The oven is generally hidden from view, leading to a buildup of dirt from cooked food. However, not every cleaning agent is capable of handling this task.
Buildup of dirt and soot on the walls of the oven can negatively affect the quality and taste of the dishes you prepare. Additionally, grease and remnants of burnt food dirty the glass, making it difficult to observe the cooking process. We have prepared several useful tips to help you easily clean your oven.
Oven Cleaning Methods
First, gather all the necessary supplies. You will need:
rubber gloves;
old newspapers or paper towels;
a sponge;
a cloth rag;
store-bought oven cleaner;
vinegar;
baking soda.
Once you have everything you need, you can start cleaning. Follow this algorithm:
Lay newspapers or paper towels on the floor under the oven to protect it from cleaning agents.
Remove all items from the oven, including trays, pizza stones, thermometers, and more.
Put on the gloves and evenly spray the cleaner on all internal surfaces of the oven, including the back and side walls, bottom, top, door, corners, and crevices. If you have an electric oven, avoid spraying the cleaner on the heating elements — it’s better to direct it onto the surface beneath them. For gas ovens, do not spray the cleaner in areas where gas exits.
Close the oven door and let the cleaner work for the time indicated on the label (usually 20 to 30 minutes).
After that, take a damp cloth or sponge, open the oven, and wipe all surfaces. For stubborn stains, use a damp cleaning pumice stone or microfiber sponge.
Rinse the cloth and wipe the oven again to remove any residue of the cleaner.
If you prefer to use natural products, try cleaning the oven with vinegar and baking soda. Repeat the first two steps of the previous method, then follow these steps.
Make a paste from baking soda. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to achieve a paste-like consistency.
Put on the gloves and evenly spread the paste over all internal surfaces of the oven, avoiding the heating elements. The baking soda may darken during the rubbing process — this is normal. Try to cover the entire oven with the paste, paying special attention to heavily soiled areas.
Close the oven and let the paste work for at least 12 hours or overnight.
After 12 hours, take a damp cloth and thoroughly wipe away the baking soda. For stubborn stains, use the abrasive side of the sponge.
Pour some vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it on areas where baking soda remains. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and create foam.
Rinse the cloth and remove the remaining foamy mixture of vinegar and baking soda.
