Having a clean oven is essential for cooking delicious meals, avoiding smoke and burnt odors, and keeping your kitchen looking neat. However, ovens can get very dirty with baked-on grease, oil splatters, and food residue that accumulate over time. Don’t worry – with the right techniques and tools, you can make your oven look and work like new again.

Why You Should Clean Your Oven Regularly

It’s important to deep clean your oven regularly for a few key reasons:

• Avoid smoke and bad smells – Grease and food bits will burn when you use the oven, creating smoke and a burnt smell in your kitchen.
• Prevent oven fires – Built-up grease is highly flammable. Regular cleaning helps reduce this fire hazard.
• Eliminate bacteria – Dried food and spills can harbor bacteria over time. Disinfecting the oven kills germs for better sanitation.
• Make the oven more efficient – Grease deposits prevent the oven from heating evenly and efficiently. Cleaning improves heat conduction.
• Extend the oven’s lifespan – Regular cleaning prevents extra wear and tear on the oven parts from burnt-on grime.
• Improve the taste of food – Leftover flavors and odors can transfer to your dishes. A clean oven means tastier food.

How Often Should You Clean the Oven?

For light oven users, a deep clean once every 3-6 months is recommended. If you use the oven multiple times per week or cook messy foods like pizza, target every 1-3 months for a thorough cleaning.

Perform quick spot cleans after spills or heavy use. Wipe down high-touch areas like the handle each week when you clean the stove or range.

What You Need to Deep Clean an Oven

Gather these supplies before you get started with the big oven clean:

• Oven or stove cleaner spray – Look for a formula with powerful degreasing agents. Avoid harsh fumes.
• Baking soda – Works as a natural abrasive and odor absorber.
• Scouring pad or brush – For scrubbing off stubborn baked-on residue.
• Old cloths, sponges, and paper towels – For applying cleaners and wiping away grime.
• Bucket or spray bottle – For dispensing and mixing cleaning solutions.
• Rubber gloves – To protect your hands from harsh chemicals.
• Eye protection – Such as goggles, to shield from strong fumes or splatters.
• Trash bag – For discarding excess grime and dirty supplies.

Optional extras: plastic scraper, grout brush, toothbrush, metal scouring pads.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning the Oven

Follow these steps to thoroughly clean all areas of your oven or range.

Step 1 – Remove Oven Racks and Accessories

Take out all removable parts like oven racks, trays, inserts, foil, etc. Soak racks and trays in warm soapy water if very dirty. This allows for cleaning the oven cavity walls and corners.

Step 2 – Wipe Out Loose Debris

Use a dry cloth or paper towels to wipe out any loose crumbs or large debris from the oven bottom and interior walls before applying cleaners. This prevents debris from getting smeared around.

Step 3 – Apply Oven Cleaner

Spray your oven cleaner liberally inside the oven according to product directions. Focus on coated areas like the rear oven wall, ceiling, sides, door, and around the heating elements.

Tip: Avoid getting strong oven cleaners on any electronic displays or buttons.

Step 4 – Let the Oven Cleaner Dwell

After coating the oven surfaces with cleaner, close the oven door. Allow the powerful formula time to soak and lift away stubborn baked-on grime – usually around 30 minutes. Refer to your product’s instructions.

Step 5 – Scrub with a Brush or Scouring Pad

After letting the cleaner soak in, the scouring pad or brush comes in handy to scrub away filmy residue or lingering stains for a deeper clean.

Apply extra elbow grease on extra dirty spots if needed. Take care around heating elements.

Step 6 – Wipe Away Grime

Use towels dampened with warm water to wipe away grime and excess cleaner. Work in sections for thorough wiping. Repeat with new clean clothes as needed.

Be sure to remove all cleaning product residues which can be harmful. Wipe the interior until only a faint cleanser smell remains.

Step 7 – Clean the Door and Exterior

Mix baking soda and water to make a spreadable cleaning paste. Use this paste to scrub the oven door, handle, knobs, and exterior surfaces.

Wipe clean with a soft cloth and rinse. Buff dry with a towel.

Step 8 – Replace Oven Parts

Once fully dry, return oven racks and other removed parts to their positions in the freshly cleaned oven.

Step 9 – Remove Gloves, Wash Up

Remove rubber gloves, dispose of dirty clothes, and rinse out brushes. Wash your hands with soap and water when finished.

FAQs About Deep Oven Cleaning

How can I clean my oven without strong chemicals?

For a non-toxic oven clean, try baking soda and water or a simple vinegar and baking soda formula. Apply a paste of these pantry staples and let sit before scrubbing and rinsing away.

What is the fastest way to clean an oven?

Using an accelerated oxygen bleach cleaner is the quickest method. Spray it on, wait only 5 minutes, then wipe away grease and grime without major scrubbing.

What removes burnt-on grease from an oven?

Oven cleaner spray with powerful degreasing agents or lye will cut through extremely baked-on oven grease for a deep clean. Baking soda also works on mild greasy build-up.

How do you clean an oven with baking soda?

Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Spread on oven surfaces and let sit 20-30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean. The baking soda acts as a scouring agent.

What should you not use to clean an oven?

Avoid using metal scouring pads or steel wool to prevent scratching on smooth oven surfaces. Bleach and abrasive cleaners can also damage oven parts. Check the manual for chemical warnings.

Conclusion

Regular oven cleaning might seem like a daunting chore, but it’s easier than you think with the right products and techniques. Arm yourself with heavy-duty oven spray, baking soda, scrub brushes, and some elbow grease.

Focus on fully degreasing the oven cavity walls, roof, heating elements, door, racks, and exterior for sparkling results. Deep clean every few months for a fresh oven sans grime or smoke.

Rolling up your sleeves and spending an hour or two gives you a hygienic cooking space and tastier meals. Don’t forget the satisfaction of seeing your oven transform from filthy to spotless shine! Tackle oven cleaning like a pro using these helpful tips.