How to Clean an Oven

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Why do I need to clean my oven?

Cleaning your oven is essential for various reasons. Firstly, a clean oven operates more efficiently, saving energy and preventing potential breakdowns. It also reduces the risk of fires and prevents unpleasant odours and smoke during cooking.

Additionally, it ensures better food quality, prevents cross-contamination, and maintains a hygienic cooking space.

Keeping your oven clean is a simple yet effective way to enhance its performance, promote safety, and enjoy healthier, better-tasting meals.

What do I need to clean an oven?

Materials

• Baking soda
• Water
• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• Old towels or cleaning rags
• Scrubbing sponge or brush
• Rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven

Remove oven racks and any other removable parts. If your oven has a heating element at the bottom, make sure it’s cool before proceeding.

2. Scrape away loose debris

Use a spatula or a blunt object to gently scrape away loose debris and large food particles from the oven interior.

3. Make a baking soda paste

In a bowl, mix about 1/2 cup of baking soda with water to form a paste. Adjust the ratio until you achieve a spreadable consistency.

4. Apply baking soda paste

Spread the baking soda paste evenly on the interior surfaces of the oven, avoiding the heating elements. Focus on areas with stubborn stains and built-up grime.

5. Let it sit overnight

Close the oven door and let the baking soda paste sit overnight. This allows it to break down grease and loosen baked-on residue.

6. Wipe with a damp cloth

The next day, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the dried baking soda paste. The paste should lift away dirt and stains.

7. Spray with vinegar

Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and lightly spray the oven interior. The vinegar will react with any remaining baking soda residue, causing it to bubble and making it easier to wipe away.

8. Scrub stubborn areas

For stubborn areas, use a scrubbing sponge or brush to gently scrub away residue. Be cautious not to damage the oven’s surfaces.

9. Clean oven racks

Clean oven racks separately by soaking them in a mixture of hot water and dish soap. Use a scrubbing pad or sponge to remove any remaining grime.

10. Rinse and dry

Wipe down the oven interior with a damp cloth to remove any remaining vinegar or baking soda residue. Dry the surfaces with a clean, dry cloth.

11. Reassemble the oven

Once the oven is clean and dry, reinsert the oven racks and any removable parts.

12. Dispose of cleaning materials

Dispose of any used cleaning materials, and wash cleaning cloths or sponges for future use.

Regularly cleaning your oven helps maintain its efficiency and prevents unpleasant odours. If your oven has a self-cleaning function, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.

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About the author of this page

This page was written by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.