How to Clean an Oven: Step by Step

Posted December 1st, 2021

An oven can be a big investment for any homeowner, and that is why it is so important that we know how to properly care for it. What exactly does caring for your oven entail? It is as simple as making sure you clean it regularly.

Cleaning your oven is important and often, easily neglected. The grease that splatters around while cooking your delicious bacon and other meals gets all over the place. It can cover the top, sides, and front of the oven easily. If left there, it can lead to microbes growing.

Any food that drips off inside the oven can buildup and create issues as well. It can prevent your oven from reaching the correct temperatures while cooking and prolong cook times.

How Often Should I Clean My Oven

Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a very hard, permanent coating, much like the finish coat on a brand-new vehicle.

How often should you clean your oven to avoid these issues? This can vary depending on how frequently you cook with your range or oven.

In general, your cooktop should be wiped down after every use. This will ensure that any grease or pieces of food will be cleaned up so that no microbes can grow there. The front of the oven should be cleaned once each week for the same reason.

According to SimpleGreen.com, the inside of your oven should be cleaned at least once every three months. Although this can be done more often if you frequently use the oven and can visibly see the buildup that could cause problems.

A simple rule of thumb is if you can smell something other than what you are cooking, it is time to clean your oven.

How to Clean an Oven

Cleaning the Top and Front

If you have been keeping up with regular cleaning, the top and front of your oven can be easily cleaned with a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaner after each time you cook.

Deeper cleaning of your cooktop can vary depending on what type of oven you have.

Gas Burning Cooktops

A gas-burning cooktop will need to have the grates and burners removed. A mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap works well. Mix this up, spray it on the cooktop, and let it soak for about 20 minutes. Then use soap and water to wash it all off.

Electric Cooktops with Coils

Electric stovetops with coils can be easy to clean even if they are heavily soiled. Wipe down the coils with water and a rag after each use. If there is still food cooked onto the burners, turn them on high for a few minutes, let them cool and wipe the burnt food off. If food is still difficult to remove from the burners, remove them and wash them in the sink once they have cooled off.

Glass Cooktops

Glass-top electric stoves are the easiest to clean by far. If they are heavily soiled all you must do is wipe the top off and then pour baking soda and vinegar on it. Wait a few moments, then wipe it all down again until clean.

Get a more in-depth breakdown of these processes at Food52.com.

Cleaning the Inside of the Oven

Self-Cleaning Settings

Almost all ovens, whether gas or electric, come with a self-cleaning option. This is a great function that can do all the hard work for you. It works by increasing the temperature of the oven to around 900℉. This will burn all the buildup off the walls and grates unless your model specifies you need to remove them first and leave a white powder you can wipe out when it is done.

Although this is a great option and can make things much easier, it is not the best for all situations. Self-cleaning can lock you out of your oven for up to four hours and can create a potent smell throughout the house. You should never leave the house if you are using the self-clean setting.

Follow the instructions in your oven or range’s manual to determine the correct method for your self-cleaning oven.

Manually Cleaning Your Oven’s Interior

If you would prefer to manually clean your oven, you will just need a little extra elbow grease. You will also need to determine if you would prefer to use an oven cleaner or baking soda and vinegar.

If you want to clean your oven with an oven cleaner follow these steps.

1. Be sure your oven is cooled off if it has been recently used.

2. Remove the grates.

3. Use a rag, paper towels, or sponge. Put oven cleaner on your rag or sponge and scrub down the oven’s interior.

4. Wipe out any debris and rinse the rag as needed.

5. Place the grates in the sink.

6. Using the same method, put oven cleaner on the rag, and wipe down the grates until cleaned.

7. Replace grates.

8. Follow any specific instructions listed on your oven cleaner.

If you want to clean your oven with a baking soda and vinegar mixture do the following.

1. Be sure your oven is cooled off if it has been recently used.

2. Fill your sink or a large bucket with vinegar and baking soda (two-parts vinegar and one-part baking soda).

3. Remove the grates and place them into the mixture.

4. Allow it to fizz and sit for a few moments then scrub the grates clean.

5. Combine another bucket with vinegar and baking soda mixture and wipe the mixture on the entire interior of the oven.

6. Let sit for at least 10 minutes or overnight for particularly difficult to clean areas.

7. Use a wet rag to wipe the mixture off the oven’s interior until clean. If you left the mixture sit overnight, you may need to scrape the mixture off.

Looking to Purchase a New Oven?

If you are looking to purchase a new oven or range, shop at Queen City Audio Video & Appliance. We ensure that you will receive the best customer service and deal possible. Shop our selection of ranges and ovens online today or stop in to your local store to browse in person and speak with one of our team members.