The Best Ways to Clean an Oven – Outta the Oven, Fresh and Clean!

We all love an oven when it’s new and shiny, but when the same kitchen appliance starts to get unwanted stains or debris, the thought of cleaning it fills you with inexplicable dread. Believe it or not, this feeling usually stems from a lack of knowledge and basic tools for oven cleaning. To change your view on this seemingly overwhelming chore, we bring you a simple guide on the best ways to clean an oven.

1. Ensure Your Oven Is Cool and Dry

Before you jump into the oven cleaning task, make sure the kitchen appliance is cool and dry. Next, take out all the oven racks that may get in your way of you cleaning the oven. Using a clean old cloth or paper towel to remove burned food from your oven. Get rid of all the dirt and debris that may be residing in the appliance.

2. Choose the Best Oven Cleaner

For this step, you have three amazing options. Let’s discuss each in detail:

· Quality Store-Bought Cleaner

This is the easiest and fastest way to clean your oven. Look for a quality cleaner that helps you remove substantial amounts of grease and grime in one go.

When cleaning your oven with a store-bought cleaner, follow these steps in order:

1. Remove all of your oven components, including racks, thermometer, fan blade, bake trays, etc.
2. To prevent spilling chemicals onto the floor, lay out large newspapers or paper towels beneath your oven.
3. Since cleaners can contain abrasive chemicals, make sure to put on safety gloves, thick clothing, and safety goggles.
4. Spray the oven cleaner all around the oven, including all of its insides. If you have an electric oven, make sure not to spray this solution on the heating elements.
5. Allow the cleaner to sit on the oven for close to 20 – 30 minutes.
   1. Meanwhile, take all the racks and trays outside and spray them with the cleaner. Shut or tie them in a large plastic bag.
6. Afterward, using a damp cloth, wipe your entire oven. In case of sticky or stubborn grease or grime, use a microfiber sponge or a scouring stick to get rid of all the excess.
7. Remove the racks and trays from the plastic bag and transfer them into your sink. Scrub them with a soapy abrasive tool to get rid of dried crusts or chunky parts. Dry them first before putting them back into the oven.

· Vinegar or Baking Soda

While chemical cleaners are some of the best ways to clean an oven, they do carry some health risks with their usage. If you prefer a DIY natural method for oven cleaning, use vinegar or baking soda in the following way:

1. Remove all of your oven components, including racks, thermometer, fan blade, bake trays, etc.
2. To avoid making your floor dirty, lay out large newspapers or paper towels beneath your oven.
3. In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of baking soda with 2 – 3 tablespoons of water. Add more or less water until you reach the desired consistency for paste.
4. Put on the gloves and protective clothing and cover the entire oven (both the inside and outside) with the prepared paste. Don’t apply the paste to the heating elements of your oven. If you have a gas oven, then avoid applying the paste where the gas comes from.
5. Allow the paste to sit for 10 hours at least or overnight.
6. Meanwhile, take your racks and trays to your kitchen sink. Sprinkle baking soda on them and pour generous amounts of vinegar over them. This will create foam. Once the foaming stops, rinse with hot water until clean.
7. After enough time has passed, use a damp cloth or rag and wipe down your oven thoroughly. Use a scouring stick or microfiber sponge to eliminate hard-to-remove debris.
8. Once the racks and trays dry up, place them back in the oven.

· Lemon and Water

Another great DIY oven-cleaning technique is using lemon juice – a natural bleach that helps eliminate tough spots instantly.

1. Cut two lemons and squeeze them in a mixing bowl. Add in some water to prepare lemon juice.
2. Heat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Now, place the mixing bowl inside the oven. Let it stay in for an hour or so.
4. Turn off the oven, open the door, and let it cool for a bit.
5. Put on gloves and clean the oven with a damp cloth. Make sure that at this point, the oven is neither too hot nor too cool.
6. Wipe thoroughly until all the grease and grime come off.

3. Ask for Help

Oven cleaning becomes an easier chore when there’s someone to help you out. So, don’t ever hesitate to ask for a helping hand when cleaning your oven. Do this, and you will definitely feel the difference!

These are the best ways to clean an oven. Using our above-mentioned tips, you will see quick and effective results. Above all, you will enjoy cleaning your oven, and that too, quite often!