the cleaning cost.  
  
  

• Chemical cleaning: Powerful for tough grime (using caustic soda), but carries a risk of damaging oven parts if not handled precisely. 
  
  

• Eco-friendly cleaning: Safer (using baking soda and vinegar) but, like chemical cleaning, can increase labour costs due to the time needed.
  
  

• Disassembly and soaking: For hard-to-reach, baked-on residue, parts like racks may be disassembled and soaked. Oven door disassembly requires expert handling to prevent damage and warranty issues. 
  
  

• Manual scrubbing: Necessary for ovens without built-in features or for inaccessible grime, often increasing cleaning time and the overall cost.

Cleaner location and reputation

The source of your cleaners and their past client reviews also influence the average cost of oven cleaning. Location is a factor, as seen in Australia where Sydney cleaners average $32 per hour, 3% more than Hobart cleaners’ $31, likely due to Sydney’s higher cost of living. Positive reviews from previous customers can also justify higher prices due to the perceived quality of service.

Additional services

Removing grease and food stains from an oven tray (Source: iStock)

Beyond just ovens, some cleaning services cater to other kitchen appliances like dishwashers, fridges, and microwaves, which also require thorough cleaning over time. While some might offer minor extras for free, services like oven light bulb replacement usually incur an additional charge. For specific needs like BBQ cleaning or fridge cleaning, it’s best to seek expert help.

What are some ways to save on oven cleaning?

To lower professional oven cleaning prices, consider scheduling services during off-peak times, such as the months leading up to major holidays. Also, inquire about discounts, like those offered to new customers. 

Some cleaners provide maintenance contracts for reduced rates or bundle services with other appliance cleaning (e.g., microwaves), saving time and money, especially if you have a kitchen cleaning plan.

What should you look for in an oven cleaner? 

Sliding out an oven rack for thorough cleaning (Source: iStock)

When hiring oven cleaners in Australia, look for those with relevant qualifications or memberships in well-known organisations. For instance, holding a Certificate III in Cleaning Operations shows they’ve had formal training and are competent in specialised tasks, giving you more confidence in their skills.

Make oven cleaning easier with Airtasker

Finding an oven cleaner doesn’t have to be a hassle. If you’d rather leave the scrubbing to someone else, try Airtasker. Just post a task detailing your needs and await responses from local experts. Whether you’re looking for a quick oven spruce-up or a deep clean, Taskers are ready to get things done.