how to clean an oven

Few of us look forward to the experience of cleaning our ovens.With the right knowledge and basic tools, oven cleaning needn’t be an overwhelming. Follow our tips below for a stress free oven clean.

Can I Use the Self-Clean Function?

Some oven have a self-cleaning function which can help get the job done a lot easier and faster,

When you press the self-clean button, your oven locks and climbs to a high temperature of upwards of 550 degrees. This heat helps to melt and remove your grease and grime, but if you have a large amount of buildup on the bottom, it can backfire and smoke up in some cases. Its best to keep on top of this chore regularly to avoid heavy buildup

If it’s been many months since you’ve given your oven a clean and covered with food splashes and burnt on grease and grime then its  time to should roll up your sleeves and give it some elbow grease.

If you do decide to go for the self-clean, you’ll want to remove the racks first and clean those yourself.  The self-clean cycle takes about two to three hours and you should stay at home while it does its job. When it’s over, you’ll see a white ash at the bottom that you’ll need to remove once the oven cools.

What Materials Do I Need to Clean My Oven?

 

  • A quality cleaner: You have several options here.
  1. Shop bought oven cleaner: This is the easiest, fastest process and will remove serious amounts of grease and grime.  It is worth noting that these contain strong chemicals, so if you’re sensitive to harsh chemicals or prefer an all-natural approach, you may want to choose the option 2 or 3 below.
  2. Baking soda, water, vinegar and a spray bottle: This DIY method is good if you have lots of buildup. You’ll be making a paste with baking soda and water that will need to sit for 10 – 12 hours or overnight, so make sure you carve out enough time.
  3. 2 Lemons chopped in half  and water. Another DIY option that takes about 1 -2 hours; good if your oven is only mildly dirty and your racks don’t need a cleaning.
  • Rubber cleaning gloves: This is especially important if you go with option 1, as you’ll want a heavy-duty barrier between your skin and the cleaner, says Johnson.
  • Protective safety glasses: To guard your eyes from the cleaner. You won’t need these with options 2 or 3.
  • Old newspapers or paper towels: To pad the floor around your oven, in case anything drips out while you’re cleaning.
  • Scratchy sponges or Brillo pads: This will help tackle dried and burnt on grease and grime
  • Damp cloth or damp sponge: To wipe off the grime once the cleaner has been applied. You may need more than one if your oven is especially grimy.
  • Large plastic garbage bag: You’ll need this to clean your oven racks with option 1.

How to Clean Your Oven With Shop-Bought Cleaning Products

how to clean an oven

 

  1. Open window and doors in the area to keep the area well ventilated. It’s best not to use oven cleaning products when children, young babies or pets are around. The chemicals found in oven cleaners generally tent to contain harsh chemicals and can be dangerous
  2. Remove everything from your oven inc. racks, trays,
  3. Lay out newspapers or paper towels on the floor beneath your oven.
  4. Put on your gloves and safety glasses. Spray the oven cleaner around the inside of your oven, covering the back, sides, bottom, top, door, corners and crevices. If you have an electric oven, don’t spray on the heating elements; instead, simply lift them up and spray underneath. If you have a gas oven, don’t spray where the gas comes through. Close the oven when you’re done.
  5. Let the spray sit for the time listed on the label, usually about 20-30mins.
  6. In the meantime, take your oven racks outside.  spray them with the cleaner and place them in a large plastic garbage bag. Either tie or twist the top shut. Leave racks outside in the bag for the time listed on the cleaning label.
  7. Once the appropriate amount of time has passed, take a damp cloth rag, open the oven and wipe down all surfaces. If there are extra sticky spots, use a wet scouring pumice, microfiber sponge or other abrasive tool to remove all grime. Be sure to really hit every crack and crevice so that you aren’t leaving any traces of dirt or cleaner behind.
  8. Remove racks from the bag and rinse them in your sink with hot, soapy water. Again, use a pumice, sponge or other abrasive tool as needed on any crusted-on chunks. Dry racks and place them back in the oven.
  9. You’re done!

How to Clean Your Oven With Baking Soda and Vinegar

how to clean an oven

 

  1. Remove everything from your oven—racks, trays etc.
  2. Lay out newspapers or paper towels on the floor beneath your oven.
  3. Grab a small bowl and mix a 1/2 cup of baking soda with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Tweak the ratio until you have a spreadable paste.
  4. Put on your gloves and using your fingers, spread the paste around the inside of your oven, covering the back, sides, bottom, top, door, corners and crevices. If you have an electric oven, don’t put paste on the heating elements. If you have a gas oven, don’t put the paste where the gas comes through. Close the oven when you’re done.
  5. Allow paste to sit for 10 – 12 hours, or overnight.
  6. In the meantime, place racks in your kitchen sink (or bathtub, if you have extra large racks). Sprinkle baking soda on your racks and then pour vinegar on top. This combination will foam. When the foaming stops, plug your sink or tub and run hot water until the racks are fully covered.
  7. Allow racks to sit for 10 – 12 hours, or overnight.
  8. After 10 – 12 hours, put on your gloves again and taking a damp cloth rag, open the oven and wipe down all surfaces. If there are extra sticky spots, use a wet scouring pumice, microfiber sponge, or other abrasive tool to remove all grime.
  9. If there are chunks of paste that won’t come off easily, put some vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on the chunks. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and foam. Take your damp cloth again and wipe off all foam.
  10. Remove racks from the water and scrub with a cloth rag until all grease and grime is gone. Use the pumice or microfiber sponge on any tough spots.
  11. Dry racks and place them back in the oven.
  12. You’re done!

How to Clean Your Oven With Lemons

how to clean an oven with lemon and baking soda

 

  1. Fill a medium-sized, oven-proof mixing bowl with water. Cut two lemons in half and place them in the bowl.
  2. Heat your oven to 250 degrees.
  3. Once heated, place the mixing bowl inside on one of the racks. Leave for one hour.
  4. After an hour, turn off the oven, open the door and let it cool slightly.
  5. While the oven is still warm (but cool enough that you could safely touch the inside without getting burned), put on gloves, take a damp cloth and wipe down all surfaces, including the back, sides, bottom, top, door, corners and crevices. If needed, use a wet scouring pumice, microfiber sponge or other abrasive tool to target any extra sticky spots. Be sure to wipe thoroughly so that you remove all grease and grime.
  6. You’re done!

Get professional help if for a safer and more effective clean

So, you have tried the steps  above and your grease and burnt on grime is still an issue then call RH Oven Cleaning today on 087 6089310! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Whether your looking for Oven Cleaning, Hob Cleaning,  BBQ Cleaning then RH Oven Cleaning is here to meet your needs.

We have built a loyal customer base by treating them and their belongings respectfully, and we’ve worked hard to make sure we get the job done better than anyone else can. If you are looking for professional carpet or upholstery cleaning , call us today on 087 6089310 We are sure you will be thrilled with your fantastic, clean oven.

Did you know?

We also offer Power Washing, Gutter Cleaning, Window Cleaning, Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning and more. Call us today to book your appointment!

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