How to Clean an Oven
Cleaning an oven can be daunting, but it's a necessary chore to keep your kitchen in tip-top shape. You can use several methods to clean your oven, including baking soda and water, a commercial oven cleaner, or the self-cleaning feature. In this guide, we will provide tips for cleaning the various parts of your oven, including the interior, exterior, and oven racks. We will also discuss how to remove baked-on grime to make your appliance sparkle!
Oven Cleaning Basics
First, let's start with the basics. It is best to clean your oven when it is cool, so turn it off and let it cool down completely before you begin. You will also want to remove any loose food or debris from inside of the oven. This can be done by using a damp cloth to wipe up any spills or a spatula to gently scrape away any food stuck to the oven's bottom.
Baking Soda Paste Method
Next, you can tackle the baked-on grime and grease that tends to accumulate inside a dirty oven. You can use a few different methods to loosen and remove this stuck-on dirt. One option is to use a mixture of baking soda and water. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. Then, use a sponge or scrub brush to apply the paste to the dirty areas of the oven. Let the paste sit for at least an hour or overnight if the grime is particularly stubborn. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe away the paste and any dirt that has been loosened.
Commercial Oven Cleaner Method
Another option for removing stuck-on grime is Therapy Clean Cooktop Cleaner & Polish. This product is safe for oven surfaces and uses a natural mineral abrasive to remove heavy grease buildup. Apply the cleaner to the surface and buff it with a non-abrasive scrub sponge or cloth. It's always a good idea to test a small section first to ensure surface compatibility. This product also works exceptionally well on glass oven doors to remove burn marks. It's easy to use and safe on oven surfaces, making it a great alternative to the harsh chemicals found in commercial cleaners.
Self-Cleaning Method
If you have a self-cleaning oven, you can also use the self-cleaning feature to help remove stuck-on grime and grease. The self-cleaning feature works by heating the oven to extremely high temperatures, around 900 degrees Fahrenheit, which helps burn off any dirt or food stuck to the oven walls. Remember that this feature can produce a lot of smoke, so it is important to open windows and turn on the exhaust fan while in use.
Exterior Cleaning
Once you have cleaned the oven's interior, you can move on to the exterior. Wipe down outside the range, including the door and control panel, with a damp cloth. If there are any tough stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water or white vinegar to help lift them. Alternatively, you can use Therapy Clean All Purpose or Stainless Steel Cleaner, depending on your cleaning surface. These products effectively remove grime and stains from oven exteriors and are safe to use on various surfaces. Spray the cleaner a microfiber cloth and wipe clean.
Cleaning Oven Doors
With a little bit of elbow grease and the right cleaning products, you can easily keep the exterior of your oven looking clean and shiny. For the oven door, you can use a scraper or a razor blade to remove any stuck-on dirt or burnt food carefully. Alternatively, you can use Therapy Clean Cooktop Cleaner & Polish to remove burn marks and other tough stains from the glass door. Apply the cleaner to a non-abrasive cloth or sponge and buff it in, following the instructions on the product label.
Cleaning Oven Racks
Finally, remember to clean the oven racks. These can be cleaned in a few different ways. One option is to remove the racks from the oven and soak them in a sink or tub filled with hot water and a generous amount of dish soap, such as Therapy Clean. Use a scrub brush and the soapy water to scrub away dirt or grime. Rinse and dry the racks before putting them back in the oven.
Once you have cleaned all of the different parts of your oven, it is essential to give it a final wipe-down to remove any residue or cleaner that may be left behind. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the oven, and make sure to dry the oven thoroughly before turning it back on.
How often should I clean my oven?
How often you should clean your oven depends on how frequently you use it and the type of oven you have. If you use your oven frequently and tend to cook messy or greasy foods, it may need to be cleaned more often. On the other hand, if you don't use your oven as much or mainly cook simple meals, it may not need to be cleaned as often. A general rule of thumb is to clean the interior of your oven every few months, depending on how dirty it becomes.
Summary
In summary, the best way to clean an oven is to remove any loose food or debris from the interior. Then, use a mixture of baking soda and water or a commercial oven cleaner to tackle any stuck-on grime and grease. If you have a self-cleaning oven, you can also use the self-cleaning feature to help remove dirt. Remember to clean the oven's exterior, including the door, control panel, and oven racks. Finally, give the oven a final wipe-down to remove any residue and make sure it is dry before turning it back on. With a bit of elbow grease and the right cleaning tools and techniques, your oven will look new in no time.
