The first step to cooking delicious food is first learning how to clean an oven. Follow these simple steps, by Bear Brothers Cleaning, to achieve a sparkling, grease-free oven and start cooking the food of your dreams.
How to Clean an Oven: Gather Your Supplies
Before diving into the cleaning process, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand:
- Oven cleaner (commercial or homemade)
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Rubber gloves
- Scrubbing brush or sponge
- Old newspapers or paper towels
- Microfiber cloth
- Small bowl
Ensure your oven is turned off and completely cool before cleaning. Also, open windows or turn on the ventilation fan to avoid inhaling fumes from the cleaning products.
Remove Oven Racks
Take out the oven racks and set them aside. If they’re particularly dirty, you can soak them in a bathtub filled with warm, soapy water for easier cleaning later.
Pre-Cleaning Oven Surface Debris
Use a dry cloth or paper towel to remove loose crumbs and debris from the oven interior. It will make the deep cleaning process more effective.
Apply Oven Cleaner or DIY Solution
Follow the instructions on your chosen oven cleaner, or create a DIY solution using baking soda and water. Mix baking soda with water in a small bowl to form a paste. Spread the paste evenly on the interior surfaces of the oven, avoiding the heating elements.
Allow the cleaner or baking soda paste to sit for at least 30 minutes, or as recommended by the product instructions. It gives the cleaner time to break down grease and grime, making it easier to wipe away.
Scrubbing Time
Put on your rubber gloves and use a scrubbing brush or sponge to scrub the oven surfaces thoroughly. Pay extra attention to areas with stubborn stains or built-up grease. For hard-to-reach spots, use an old toothbrush.
Dampen a cloth or sponge with white vinegar and wipe down the oven’s interior to neutralize any remaining cleaner residue. This step also helps eliminate lingering odors.
Clean Oven Racks
Retrieve the oven racks from the bathtub or sink and scrub them with a brush or sponge. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
Once the interior is clean and the racks are dry, place the racks back into the oven. Use a dry, clean microfiber cloth to wipe down the oven door and exterior surfaces.
Regular maintenance will extend the life of your oven and ensure that it operates efficiently. Happy cooking!
