Abstract: The specification discloses an oven cleaning composition which is surprisingly stable even in plastic bottles. A sufficient quantity of soluble hydroxide to provide a strong cleaning base for the composition is mixed with from about 1 to 10% by weight starch, from about 0.5 to about 5% by weight soap, an amount of a soluble di- or trivalent metallic ion source approximately stoichiometrically equivalent to the amount of soap, usually from about .1 to 1% by weight, and sufficient water to render the composition spreadable yet sufficiently consistent so that the composition is useful as an oven cleaner. Other additives such as surfactants are also disclosed.