How To Properly Clean Your Oven

An oven is an essential appliance in the kitchen, but it can quickly become dirty and greasy with regular use. Not only does a dirty oven affect the quality of your food, but it can also lead to unpleasant odors and even a potential fire hazard. In this guide, we will discuss the proper way to clean a dirty oven and share some tips and tricks for maintaining a spotless kitchen.

Preparing for Cleaning

Before you start cleaning your oven you need to prepare the area to make for a quicker and more efficient clean. First,  make sure the oven is off and not hot and then remove any racks or other removable parts. Place them in a sink or tub filled with warm soapy water to soak while you clean the rest of the oven. Then you will need to choose a cleaning solution. You can purchase one from the store or make one yourself. A popular solution is baking soda and vinegar. The solution can be made by mixing 2 cups of baking soda, with 1 cup of water and 1/4 cup of white vinegar.

Cleaning the Inside of the Oven

Once the racks are removed, apply the solution to the entirety of the oven, making sure to cover the really dirty or greasy areas with extra solution to really break down the build-up. After the solution sits for at least 15 minutes, scrub the inside of the oven with a sponge or scrub brush. Be gentle but thorough, making sure to clean every part of the oven, even the hard to reach areas. Wipe away the cleaning solution and loosened dirt with a damp cloth until it is clean. You can repeat this process as many times as needed until you reach the desired cleanliness of your oven.

Cleaning the Oven Racks

The oven racks are pretty simple to clean. They have been soaking in water for awhile to help break up the grime on them. Take the racks out of the water and scrub them with a sponge or brush. Rinse the racks with warm water and dry them off. This is all you need to do to clean your oven racks.

Cleaning the Exterior of the Oven

Many homeowners are so focused on cleaning the inside of the oven that they neglect the exterior. The exterior should be wiped down using a damp cloth and your regular cleaning solution you use for your kitchen counters. You can use a non-abrasive cleaner for tougher stains, but make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before using any cleaner on your oven to ensure that it will not damage on of the exterior parts. Then after spraying the cleaner on, wipe it down with a dry towel for a spotless shine.

Preventing Future Buildup

Now that you just went through all that work of cleaning the interior and exterior of your oven, it's important to maintain it to prevent future buildup that is tough to get rid of. And easy way of doing this is to cover your food before placing it in the oven, if possible. This will help to avoid spills and stains. You can also add a pan on the bottom rack when cooking food so that any spillage will fall on the pan rather than the bottom of the oven. It is important to wipe up spills immediately to avoid them becoming baked-on messes. Your oven should be cleaned from time to time but is not an every day task. Just use your judgement on how often to clean to avoid those extra deep cleaning sessions that are needed when you don't try to prevent any spills or clean them up right after.

Conclusion

Cleaning an oven may seem like a daunting task, but when prepared, it can be a quick and easy job. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your oven is clean and work to maximum efficiency. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when cleaning your oven, and never use any harsh or abrasive chemicals. Cleaning your oven from time to time may just prolong the life of the oven as well as prevent future problems with it that may only be solved by an appliance repair service.