Cleaning the oven can be a tedious task. However, when done regularly and up to standard, it helps the oven’s maintenance, functionality and lifespan. It is also an essential step in keeping a clean and hygienic kitchen. 

It is no secret that a dirty oven can affect not only the taste of the food, but also our health. If your oven needs a good clean, fear not. Here you will find the simple and easy steps to help you achieve that.

Start by cleaning your oven from the outside

Often, the top of your oven gets very dirty, making it one of the most heavily soiled areas in your home. Make sure to turn off the oven hobs before starting with the cleaning. For a greater effect, apply a quality kitchen degreaser to the top and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Remember to read the instructions on the bottle before use. Remove any remaining residue with a sponge and a small amount of dishwashing soap. After you are done wiping away the degreaser wipe the surface with a clean cloth and warm water to finish the process.

You can clean the exterior of your oven with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap too. Especially, if you prefer natural cleaning solutions. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the finish. Make a paste of baking soda and water to remove tough stains, or wipe them with vinegar. Once the oven is dry, remove any residual cleaning solution. This method is quite effective and is safe for regular use.

Don’t forget the gap between the stove and countertop

It’s easy to let the space between your stove and countertop become cluttered and dirty. The gap between your stove and countertop is a prime spot for accumulating crumbs and dirt. But you can easily clean this area and keep it looking its best for an extended period of time. 

You can start by removing everything from the area. This can include any pots or pans that might be sitting on the stove, as well as any utensils or other items that are stored in the space. Once the area is clear, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or debris accumulated in the space. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies and under the stove itself.

Now that you have removed all of this you can continue cleaning the area with a damp cloth. Make sure to wipe down all surfaces in that area, not just the gap. Wipe the stovetop, counters, backsplash, any cabinets nearby and shelves. Finish by polishing all stainless steel surfaces to restore their original shine. 

Time for the harder part – the inside

Start by taking everything out of the oven.  Get all the racks, pans and even shelves, if removable, from the oven. Once everything is out, take a look at what is the oven’s condition. That way you will know where to start. If there is any build-up of grease or there are any food scraps or residue, that is where you need to start. It is recommended to remove all of these before proceeding with actually cleaning your oven with a cleaning solution.  

One of the ways you can proceed from now on is by using a detergent out-of-the-counter. As previously mentioned, make sure you read carefully the instructions on the bottle. Remember to wear gloves and a mask when cleaning with such a solution, as they often include harmful ingredients that might irritate your eyes and lungs. 

Another way is to create your own cleaning products out of ingredients in your kitchen cabinet. Mix baking soda and vinegar together. Apply the mix with a sponge or cloth. Let it sit for a few minutes and wipe it away with a damp cloth.

Next, clean the shelves of your oven. If they are removable, you can use the same methods mentioned above to clean them separately. It’s best to check for cracks and crevices where dirt and grime can gather and start from there. If by chance, they are not removable, you’ll need to clean them while they’re still in place. 

Keep in mind that if your oven has not been clean for quite some time and there is a lot of build-up grease, you should probably contact a professional oven cleaning company. Unfortunately, if you haven’t cleaned your oven regularly, and it was not maintained properly, there isn’t an out-of-the-counter and homemade remedy that would be effective enough. 

Move to the oven window 

The window of your oven is one of its most important parts. Not only does it let you see what’s going on inside, but it also helps to keep the heat in while preventing the food from burning. Unfortunately, it gets dirty pretty easily, especially if you use your oven frequently. Hopefully, the cleaning of that part of your oven is the easiest of them all. 

Begin with removing any grease splatters and food remains from the glass. Using a damp cloth or a sponge to wipe away any big pieces. Once you are done, make a paste out of baking soda and water to scrub the glass while making small circles. Continue with rinsing everything well. 

If by chance any stubborn stains remain on the glass you can remove them with white vinegar. Just apply it directly on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. After some time you will be able to remove the stain easily. Remember to wipe it all with a damp cloth at the end to remove any remaining residue. 

Conclusion 

Cleaning your oven should not be stressful or challenging. All you need to do is to make sure that you clean and maintain it regularly. This will not only help your oven’s condition and functionality but will also benefit your health. No one wants to have freshly baked bread that smells and tastes like burnt oil. Remember the steps and be cautious when using commercial cleaners. If you are unsure what to do or how to do it, you can always look for advice from professionals. Living in your home is supposed to be easy.