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Deep cleaning your oven is crucial for maintaining its efficiency and ensuring the quality of your meals. Over time, grease, food spills, and burnt-on residue can accumulate, affecting the oven’s performance and even causing unpleasant odors or smoke during cooking.
Regular deep cleaning not only extends the life of my oven but also prevents potential fire hazards. By thoroughly scrubbing the interior, racks, and door, I remove stubborn stains and grime, promoting even heat distribution and better cooking results.
A clean oven also contributes to a healthier kitchen environment, free from harmful bacteria and allergens. I embrace deep cleaning as a routine practice to keep my oven in top condition and my food tasting its best.
And if you are looking for more tips and tricks for deep cleaning your one, be sure to check out my Instagram page!
❤️ Why You’ll Love Deep Cleaning Your Oven
I love deep cleaning my oven because it transforms my cooking experience and enhances my kitchen’s ambiance. A spotless oven operates more efficiently, ensuring my dishes are cooked evenly and to perfection.
The removal of stubborn grease and food residue eliminates unpleasant odors and reduces the risk of smoke, making your kitchen a more pleasant place to cook and entertain. Moreover, a clean oven is safer, minimizing the risk of fires and ensuring a healthier cooking environment free from harmful bacteria.
I make deep cleaning a part of my routine not only to extend the life of my appliance but to also boost my satisfaction maintaining a pristine kitchen.
🧽 Materials for Deep Cleaning Your Oven
No, these materials I recommend will not hurt or damage your oven! If you follow my tips, you are going to use a pumice stone (make sure it is a “wet” pumice stone) after a good soak to scrub the inside of the oven door. See below (in the recipe card) for the exact steps I use.
You might be wondering about the pumice stone for deep cleaning your oven.
A pumice stone is effective for deep cleaning an oven door because of its abrasive texture, which can remove tough, baked-on grime and grease that regular cleaning products might not be able to tackle.
Here’s how it works:
- Abrasive Action: The rough surface of the pumice stone helps to scrape off stubborn deposits and build-up on the glass of the oven door without damaging the glass.
- Porous Structure: The porous nature of pumice stone allows it to wear down as you scrub, continually presenting a fresh abrasive surface to work with.
- Non-Toxic Cleaning: Using a pumice stone is a chemical-free way to clean, which is beneficial if you prefer to avoid harsh cleaners.
Using a pumice stone can make the task of cleaning an oven door much more manageable. This is especially true when dealing with stubborn stains that resist traditional cleaning methods.
🧼 How to Do
The first step I recommend when deep cleaning your oven is to soak old rags or paper towels in all purpose cleaner. I prefer Branch Basics for an all purpose cleaner. But there are plenty of non tox options out there!
In a bowl or container, I mix Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner with warm water according to the instructions on the product label. Typically, a ratio of 1:5 (cleaner to water) works well for tough grime.
I let them soak for a few minutes to ensure they absorb the cleaner thoroughly. Then I leave the rags on the oven door for at least 15-30 minutes. For very stubborn grime, I may need to let them sit for up to an hour. The soaking time allows the cleaner to penetrate and loosen the grime.
After the soaking time, I remove the rags. By this point, the grime has started to loosen and I can use the damp rags to wipe away the loosened grime.
🪄 Tips and Tricks
I love little tips and tricks for deep cleaning my oven! Here are some of my fave extras:
For any remaining stains or to give your oven a fresh scent, sprinkle some salt on a cut lemon half and use it to scrub the interior. This helps to remove any last bits of grime and leaves a pleasant lemony smell.
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar. Spray the entire interior of the oven, focusing on areas where there is still baking soda residue. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a foamy action that helps lift any remaining grime.
🗒 Variations
You know I am a huge fan of cleaning with baking soda! Nothing deep cleans better!
For a deep cleaning your oven variation, I mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with water to create a thick paste. I spread this paste all over the interior surfaces of the oven, avoiding the heating elements. I let it sit for at least 12 hours or overnight. This concentrated paste will cut through grime and grease!
🫙 How to Store
Regular maintenance and cleaning of my oven helps! Don’t forget to take care of your appliances regularly! Here are some of my best maintenance tips:
Frequent Wipe-Downs: After using your oven, make it a habit to wipe down the interior with a damp cloth or sponge. This helps prevent the build-up of grease and grime, making deep cleaning less frequent and easier.
Spill Management: Place a baking sheet or aluminum foil on the lower rack when cooking dishes that are likely to spill over. This catches spills and prevents them from burning onto the oven floor, making future clean-ups easier.
🤔 Common Questions About Deep Cleaning Your Oven
It’s recommended to deep clean your oven every 3-6 months, depending on how frequently you use it and the types of food you cook. Regular maintenance, such as wiping spills immediately after they occur, can help keep your oven cleaner for longer.
For stubborn stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the affected areas. Let it sit for several hours or overnight. Scrub gently with a non-abrasive brush and wipe clean. For particularly tough spots, a plastic scraper can help remove residue without damaging the oven’s surface.
To keep your oven cleaner for longer, use baking sheets or oven liners to catch spills, wipe up spills immediately after they occur, and cover dishes when possible. Regularly cleaning the oven every few months will also prevent heavy buildup.
Deep Cleaning Your Oven
Equipment
- rags or paper towels
- wet pumice stone
- razor
Ingredients
- all purpose cleaner, I prefer Branch Basics
Instructions
Preparation:
- Ensure the oven is turned off and completely cool.
- Remove the oven racks and any other removable parts to clean separately.
Soak the Rags:
- In a bowl or container, mix Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner with warm water according to the product instructions.
- Place the old rags in the mixture and ensure they are fully saturated. Let them soak for a few minutes to absorb the cleaner thoroughly.
Apply the Soaked Rags:
- Wring out excess liquid from the rags so they are damp but not dripping.
- Lay the soaked rags over the grimy areas of the oven interior and door, making sure to cover all dirty spots. Use multiple rags if necessary to cover the entire surface.
Let it Soak:
- Leave the rags on the oven surfaces for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the cleaner to penetrate and loosen the grime.
Remove the Rags and Scrub:
- After the soaking time, remove the rags. The grime should be softened and easier to remove.
- Use a sponge or scrubber to wipe away the loosened grime. For tough spots, gently use the razor blade or scraper at a low angle to scrape off the stubborn grime without damaging the oven surface.
Use the Pumice Stone:
- For any remaining stubborn stains, dampen the pumice stone and gently scrub the affected areas in a circular motion. Be careful to avoid scratching the glass or damaging the oven surface.
Spray with Cleaner:
- If needed, spray the interior of the oven with Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner to tackle any remaining residue. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping clean with a damp cloth.
Rinse and Wipe:
- Wipe down the entire oven interior with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaner and grime. Repeat as necessary until the oven is clean.
- For a final touch, use a dry cloth or paper towel to dry and polish the surfaces to prevent streaks.
Clean the Oven Racks:
- Soak the oven racks in a mixture of warm water and Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner for several hours or overnight.
- Scrub the racks with a sponge or brush, rinse, and dry thoroughly before replacing them in the oven.
Final Check:
- Ensure all surfaces are clean and free of residue. Replace the oven racks and any other removable parts.
