Do You Want to Find out the Best Methods To Clean Your Oven?

Hey there, fellow cleaning fans! Today, I’m about to share my ultimate top 7 oven cleaning hacks with you, featuring fan favorites like the classic baking soda and vinegar combo, the convenient self-cleaning function, and trusty commercial oven cleaners.

If you like to keep your kitchen and cookware clean, check out my article on how to fix a sticky cast iron pan!

Whether you’re into natural remedies or potent chemical solutions, I’ve got your back to make your oven sparkle like new again. Because let’s face it, a clean oven is not just about looking good; it’s crucial for the quality of your home-cooked meals.

No one wants a dirty oven filling their home with smoke and funky cooking odors, right? So, buckle up as we dive into the seven most effective ways to get your oven spick and span, complete with step-by-step instructions and what to expect from each method. Happy cleaning!

1. The baking soda and vinegar method

This is an easy and affordable way to clean your oven that involves using common household ingredients. Use a heavy-duty baking soda if you can get your hands on one.

This is one of the best ways to clean your oven naturally and can be quite effective.

Follow below step-by-step guidance for the best outcome:

• Make a paste: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with enough water to create a thick paste. You may need to adjust the amount of water to get the right consistency.
• Spread the paste: Use a sponge or brush to spread the paste all over the inside of the oven, including the walls, bottom, and door. Be sure to avoid any heating elements or vents.
• Let it sit overnight: Once you’ve covered the entire oven with the baking soda paste, close the oven door and let it sit overnight. This gives the baking soda time to loosen and absorb any grease, grime, or food residue.
• Spray with vinegar: The next day, open the oven and spray the baking soda paste with white vinegar. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and create a foaming reaction that helps lift away any remaining dirt and grime.
• Wipe away the paste: Use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe away the baking soda paste and vinegar foam. Be sure to rinse the sponge or cloth frequently to avoid spreading the dirt around.
• Rinse and dry: Once you’ve wiped away all the paste and foam, use a clean, damp sponge or cloth to rinse the inside of the oven thoroughly. Then dry the oven with a clean, dry cloth.

This method is effective and leaves your oven smelling fresh and clean without the use of harsh chemicals. It may take a bit longer than other methods, but the results are well worth the wait.

2. The self-cleaning method

This is a super popular way to clean your oven that requires minimal effort on your part. Most modern ovens have a self-cleaning feature that heats the oven to extremely high temperatures, burning off any food residue or grease.

Here’s how to use this method:

• Remove any loose debris: Before you start the self-cleaning cycle, make sure to remove any large pieces of food or debris from the oven. This will prevent them from burning and causing excessive smoke during the cleaning process.
• Set the self-cleaning mode: Check your oven’s manual to find out how to set the self-cleaning mode. Most ovens have a button or knob specifically for this purpose. Once you’ve found it, set the oven to self-clean and choose the duration of the cleaning cycle. Typically, this takes between 2-4 hours.
• Wait for the cleaning cycle to finish: Once you’ve started the self-cleaning cycle, the oven will lock and begin to heat up to very high temperatures. During this time, the oven may produce smoke and unpleasant odors as it burns off any food residue.
• Let the oven cool down: Once the self-cleaning cycle is complete, the oven will need to cool down before you can open it. This can take several hours, so be patient and wait until the oven is safe to touch.
• Wipe away any remaining residue: Once the oven has cooled down, open the door and wipe away any remaining ash or residue with a damp cloth or sponge. Be sure to rinse the cloth or sponge frequently to avoid spreading the dirt around.

It’s important to note that the self-cleaning method can produce a lot of smoke and unpleasant odors, so it’s best to use this method when you can open windows or turn on a vent to keep the air flowing. Additionally, some ovens may be sensitive to the high temperatures used during self-cleaning and can be damaged if used too frequently. Check your oven’s manual to find out how often you should use the self-cleaning feature.

3. Commercial oven cleaner

Commercial oven cleaners are effective, but they contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to you and the environment. You can also opt for a more natural formulation to ease the toxic load and try cleaning your oven more naturally.

Follow the instructions on the product, including wearing gloves and ventilating the room. This method can take up to an hour, and the outcome is a clean oven with a chemical odor.

4. Lemon and salt method

The lemon and salt method is a great natural alternative for cleaning your oven. Here’s how to use this method:

1. Cut a lemon in half: Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt on top of the cut surface of the lemon.
2. Rub the lemon over the oven: Rub the lemon over the inside of the oven, paying particular attention to any dirty or stained areas. The citric acid in the lemon will help to break down any grime or grease on the oven’s surfaces.
3. Let it sit: Let the lemon and salt mixture sit for approximately 30 minutes. This will give the lemon enough time to work its magic and loosen any dirt or grease on the oven surfaces.
4. Wipe away with a damp cloth: Using a damp cloth, wipe away the lemon and salt mixture. Be sure to wipe away all of the mixture, including any leftover salt.
5. Rinse and dry: Once you’ve wiped away the lemon and salt mixture, use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to rinse the inside of the oven thoroughly. Then dry the oven with a clean, dry cloth.

The outcome of using the lemon and salt method is a clean and fresh-smelling oven. This method typically takes about an hour, but the amount of time can vary depending on how dirty your oven is.

Additionally, this method is safe and natural, making it a great option for those who prefer to use non-toxic cleaning solutions.

It’s also great because it doesn’t leave any strong odors that can be absorbed into your food. However, it’s important to note that this method may not be as effective on tough, baked-on stains as other methods such as the baking soda and vinegar method.

5. Ammonia method

This method involves placing a small dish of ammonia inside the oven overnight, which will loosen any food residue. Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth the next day. This method takes about 12-24 hours and leaves your oven clean but with a strong ammonia odor.

6. Dish soap and water method

The dish soap and water method is a simple and effective way to clean your oven without using any harsh chemicals. Here is a eco-friendly dishwashing soap to use if you want to clean your oven naturally.

Here’s how to use this method:

1. Mix dish soap and water: In a bowl, mix a few tablespoons of dish soap with warm water to create a soapy solution. The exact amount of dish soap and water will depend on the size of your oven.
2. Apply the solution: Use a cloth or sponge to apply the soapy solution to the inside of the oven. Be sure to cover all the surfaces, including the walls, bottom, and door.
3. Let it sit: Let the soapy solution sit in the oven for a few hours to loosen any dirt or grime.
4. Scrub: After the solution has had time to work, use a brush or sponge to scrub away any dirt or grime. Rinse your brush or sponge frequently to avoid spreading the dirt around.
5. Rinse and dry: Once you’ve scrubbed away all the dirt, use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to rinse the inside of the oven thoroughly. Then dry the oven with a clean, dry cloth.

The outcome of using dish soap and water is a clean oven with a soapy smell. This method typically takes about an hour, but the amount of time can vary depending on how dirty your oven is. Additionally, this method is a good option for those who prefer to use natural and non-toxic cleaning solutions. However, it’s important to note that dish soap can leave a residue, so be sure to rinse your oven thoroughly after cleaning.

7. Steam cleaning method

Some ovens have a steam cleaning feature that uses high-pressure steam to clean the inside. This method takes about 20-30 minutes and produces no fumes or odors. However, it may not be as effective as other methods for tough stains.

Wrapping it up

A clean oven is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and pleasant kitchen environment. From the natural baking soda and vinegar method to the commercial oven cleaner, there are many ways to clean your oven.

Choose the method that suits your preferences, budget, and needs, and enjoy a spotless oven for your cooking adventures.