How to Clean an Oven – Step by Step Guide

Maintaining a well-kept kitchen extends beyond aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in culinary quality and overall kitchen safety. A dirty oven, when heated, can release unpleasant odors and impart undesirable flavors to the food being prepared.

By regularly cleaning your oven, you not only streamline meal preparation but also enhance the dining experience with your family. A clean oven allows for a more enjoyable time spent at the table rather than in the kitchen, addressing cleanup issues.

To ensure optimal performance and cleanliness, it is generally advisable to clean your oven every three to six months, or more frequently in the event of spills and messes. Regular maintenance also helps prevent odors associated with gas ovens. By following these straightforward steps to clean your oven, you can foster a smoother mealtime process for everyone involved.

We have collected these tips from Whirlpool

Guidelines for Thoroughly Cleaning an Oven

To effectively clean your oven, utilize a rag or dishcloth to thoroughly wipe both the interior and exterior surfaces of the appliance. Common household materials such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice can serve as effective cleaning agents. For the oven racks, it is recommended to soak them in soapy water prior to scrubbing with a stiff-bristle cleaning brush to ensure a thorough cleanse.

Tools

• A stiff bristled cleaning brush
• A rag or dishcloth
• Soft cloth towels
• A brush or flexible silicone spatula
• A plastic scraper
• A spray bottle

Supplies

• Old towels
• Dish soap or laundry detergent
• Plastic trash bag (optional)
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Lemon juice or vanilla (optional)
• Oven-safe baking dish
• Glass cleaner (optional)
• Stainless steel cleaner (optional)

Step 1: Remove and Clean Oven Racks

Oven racks, much like the rest of the appliance, are susceptible to the accumulation of grease and spills over time. To maintain their cleanliness, soaking and scrubbing are recommended methods for effectively removing built-up grime.

Soak the Oven Racks

Begin by removing the oven racks from the cooled oven and placing them in a spacious sink. If space in the sink is limited for laying the racks flat, an alternative option is to utilize a bathtub lined with old towels to prevent any scratching. Fill the sink or bathtub with hot water until the racks are fully submerged, then add ½ cup of mild dish soap or ¾ to 1 cup of laundry detergent. Allow the racks to soak for a minimum of two hours or overnight, depending on their level of soiling.

Scrub the Oven Racks

After soaking, employ a stiff-bristle cleaning brush to thoroughly scrub the racks. Following this, utilize a rag or dishcloth to wipe them clean, ensuring all residue is removed. Rinse the oven racks completely to eliminate any remaining soap.

Dry and Replace the Oven Racks

To prevent rust or corrosion, it is essential to dry the racks thoroughly using soft cloth towels. Once dried, replace the racks in the oven unless the interior is also undergoing cleaning.

Step 2: Clean the Inside of the Oven

Over time, food residues can accumulate on the walls of your oven, underscoring the necessity of regular cleaning for optimal maintenance. A mixture of baking soda and either vinegar or lemon juice serves as an effective solution for removing stubborn splatters and spills.

Preparation for Cleaning the Oven Interior

Begin with a cool oven, ensuring that all pots, baking sheets, and baking accessories, as well as oven racks, are removed. It is advisable to place towels or a plastic trash bag beneath the oven door to capture any drips during the cleaning process.

Cleaning the Oven with Baking Soda

To create a cleaning paste, combine ½ cup of baking soda with 3 tablespoons of water until a thin, spreadable consistency is achieved. Using a brush or a flexible silicone spatula, apply the mixture evenly to the interior surfaces of the oven, including the top, sides, bottom, and door, paying special attention to the door glass. Allow this mixture to rest for a duration of 20 minutes to overnight, depending on the level of soiling.

For any burnt food residues at the bottom of the oven, baking soda can assist in loosening these deposits, facilitating their removal. After forming a paste with baking soda and water, use a non-scratch scrubbing sponge or plastic scraper to gently clean the oven. For particularly stubborn spots, it may be beneficial to apply an additional layer of the baking soda paste and let it sit for 12 to 24 hours prior to wetting and scrubbing.

Wiping Away the Baking Soda with Vinegar or Lemon Juice

Once the baking soda has had adequate time to work, spray the oven interior with white vinegar or lemon juice, followed by wiping down the surfaces with a damp cloth or dishcloth. Utilize a plastic scraper to tackle any persistent spots. Repeat this process until all traces of the baking soda paste have been eliminated.

Cleaning the Interior Oven Door Glass

For the glass surface of the oven door, spray it with white vinegar or lemon juice and wipe with a damp cloth. Continue this procedure until all residues of the baking soda paste are removed. Conclude the cleaning by spraying the door one last time with vinegar or lemon juice, then dry with a soft cloth to achieve a streak-free finish.

Step 3: Remove Lingering Oven Odors

To effectively address unpleasant odors in your oven, especially those caused by foods such as fish, a thorough cleaning of the interior is beneficial. However, for persistent smells, a natural deodorizing solution can be created using common household items such as lemon juice, white vinegar, or vanilla.

Preparation of the Deodorizing Solution

Begin by preheating the oven to a low temperature. In an oven-safe baking dish, pour approximately one inch of water and incorporate a teaspoon of either lemon juice, white vinegar, or vanilla, based on your preference and availability.

Heating the Deodorizing Solution

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, allowing it to remain at a low temperature for about one hour. Monitor the water level throughout this process and add more as needed to prevent excessive evaporation. Once the aroma has been neutralized, safely remove the dish from the oven to reveal a refreshed interior.

Step 4: Clean the Outside of the Oven

Cleaning the exterior of an oven effectively not only enhances its appearance but also contributes to the preservation of its finish. To maintain the outer surfaces of the oven, it is advisable to use a mild liquid cleaner or a specialized cleaning solution.

Cleaning the Exterior Oven Door Glass 

Begin by closing the oven door. Subsequently, apply vinegar or a glass cleaner to the exterior of the door window. Wipe the surface with a soft cloth to achieve a streak-free finish.

Cleaning the Stovetop and Exterior Oven Surfaces

For porcelain enamel surfaces or glass electric stovetops, it is recommended to spray a glass cleaner or mild liquid cleaner, followed by scrubbing with a non-abrasive cleaning pad. Exercise caution when cleaning around the model, serial, and rating plates to prevent the removal of critical information due to scrubbing. Additionally, to avoid staining on models with metallic paint, refrain from using abrasive cleaners, bleach-based products, rust removers, ammonia, or sodium hydroxide (lye). For ovens with stainless steel exteriors, utilize a specialized stainless steel cleaner to maintain the finish.

Lastly, ensure that gas stove burners and grates are also cleaned with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or cloth, using a gentle cleaner or soap. This comprehensive approach will help maintain the integrity and appearance of the oven.