Cleaning your oven might not top your list of favorite chores, but it’s essential for keeping your appliance functioning properly and your food tasting great. With the right techniques and tools, the process can be straightforward and even satisfying. This guide walks you through the best way to deep-clean your oven using both natural and commercial methods.
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Start with the Oven Racks
The first step in any oven-cleaning process is to remove the racks. These often accumulate grease and grime, making them tricky to clean due to their intricate edges and bars. To tackle this, soak the racks in warm water with a Cascade dishwasher pod. If you don’t have a bathtub, use a large plastic bin. The dishwasher pod’s enzymes are designed to break down grease, making it highly effective for this task. While the racks soak, you can focus on the oven’s interior.
Remove Loose Debris
Before applying any cleaner, clear out loose crumbs and burnt food from the oven. Large food debris, like that one rogue piece of cheese that fell off your frozen pizza, can make cleaning harder if it’s left in place. Use a vacuum, brush, or paper towel to remove as much debris as possible. For stubborn bits, a plastic putty knife works well to scrape them off without damaging the surface.
Choosing the Right Cleaner
For a natural approach, create a paste with baking soda and water. This acts as a powerful scrub to break up grease. After scrubbing, wipe it away with a damp towel, then spray vinegar to remove any residue. Remember not to mix baking soda and vinegar—they neutralize each other, rendering them ineffective.
If you prefer a commercial cleaner, Zep’s product delivers fast results. Spray it evenly inside the oven and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour to emulsify grease and grime. Be sure to wear gloves, ventilate the area, and protect any stainless steel surfaces to prevent etching.
Cleaning Around the Heating Element
Cleaning around the heating element requires extra care. Gently lift the element to clean beneath it, but avoid applying excessive force. If cleaner gets on the element, wipe it off with a damp towel. Ensuring this area is clean helps maintain even heating and prevents smoke during cooking.
Addressing Tough Stains
For stubborn, baked-on grime that won’t budge, a razor blade scraper is your secret weapon. Spray a bit of cleaner to lubricate the surface, then gently scrape away the residue. Always use a new, rust-free blade to avoid scratching the oven’s interior. When using a razor, you don’t have to scrub very hard either.
For textured oven surfaces, tools like a Scrub Daddy or Scour Daddy are effective without causing damage. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers like green-and-yellow pads, as they can scratch the surface and lead to rust.
Tackle the Racks
By now, the oven racks will have soaked long enough for the dishwasher pod to work its magic. Use a Scour Daddy to scrub away remaining grease. For heavily soiled areas, ultra-fine steel wool (grade 0000) can be used to achieve a pristine finish. Once clean, rinse the racks thoroughly and dry them with a microfiber towel to remove any residue.
Avoiding the Self-Clean Function
While many ovens feature a self-cleaning option, I generally recommended recommend not using this feature. This function can cause overheating, damage internal components, and pose a fire hazard. Cleaning your oven manually is safer and more effective in the long run. I’ve seen multiple ovens melted and destroyed over my many years of professional cleaning.
Enjoy a Cleaner, More Efficient Oven
With these steps, your oven will look and perform its best. Regular cleaning not only enhances its efficiency but also creates a healthier cooking environment. If you’re looking for more cleaning tips, check out additional resources and guides on our Patreon.