No one likes a dirty oven. No one likes to clean a dirty oven, either.
But, spills, stains, and grime will accumulate inside your oven with time, causing a stink, and permeating your culinary creations!
Modern ovens do have a self-cleaning feature, and this may be enough to keep your oven clean – if you eat out a lot. But if you’re a frequent baker, you will need to do a deep clean on your oven at some point.
You’ve never learned how to clean ovens? No worries! Read on for an easy cleaning guide.
When to Clean the Oven
Opinions vary when it comes to how often to clean the oven, but the basic rule of thumb: clean it as soon as it gets dirty.
Attend to spills right away, using a sponge or with a salt solution if the spill is sticky. Leave the salt on until the oven cools, and then wipe.
If you notice an odor, or even smoke when cooking, your oven is overdue for a cleaning. With a deep-clean, you have a choice between using chemical agents or more natural methods.
Chemical Cleaners
Store-bought oven cleaning solutions have been popular for years. Spray the chemical solution on the sides of the oven as well as the racks and allow that solution to sit and work for 30 minutes to an hour. The agents in the spray dissolve dirt and grime, for easy-wipe clean up.
The downside to chemical cleaners is the caustic and nasty-smelling fumes they emit. Plus, these chemicals are toxic and could affect your skin, eyes, or lungs, so use caution with these cleaners.
Natural Cleaners
Baking soda, water, and vinegar are also very effective in getting rid of oven mess. Make a paste out of the soda and water, and spread it inside the oven. Leave on for 10 to 12 hours and then spray the paste inside with a solution of vinegar and water. Wipe the foam (and dirt) away.
Although natural cleaning methods often take longer to use, you and your environment will be less affected by potential toxins.
Racks and Door Glass
Don’t forget to deep-clean the oven racks. Remove them from the oven, cover them with the cleaning solution, and put them in large plastic yard bags to sit and soak. Wipe more than once if needed before you return them to the oven.
The oven door needs attention too. Vacuum any crumbs in between the glass and the edges with a hand-held vacuum. Then, use your cleaning solution on the glass, allowing the paste or foam to sit for a few hours. Then, wipe the glass down until it shines.
How to Clean Ovens
When deciding how to clean ovens, use the method that fits your situation. If you seldom use the oven, you can get away with using the oven’s self-cleaning feature. Otherwise, use your choice of cleaning agent, grab some rubber gloves and a sponge, and wipe away.
If you have an extremely dirty oven or want the cleanest oven and kitchen in town, you can contact us to schedule a routine or deep cleaning today, so you can get back to baking!
