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You clean your kitchen counters, your sink, and your microwave, but how often do you clean your oven? While it might not be something that you need to do every week, cleaning your oven should be a part of your regular cleaning routine.
You’re probably asking yourself, I’ve never cleaned an oven before, it must be complicated and hard. Well, you’ll be relieved to hear that’s actually a fairly simple task, with two sure-proof techniques to have your oven looking great!
Why Clean Your Oven?
Why do I need to clean my oven? Won’t it all eventually cook off? You might think that, but the answer isn’t always yes! Go to your oven, and run your finger across the sidewall, chances are your finger now has gunk and grime on it! You wouldn’t cook in a dirty pan, so why would you cook in a dirty oven?
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As mentioned before, cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be an exhausting task. Here are two sure-proof techniques that are certain to work with minimum effort!
Technique #1: Steam Clean Your Oven
Our first technique is definitely the easiest. For this technique, all you’ll need is a deep baking dish, water, and a damp cloth. Start by taking out any extra racks in your oven besides the lowest one.
Take your baking dish and fill it with water, place it on the remaining oven rack, and leave it in your oven for 45 - 60 mins with the oven temp set to 450 degrees. Take this time to clean off those other racks in the sink with some warm, soapy water!
If you want to take this to the next level, take a spray bottle full of water and spray down the sides midway through.
This will help enforce the process and create more steam. After waiting for 45 - 60 mins, turn the oven off and let it cool down. Once cooled. Take a clean, semi-damp washcloth and wipe away all the gunk in your oven.
Technique #2: Baking Soda And Water
(Photo courtesy of Food52)
If you’ve tried technique number one and find that your oven is still not clean, this next technique should do the trick. We strongly suggest this combo as opposed to a heavy-duty store-bought chemical cleaner. You wouldn’t eat food with harsh chemicals, so why would you clean the thing that cooks your food with them?
Combine four parts of baking soda into a dish and mix with one part of water. You’ll want to mix until it turns into a nice paste. Remove all racks from the inside of your oven. With a sponge, coat the oven interior with the paste, and be sure not to miss those extra dirty spots!
Let the paste sit for about 5 to 10 mins, and then scrub the inside of your oven with the rough side of your sponge. For those hard-to-remove spots, feel free to scrape the gunk with a plastic scraper, and spray it down with some apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Once you’ve removed all the gunk, be sure to wipe down your oven with a clean washcloth.
We hope these techniques help you efficiently clean your oven! If you find that old oven of yours is just dirty and beyond repair, don’t forget that Rustic Kitchen and Bath is your number one choice for free-standing ranges, wall ovens, and any other kitchen appliance that you might need!
Feel free to reach out to our team at any time. Our skilled professionals are always here to help and are ready to help you achieve your kitchen dreams!
FAQs
How often should I clean my oven?
Most ovens should be cleaned every three to six months, depending on how often you cook. Frequent baking, roasting, or spills may require more regular cleaning to prevent grease buildup and lingering odors.
Is it really necessary to clean an oven if food burns off over time?
Yes. While some residue may burn away, grease and grime often accumulate on oven walls and racks. Cooking in a dirty oven can affect food flavor, create smoke, and reduce overall efficiency.
What is the easiest way to clean an oven?
Steam cleaning is one of the easiest methods. Using only water and heat, steam loosens baked-on grime so it can be wiped away with minimal scrubbing and no harsh chemicals.
Does steam cleaning work on heavily soiled ovens?
Steam cleaning works best for light to moderate buildup. For ovens with heavy grease or stubborn residue, a baking soda and water paste provides deeper cleaning power.
Is baking soda safe to use inside an oven?
Yes. Baking soda is a non-toxic, food-safe cleaner that effectively breaks down grease without introducing harsh chemical fumes into the oven or kitchen.
How long should baking soda sit in the oven before scrubbing?
Allow the baking soda paste to sit for at least five to ten minutes. For tougher stains, letting it sit slightly longer can help loosen stubborn grime before scrubbing.
Can I use commercial oven cleaners instead?
Commercial cleaners work, but many contain strong chemicals that leave odors or residue. Natural methods like steam and baking soda are often preferred for kitchens focused on health and food safety.
Should oven racks be cleaned separately?
Yes. Removing oven racks allows better access to interior surfaces and makes cleaning more effective. Racks can be washed in warm, soapy water while the oven is being cleaned.
Will cleaning my oven improve its performance?
A clean oven heats more evenly, produces less smoke, and reduces odors during cooking. Regular maintenance can also help extend the life of the appliance.
Can oven cleaning damage the interior finish?
When done correctly, these methods are safe. Avoid metal scrapers or abrasive cleaners that can scratch enamel surfaces. Use soft cloths, sponges, or plastic scrapers only.
Do self-cleaning ovens still need manual cleaning?
Yes. Self-cleaning cycles help reduce buildup, but manual cleaning is still recommended for spills, racks, and areas that self-cleaning may not fully address.
Is there a best time to clean an oven?
Cleaning when the oven is warm but not hot can make grime easier to remove. Always allow the oven to cool sufficiently before wiping or scrubbing.
Does oven cleanliness affect kitchen design or appearance?
Absolutely. A clean oven contributes to a polished, well-maintained kitchen, especially in open-concept layouts where appliances are highly visible.
When should I consider replacing my oven instead of cleaning it?
If your oven has persistent odors, uneven heating, damaged interiors, or no longer performs efficiently, replacement may be more practical than repeated deep cleaning.
What brands offer ovens designed for easier cleaning?
Many modern ovens are designed with easy-clean interiors and advanced features. Options from ZLINE Kitchen & Bath include finishes and designs that support simpler maintenance alongside professional performance.
