It’s no surprise that your oven can become covered in spills, drips, and baked-on food between the holidays and weekday dinners. But don’t worry – we’ll show you how to clean your oven easily with various methods. So put on your cleaning gloves, and let’s get started!
When, Why & How to Clean Your Oven
It is important to clean your oven regularly to prevent the build-up of grease and food particles, which can lead to bad odors and be a potential fire hazard. Aim to clean your oven at least once every three months or more if you use it frequently. Regularly cleaning your oven can ensure a safer and more pleasant cooking experience in your kitchen.
There are several options for cleaning your oven, including using store-bought cleaning products specifically designed for ovens or creating a homemade cleaner using baking soda and vinegar.
How to Clean Oven with Easy-Off
Easy-Off is one of the most popular oven cleaners and can be used for deep and spot cleaning.
Spot Clean with Easy Off
To spot-clean with Easy Off, spray onto the stain and allow it to sit for 30 seconds before wiping it with a wet sponge or paper towel.
Deep Clean with Easy Off
To deep-clean an oven with Easy Off, remove the racks and set the oven to preheat to 95°C. Once it’s reached the temperature, turn the oven off and spray Easy Off inside the oven. Close the door to the oven and allow it to sit for 1.5 hours before wiping it with a wet sponge or paper towel.
To clean your oven racks using Easy Off, place them in a well-vented area and follow the same instructions based on the type of cleaning you are doing. Use a scrub brush to remove stubborn grease, and ensure you rinse thoroughly before replacing the racks.
Things to Know Before Using Easy Off
- Only use Easy Off Fume Free in self-cleaning ovens.
- Refer to your Owner’s Manual for the manufacturer’s recommended products.
- Always read the instructions and warning labels before using strong cleaning chemicals such as Easy Off.
If you prefer to clean without harsh chemicals, try making your own natural oven cleaner with baking soda and vinegar!
How to Clean Oven with Baking Soda
Baking soda and vinegar are both natural and non-toxic, making them a safer alternative for cleaning than harsh chemical oven cleaners. They also have powerful cleansing and deodorizing properties that effectively break down grease and remove stubborn baked-on food. Plus, they are inexpensive and readily available in most households!
To Spot Clean with Baking Soda
To spot clean with baking soda, mix together water and baking soda in a small bowl and create a paste. Next, spread the paste on the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes then use a damp sponge to wipe it off. For stubborn spots, spray vinegar on top of the paste and let it foam to help break up grease and grime before wiping it away.
How to Deep Clean with Baking Soda
Remove the oven racks and spread the paste onto the interior surfaces of the oven, making sure to cover any tough stains or buildup. Then, spray the inside of the oven with white vinegar, which will cause the baking soda to foam and break up the grime. Finally, wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge until all residue is removed.
Clean Oven Racks with Baking Soda & Vinegar
To clean oven racks with baking soda and vinegar, remove the racks from the oven and place them in a bathtub. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the racks, then pour vinegar over them until they are fully coated. Let sit for several hours, then scrub with a sponge or brush to remove any remaining grime. Rinse well before returning the racks to the oven.
Self-Cleaning Instructions
The self-clean mode on an oven is a helpful feature that allows the oven to heat to a high temperature, burning off any built-up grime or food residue, making cleaning easier. Even though this feature is convenient, there are very important steps to take before using it.
Before using the self-clean function:
- Consult your Owner’s Manual for specific warnings and instructions for your oven.
- Never use self-clean before big cooking events such as the holidays to avoid damage to the oven components and lingering odors.
- Always make sure the area is well-ventilated.
- Remove baking sheets and wipe loose debris.
Set the oven to self-clean mode and let it run for the designated time. After cleaning, let the oven cool down completely before wiping out any residual ash.
If you have questions or run into issues while cleaning your oven, don’t hesitate to call the oven repair experts at Priority Appliance Service.
