Getting Down and Dirty: How To Clean An Oven

The importance of a clean oven is one of longevity and efficiency. Baked-on dirt makes the oven heat up more slowly, making it less efficient. Yes, there are commercial oven cleaners available, but most contain harmful chemicals. You don’t want to expose yourself and your family to any of those hazards.

Then there’s the self-cleaning oven function. It sounds like the perfect solution, but in reality, your oven is not designed to withstand the extreme temperatures for the prolonged time required to incinerate the grit, grease, and grime. It will cause your oven to wear out prematurely. And if your oven is coated with Teflon®, this toxic coating can break down under the extreme heat of the self-cleaning cycle. Toxic fumes are not something you want to be cooking up in your kitchen.

Fortunately, learning how to clean an oven without these hazards is not impossible. And when that oven eventually breaks down (which, unfortunately, it will), we've got your back.

What materials are needed for cleaning an oven

To do a good job of cleaning your oven, you will need the following:

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Dishwashing detergent
• A soft-bristled brush or toothbrush
• Sponge
• A dry cloth or paper towels

How often should you clean your oven

The best way to clean an oven depends on how often your oven is used. If your oven is used regularly, you should make it a part of your monthly cleaning routine, in addition to wiping it down weekly. Of course, the best thing to do when you have spills in the oven is to wipe them up immediately, before it becomes baked on. Baked-on food and grease can cause the oven to smoke and smell bad, thus affecting the taste and smell of the food.

If you hardly ever use your oven, just look in on it every now and then to make sure no stray wildlife has taken up residency, and give it a good wipe-down when you’re cleaning the outside.

What is the best way to clean oven racks

Most oven racks slide out of the oven. A good place to clean oven racks is in the bathtub. Simply put a towel in the bottom of the tub so the racks don’t scratch the tub finish. Then, place the racks on the towel, fill the tub with hot water until the racks are covered and dissolve a half cup of dishwashing detergent in the water. Let the racks soak for at least four hours or overnight. Loosen any stuck-on particles with a soft brush or sponge, rinse them to remove the soap and dry them off. Easy peasy!

How to clean an electric oven

For a surprisingly effective tactic for cleaning electric ovens, consider using baking soda.

Simply make a paste with one-half cup of baking soda, mixing it with three tablespoons of water. (Use a cup of baking soda with one-third a cup of water if the oven is really dirty.)

1. With the racks removed, use a paper towel or sponge to remove any loose particles from the bottom, sides, top and door.
2. Then, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the inside surfaces with the baking soda paste, being careful not to scrub the heating element.
3. Let the paste soak for one to three hours, or overnight for a really dirty oven.
4. To remove the paste, you can spray it down with vinegar or use a paper towel or sponge soaked with vinegar.
5. Replace the racks.

How to clean a gas oven

For gas oven cleaning, use the same method as above, with the following addition:

1. Locate the gas burner under the panel at the bottom of the oven, being careful not to let any liquid run down through the vent slots and onto the burner.
2. Inspect and clean the burner by either removing the bottom panel or the broiler drawer, if your oven has one. if there is no broiler drawer, you may need to remove the front panel under the oven door.
3. Turn the oven on and observe the burner flames. If there are gaps in the flames, some of the gas ports (small holes) may be clogged.
4. Use a toothpick or straight pin to unclog any blocked gas ports, then clean the burner with a small brush.
5. Consult your oven’s manufacturer instructions if the flames need adjusting.

Beyond cleaning? Don’t worry, be warranty.

You’ve tackled the toughest stains and kept your oven spotless, but some problems go beyond just cleaning. When your oven or other appliances break down, American Home Shield has your back. With comprehensive coverage for your home’s systems and appliances, you can focus on keeping things clean while we handle the rest. Protect your home and avoid unexpected repair costs with a home warranty you can trust.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.