Tips for Cleaning the Oven
The Basics of How to Clean the Oven
We all know that oven cleaning is not fun, but it is not the awful task it once was.
Self cleaning ovens, and commercial oven cleaning products such as easy off, make what once was an incredibly difficult task a breeze.
Keeping the Interior of the Oven Clean
The oven you have may be a self-cleaning oven, which is not exactly true, but it does come close. Regardless of the self clean feature, you do need to maintain the interiors cleanliness.
Self cleaning technology helps, but substantial spills and splatters will smoke and burn and get baked on if not wiped up after they’ve happened, these require immediate attention. A little mix of dishwashing soap and water can effectively tackle and clean spills.
To save on cleanup time when you know you will be cooking a large meal, cover the oven rack below the rack you are cooking on, with aluminum foil, do not let foil touch the heating element.
Self Cleaning Ovens
Self-cleaning ovens heat to a very high temperatures for a few hours to burn off spills and stains. Before using the self clean feature, remove the wire racks to prevent damage. Lock the oven door and turn on the self cleaning mode.
When the self clean process is finished, usually within 2-6 hours, allow the oven to cool before wiping the interior with a damp cloth. The self-cleaning function turns food spills into a gray ash that can be wiped away easily with a damp sponge.
Do not forget to wipe up spills on the oven door. Wipe the seal around the door with a gentle cleanser and the gasket with a damp sponge.
Cleaning the Oven Exterior
Most oven exteriors can be easily and quickly wiped clean with a gentle cleanser, or even glass cleaner.
- Do not clean the exterior with a cleaning solution if the oven interior is hot. The heat with quickly evaporate the cleaning solution.
- Wipe up spills as soon as you can and be careful when and if scrubbing is required so you do not damage the exterior surface.
- Soak the burner racks in warm, soapy water. If you have a stove with a flat top, simply spray with a gentle cleanser and wipe dry.
Using Oven Cleaner
For ovens without a self-cleaning feature, store-bought oven cleaners come to the rescue. Get those cleaning gloves out and get prepared to scrub.
Follow the manufacturers instructions very carefully. Oven cleaners are either cold-process, or one that requires the oven to be pre-heated to start the process. Some cleaners take a few hours, and some work overnight.
Remember to wear protective gloves, and be cautious of potential skin irritation from the acidic cleaner. Scrub minimally after the cleaner has worked its magic.
Wipe down the inside of the oven completely to get rid of any cleaner and residue.
Cleaning Oven Racks
While you are waiting for the oven to finish cleaning, soak removable racks and trays in warm, soapy water and scrub away any residue, dry thoroughly before placing them back in the oven.
Maintenance Frequency
Depending on how often you use your oven, you should usually clean it every few months. Clean up spills as soon as they happen to keep yourself from having to do excessive amounts of oven cleaning in the future.
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