Your oven is a workhorse in the kitchen, which means it’s also an appliance that gets dirty fast. Spills and splatters on the walls, racks, and door of your oven can build up over time, leading to unpleasant odors and glass that’s hard to see through. And they can even affect your oven’s efficiency over time. This is why routine cleaning is a must. To get your oven sparkling again, we’re sharing tips for cleaning every part of this essential kitchen appliance.
I’ve always found that a clean oven not only looks better but also cooks more evenly—those burnt bits can mess with heat distribution! Plus, keeping it in top shape can extend its lifespan, saving you from costly repairs or replacements down the road.
How Often to Clean Your Oven
Aim to deep clean your oven every three months, says Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority. She adds that this schedule could vary depending on your frequency of use. “If you are an avid cook or baker, or notice burnt food, lingering smells, grease, or dirt, you should clean it more frequently,” she says. Give your oven a quick wipe-down after each use to prevent a buildup of grime in between deep cleans.
In my experience, sticking to a quarterly deep-clean schedule works wonders, especially if you’re roasting or baking regularly. For heavy users, like those hosting weekly dinner parties, you might need to clean every six weeks to keep things fresh. A quick tip: I keep a small microfiber cloth near the oven for those post-cooking wipe-downs—it takes two minutes and saves a ton of scrubbing later. Studies from appliance manufacturers suggest that regular maintenance can improve oven efficiency by up to 10%, which means lower energy bills and better-cooked meals.
How to Clean an Oven With the Self-Cleaning Feature
Use your oven’s self-cleaning function to remove stubborn food residue and grease without the need for extensive manual scrubbing. “Most ovens with a self-cleaning function have a dedicated button or control panel setting for this feature,” says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean. Empty your oven, then press the button or select the appropriate setting to start the self-cleaning cycle.
The self-cleaning cycle typically takes several hours, depending on your model. “During this time, the oven will heat up to extremely high temperatures (often around 800 to 900 degrees Fahrenheit) to burn off the food residues,” says Sokolowski. “After the self-cleaning cycle finishes, the oven will need time to cool down.” After it cools, open the door and wipe everything down with a damp microfiber cloth.
I’ve used the self-cleaning feature a few times, and it’s a lifesaver for tough messes, but a word of caution: those high temperatures can produce a bit of smoke or odor, so open a window or run the kitchen fan. It’s also worth noting that the self-cleaning cycle uses a lot of energy—some estimates say it can consume as much as 8 kWh per cycle, so I try to reserve it for when the oven’s really grimy. For safety, always double-check that the oven is empty (no forgotten pans!) and keep pets and kids away during the process, as the exterior can get hot.
Materials Needed
If you’re cleaning your oven manually, make sure you have these cleaning supplies on hand.
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Water
- Dish soap
- Spray bottle
- Small bowl
- Scrubbing sponge or brush
- Bathtub or large container
- Microfiber cloth
These supplies are budget-friendly, which is a big plus—baking soda and vinegar usually cost less than $5 total at most grocery stores. I like to keep a dedicated spray bottle for cleaning tasks like this; it’s easier to reuse than buying commercial cleaners. Pro tip: if you’re sensitive to vinegar’s smell, add a drop of lemon essential oil to the mix for a fresher scent. Also, microfiber cloths are a game-changer—they’re reusable, washable, and way more effective than paper towels, which can leave streaks.
How to Clean the Inside of the Oven
Use baking soda and vinegar to create a foaming reaction that helps lift dirt and grease from the inside of your oven, says Sokolowski.
- Remove racks, trays, and other removable components from the oven.
- Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with water until a thick paste forms.
- Using a spatula, spread the baking soda paste evenly over the oven’s interior surfaces. Avoid applying the paste to heating elements or other sensitive oven parts.
- Let the paste sit on the oven surfaces for several hours.
- After letting the paste sit, fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray the interior surfaces of the oven with the vinegar solution, which will cause a foaming reaction.
- After the foaming reaction subsides, use a sponge or brush to gently scrub the interior surfaces of the oven, focusing on areas with stubborn stains.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the baking soda residue and loosened grime from the oven surfaces.
- Using a clean microfiber cloth, wipe the oven dry.
This method is my go-to because it’s natural and avoids harsh chemicals. The science behind it is simple: baking soda’s alkaline nature breaks down grease, and vinegar’s acidity reacts to lift it off surfaces. I’ve found letting the paste sit overnight works best for really stubborn spots, like baked-on spills from a lasagna mishap. If you’re dealing with extra-tough stains, a second round of scrubbing might be needed, but don’t overdo it—gentle pressure prevents scratching. This approach is not only effective but also eco-friendly, reducing the need for store-bought cleaners that can cost $10 or more per bottle.
How to Clean Oven Racks
This essential part of the oven will require routine cleaning to remove stubborn spills and stains.
- Fill a bathtub (or large container) with hot water.
- Add a few drops of natural dish soap to the water. For extra grimy racks, add 1 cup baking soda.
- Place the racks in the tub and let them soak.
- Use a sponge or brush to scrub the racks.
- Rinse with water and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
Soaking the racks in the tub is oddly satisfying—it’s like giving them a spa day! For really grimy racks, I’ve noticed that adding baking soda and letting them soak for at least an hour makes scrubbing so much easier. If you don’t have a bathtub, a large plastic storage bin works just as well. Microfiber cloths are key here because they pick up residue without leaving lint behind. Fun fact: clean racks can improve airflow in the oven, which helps with even baking—something I learned after noticing my cookies were browning unevenly until I gave the racks a good scrub.
How to Clean the Oven Door
Avoid using abrasive materials when cleaning the oven door so you don’t risk scratching the glass.
- In a small bowl, mix a few drops of natural dish soap with warm water.
- Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution.
- Wipe the outside of the oven door, focusing on areas with a lot of grime.
The glass door is the first thing people notice, so keeping it streak-free is a must. I’ve found that wiping in small, circular motions helps tackle smudges without spreading them around. If the grime is stubborn, a quick spritz of vinegar after the soap solution can loosen it up. Be gentle with the glass—scratching it can make it harder to clean over time and even weaken the door. A clean door also makes it easier to check on your food without opening the oven, which saves energy and keeps the heat consistent.
How to Clean Oven Knobs and Handle
Don’t forget about the knobs and handles of your oven, which are typically the most touched parts of this appliance.
- In a small bowl, mix a few drops of natural dish soap with warm water.
- Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution.
- Wipe the oven knobs and handle clean.
Knobs and handles are germ magnets, so I make it a habit to wipe them down weekly. If you’ve got kids who love turning the knobs (like mine do), you might need to do this more often. For tricky spots around the edges, I use an old toothbrush dipped in the soapy water—it gets into the crevices without much effort. Keeping these parts clean not only looks good but also ensures they function smoothly, as grease buildup can make knobs sticky or hard to turn over time.
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