10 Simple Steps to Clean an Oven Quickly

Is your oven a greasy, grimy sight you just can’t stomach anymore? You want to know how to clean an oven quickly, don’t you? Good. Because a manky oven is just not on.

Look, a clean oven isn’t just about it looking pretty. It actually works better. Your food tastes cleaner. Plus, you dodge a load of nasty germs. So, let’s get it sorted.

How Often Should You Really Clean Your Oven?

Simple question. How often you need to clean your oven really hangs on how much you use it. But a decent rule is every 3 to 6 months. Honestly, the more you keep on top of it, the less of a beast the job will be. Little and often, that’s the key.

Getting Started: Oven Cleaning Options

Before we get into the nuts and bolts, let’s be clear. You’ve got choices for cleaning your oven. Many modern ovens have self-cleaning features. Brilliant. If not, there are always shop-bought oven cleaners. Or, you can go the DIY route with stuff you’ve probably already got.

10 Simple Steps to Clean an Oven Quickly

Cleaning your oven doesn’t need to be a massive chore. Here are ten straightforward steps to get it done fast. You want to clean an oven quickly, and this is how.

Step 1: Get Your Kit Ready

First things first. Decide on your weapon: self-clean, a proper oven cleaner, or DIY stuff. Then, grab your tools. You might need:

• An oven cleaner (if you’re going that way)
• Baking soda (for a DIY job)
• Distilled white vinegar (also for DIY)
• Washing-up liquid
• Water
• Glass cleaner
• A non-scratch scrubbing sponge
• Microfibre cloths
• Rubber gloves (your hands will thank you)

Step 2: Racks Out!

Got your supplies? Great. Now, whip those wire racks out of the oven. This is a must. Whether you’re using a self-clean cycle or not, get them out. High heat from self-cleaning can wreck the finish on your racks. It can even bend them out of shape.

Step 3: Soak Those Racks for an Easier Clean

Next, fill a basin or your sink with hot water. Add a good squirt of washing-up liquid. Plonk the oven racks in to soak. Give them at least 30 minutes. After they’ve had a good soak, scrub them. Use your sponge or a brush to get rid of grease and grime. Rinse them well and let them dry. Top Tip: Some all-purpose oven cleaning sprays work wonders on racks, baking trays, and grills. They cut through burnt-on grease. Leaves them looking bright.

Step 4: Clear Out Loose Crumbs and Food Bits from Inside

Grab a paper towel or a microfibre cloth. Gently wipe out any loose crumbs and bits of food from inside the oven. Getting rid of this loose stuff stops horrible burning smells if you use a self-clean function. It also makes manual cleaning much simpler.

Step 5: Tackle the Inside of Your Oven

Time to clean the main bit. If your oven has a self-cleaning cycle, run it. You’ll be amazed. No self-clean? No problem. Grab your chosen oven cleaner or your DIY bits. Let’s get to it.

• Shop-Bought Oven Cleaner for a Fast Clean Professional products can make this job much easier. Put your gloves on. Make sure the room is aired out. Then spray the inside of the oven. Get an even coat. Let the cleaner sit for about 5 minutes. Some might need longer. Then, use a damp microfibre cloth or sponge. Wipe away all that dirt. For tough spots, use your non-scratch sponge or a brush. Rinse it all out with a clean, damp cloth. Make sure no cleaner is left behind.
• DIY Oven Cleaner: The Natural Way This way takes more time. Natural stuff needs longer to break down grease compared to strong cleaners or high heat. Mix about half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. You want a thick paste. Spread this paste inside the oven. Don’t get it on heating elements. Focus on greasy, stained bits. Let the paste sit for a good 12 hours, or even overnight. Then, wipe away the leftover paste with a damp microfibre cloth. Got any stubborn bits left? Spray some white vinegar on them. Wipe again with a clean cloth.

Step 6: Run a Short Heat Cycle (If You Cleaned Manually)

If you cleaned it by hand, heat the oven. Set it to about 90-100°C for 15 minutes. This helps any leftover moisture or cleaning stuff to evaporate. Your oven will be ready to use again safely.

Step 7: Racks Back In Place

Make sure the oven is totally cool. Don’t touch it if it’s still hot. Sweep out any ash at the bottom if you used a self-clean. Then, put the dry oven racks back in.

Step 8: Wipe Down the Oven Door for a Clear View

To clean your oven door, you can use oven cleaner. Or your baking soda paste. Glass cleaner works too. Spray your chosen cleaner onto the door. Gently scrub with a microfibre cloth. Rinse well with water. For a final shine, use a bit of diluted vinegar on a clean microfibre cloth. Pro Tip: A good oven spray often means less elbow grease. It can cut through fingerprints and streaks.

Step 9: Don’t Miss Dust and Debris in Hidden Areas

Some ovens have a double glass door. Dust and bits can get trapped between the glass. It’s a pain. To clean this, open the oven door. Carefully unscrew the inner glass panel. Be very careful. Don’t drop or break it. Wipe both sides of each glass panel. Then, screw the inner panel back on.

Step 10: Clean Those Oven Knobs Last

Nearly there! Grab your oven cleaner, some soapy water, or a diluted vinegar mix. Spray the oven knobs. Wipe away any grease or grime with a damp microfibre cloth. Rinse them well and dry them off.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your oven might seem like a big job. But with these simple steps, you can get it from grimy to gleaming. Keeping your oven clean means it works better. Your food tastes nicer. And it’s more hygienic. Many newer ovens come with clever self-cleaning features. They really do make cleaning your oven a piece of cake.

So, what are you waiting for? Now you know how to clean an oven quickly. Give these steps a go and tell me how you get on in the comments below!