Know your oven's model. Some have very specific instructions for cleaning the inside. Make sure that you aren't going to ruin the self cleaning cycle program. The best thing you can do for your oven is follow the instructions.
 It isn't a good idea to use chemicals inside a self cleaning oven, but there are some products that are made especially for self cleaning ovens. They are made to keep your self cleaning oven clean in between cleanings.
 When you are cooking and you happen to spill make sure that you wipe up the spill as soon as the oven cools down. This will make sure that the messes don't have a chance to smoke before your next big cleaning day. Save yourself, and your oven, a little bit of work.
 If you are cooking something that you can tell is going to boil over or over flow, then make sure you take preventative measures. On the rack underneath your food it is a good idea to put a layer of aluminum foil. It can be plain foil or a foil covered cookie sheet. Make sure and change the foil after it gets spilled on, or it will defeat the purpose.

Also make sure that you are getting the most out of your self cleaning cycle when you run it. The process can take quite a few hours, so the less you do it the more freedom you will have.

Here are a few tips to make sure that you are making the most of your self cleaning oven.

 Before you start the cycle make sure and take out the wire racks. Then while you are cleaning your oven you can soak your oven racks. This will be easiest in your bathtub or outside if it is warm. Make sure you clean them well, so they match your clean oven!
 When you start the self cleaning cycle you need to open your kitchen windows, or just the window nearest to the oven. Your oven will probably smoke a bit, and there may be some strong fumes. Save your house from smelling for a whole week, crack a window.
 When the cycle gets finished it is a good idea to wipe up the ashes from the inside of the oven. It cleans by using high temperatures to burn the stuck on food. Make sure that you get the ashes out before a gust of wind puts them all over your kitchen.
 The inside of the door will most likely be blackened, make sure that you wipe it off good. You may need to use a little bit of cleaner to get it all off. Also make sure that you keep the rubber seal around the edge clean. After a cleaning cycle you will want to use a little cleaner to make sure that it will seal tight.

Now that your oven is nice and clean, make sure that the outside matches it. Since guests usually don't look in your oven you need to show off your clean oven from the outside. But, there still isn't an oven that can self clean the outside!