When faced with this rather ignored task, you must be wondering why you need to clean your oven at all. However, filthy ovens can be hazardous, resulting in the following consequences:

  • Oven damage
  • Discoloration
  • Grimy glass door
  • Oven smoking
  • Fire dangers
  • Short oven life

Not to scare you, though! You can easily prevent these with a simple, regular oven cleaning. Now, roll up your sleeves because we’re about to break down the process for you to clean your racks, glass, and trays in the most convenient, efficient, convenient, and stress-free methods! Want your oven to look spotless? Let’s do it!

Why Is an Unclean Oven Dangerous?

Here’s something you need to be mindful of: leaving your oven uncleaned for a while means that stray bits of food and grease will make a home there. This could likely cause a lot of smoke output whenever you cook.

The food could continue to burn until you find yourself in a fire hazard! Plus, not only will the burnt flavour ruin the taste of your meals, but the smoke can even trigger fire alarms and make a scene.

oven and stove

Picking the Right Oven Cleaner

The correct tools will make any tough task smooth and effortless, and oven cleaning is no exception!

You can choose from a whole variety of cleaning products on the market. From strong solutions that easily clean up and get rid of heavy stains, to low-concentration solutions that don’t perfectly clean and require more scrubbing.

Note that many cleaning products contain sodium hydroxide, which is a toxic chemical that can be acutely corrosive. While it’s very efficient as a cleaner, it’s safer to go for cleaning products that don’t include such harsh chemicals.

The Natural Way Out

If you’re a DIY kind of person and would like to play it naturally, try out our favourite solution: vinegar and bicarbonate soda.

  1. Mix a little water with ½ a cup of bicarbonate soda
  2. Spread the mixture over the oven’s interior, but stay away from electrics
  3. Leave it overnight
  4. Wipe off the mixture with a wet cloth
  5. Generously spray vinegar on every surface, avoiding electrics
  6. Clean off the rest of the residue
  7. Repeat the process if necessary

Note: as a natural oven cleaner, it may need you to repeat applications to be able to remove the stubborn grease and stains.

How to Clean Your Oven in Simple Steps

Here comes our essential guide to cleaning your dirty oven. We’ll go through every step in detail for an intensive, deep clean. Also, remember to cleanse all the components.

What You’ll Need

Prepare the following equipment to begin your oven cleaning mission.

  • Your choice of oven cleaner
  • Sponges
  • Scourer
  • Rubber gloves
  • Kitchen towels
  • Big, resealable plastic bags
  • Clean cloths

Let’s Get Prepared

  1. Make sure your oven is switched off – this is critical since you’ll be using cleaners near electrics!
  2. Your oven has to be cold before you begin.
  3. Wear your rubber gloves and make sure your arms and wrists are always covered.
  4. Keep your windows open to ventilate those chemicals.
  5. Remove any stray bits of burnt food or dirt.

Clean the Oven Racks

  1. Start by taking the oven racks off and removing any debris or food particles from them.
  2. Put your racks in the resealable bags with the cleaner and leave them overnight or for at least 4-6 hours. This will efficiently rid you of the tough residue.
  3. Take the oven racks from the bags, then scrub any remaining residue off using a scourer, hot water, and soap.
  4. Rinse and dry them at once.
  5. Place them back in the oven once cleansed.

Tip: Instead of the resealable plastic bags, you can seal the racks in a normal rubbish bag as an alternative.

Or you can soak your racks in warm water mixed with your chosen cleaner inside the sink. Let them sit there for a couple of hours, ideally overnight, then go on with the steps above.

Clean the Oven’s Inside

food inside an oven

  1. Remove all stray bits of food and debris.
  2. Go through all the safety instructions for your oven cleaner before using it.
  3. Put the cleaner as instructed and leave it there for the specified time.
  4. Using a sponge, scrub away the grease and grime to clear them out.
  5. Wipe off your oven with a wet cloth, but take care not to get near any electrics!
  6. Repeat the process if some stubborn stains persist.
  7. Keep your oven’s door open when you’re done to let it ventilate.

Clean the Glass Door

  1. You can either purchase a glass cleaner or simply use the same oven cleaner you’ve been using to clean the glass door.
  2. Lay the oven door open, properly flat so the liquid wouldn’t runoff.
  3. Get rid of the loose debris, then add some of your cleaner on the glass and leave it there for the specified duration.
  4. Using your sponge, gently scrub the glass to get rid of stains and grime. Tip: Using an old toothbrush can help you reach the crevices and corners for a deeper clean.
  5. Wipe the glass thoroughly using a dry cloth.

Clean the Oven Trays

  1. Use a paper towel to wipe away excess grease, paying special attention to the parts accumulated in the tray’s corners.
  2. Put your trays inside the sink and keep running warm water till they’re all fully covered.
  3. Mix the water with some bio washing powder to effectively break down all stubborn stains.
  4. Let them soak for at least three hours.
  5. The remaining residue can then be removed with a scouring pad.
  6. For an additional cleanse, you can place the trays in the dishwasher.

turning on an oven

Et Voilà!

Can anyone function properly with a defective heart? Unlikely. Well, since ovens are described as the heart of any kitchen, cleaning them is as crucial as open-heart surgery. Much easier, though!

When you keep your oven clean all the time, it would be easier for you to spot any damage at the right time, helping to sustain your oven’s life.

We hope this guide helps you to immaculately cleanse your oven and smile at your reflection on its door!