How To Clean Ovens

So, you’ve recently baked an apple crumble. Or pizza. Or multi-layer cake. It turned out amazingly, but there’s now something left behind in your oven – the collateral damage of the creation process. Oven messes are no fun to deal with, especially considering how tough to  clean they can be. But don’t despair! Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you know how to go about it the right way. In this article, we’ll give you some of our best tips for cleaning oven messes with both home-based and store bought solutions.

While your first instinct upon noticing a dirty oven may be to reach for a store bought, chemical-based product, there are several ways you can get this cleaning job done naturally. Below, we’ve compiled some easy homemade solutions that are surprisingly effective in removing oven filth.

Cool Your Oven and Wipe Its Excess Dirt

While this one may seem a little obvious, it’s worth  mentioning. Before you start scrubbing away at your oven, make sure it is cool to the touch. If it’s still hot, wait for it to cool down completely before you begin. You should also wipe off any excess dirt or grease with a damp sponge or cloth. This will loosen grime and make the rest of your cleaning job significantly easier.

Create a Baking Soda and Water Paste

When it comes to actual cleaning agents, baking soda is widely considered the go-to for home-based mixtures. While it can seem unassuming, the powder packs a powerful punch that can break through greases and grime in your oven with ease.

The best way to make use of baking soda as an oven cleaner is to mix it into a paste. Measure half a cup of baking soda and blend it with  a few tablespoons of water. Once it’s thick enough,  you can apply the paste directly to the oven walls and bottom. Let it sit for a few hours, then use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away dirt and debris with ease. Wearing rubber gloves for this part can be helpful, as it makes getting into dirty and hard to reach places easier.

Vinegar and Water

In addition to baking soda,  vinegar is also a great choice for tackling oven messes. The acetic acid found in vinegar can dissolve grease and grime and make wiping down surfaces a breeze. Like the baking soda paste, create a solution of equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spritz your oven walls and bottom and let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping everything down with a damp cloth or sponge.

Despite best efforts, there will still be times when homemade cleaning solutions aren’t enough to tackle oven filth. This  is when it’s time to reach for store-bought products. Oven cleaners come in a variety of forms, from sprays to gels. Here are some tips on how to use them correctly.

Read the Label

Safety is always a priority when it comes to using chemical-based solutions. Read the label of any product you use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. That includes wearing rubber gloves and ventilating the area you’re cleaning in, especially if it’s a spray.

Apply an Even Layer

No matter what type of product you’re using, make sure to apply it in an even layer across the oven walls and bottom. This will ensure that dirt and grime are evenly dissolved and removed from your oven.

Scrub Away Gently

For tougher messes, you may need to use a scrubbing brush to get rid of grime stuck onto the oven’s surface. Be gentle and go over surfaces a few times until you’re satisfied with the result. Be sure to rinse off any residue that may be left behind after scrubbing.

Messes shouldn’t be an excuse to forgo use of your kitchen. After all, they’re entirely manageable – all you need is to know the right approach!  By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have your oven looking spotless in no time.