The kitchen is a central location in the home. It’s where we gather to cook, snack, share meals, and catch up on the day’s happenings. A lot goes on in the kitchen; thus, there are more than a few opportunities to make a mess.
While it’s not difficult to spot counter spills or crumbs scattered across the kitchen floor, one area that can be easily forgotten is the oven. When the oven door is closed, we don’t have to think about what it looks like inside.
But if you do a lot of cooking and baking, it goes without saying that hidden grime and baking residue lingers within. Cleaning your oven is the best way to deal with the unsightly mess, but the task can seem a bit daunting, especially for those who have never attempted it before. Fear not; the home cleaning experts at Molly Maid® have some simple-to-follow suggestions that will help you master the task in no time!
The Importance of Regular Oven Cleaning
A clean oven not only enhances the flavors of your culinary creations but also prevents the accumulation of grease, burnt residue, and potentially harmful bacteria. Oven cleaning tips also help prolong your oven's lifespan, maintain efficiency, and reduce the risk of unpleasant and unwanted odors infiltrating your dishes.
How to Clean the Inside of Your Oven
Learning to clean an oven starts with removing the oven racks and any loose debris. Create a paste using baking soda and water and apply it generously to the interior surfaces, avoiding the heating elements.
Allow it to sit overnight, which will help loosen any baked-on grime.
The next day, gently scrub away the paste using a damp cloth or sponge. Use a plastic scraper for stubborn spots, ensuring it does not damage the oven's surface. Finish by wiping down the interior with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
How to Clean the Outside of Your Oven
Regular cleaning of kitchen appliances can extend their lifespan.
Mix gentle dish soap with warm water and wipe down the surfaces using a soft cloth. Pay extra attention to knobs, buttons, and the control panel. To clean stainless steel ovens, a mixture of white vinegar and water can help eliminate streaks and restore your oven’s shine.
Remember to dry the exterior thoroughly to prevent water spots.
How to Clean the Oven Racks
Take the racks out of the oven and place them in a bathtub, shower, or large sink. Sprinkle baking soda over the racks, then pour white vinegar on top. Allow the mixture to fizz and work its magic for a few hours.
Afterward, scrub with a brush or sponge to remove the loosened grime. Rinse thoroughly, dry, and reinsert them into your sparkling clean oven.
How to Clean the Oven Glass
Combine water and white vinegar (equal parts) in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture to the glass. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften any buildup. Gently rub the glass with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
For particularly stubborn spots, create a paste using baking soda and water. Wipe off the paste and residue with a damp cloth.
Learn more about cleaning a glass oven door with our in-depth article as well as how to clean a glass stovetop.
How to Prevent Oven Grease Buildup
To help prevent grease buildup over time, place a baking sheet or aluminum foil on the lower rack to catch spills, and regularly wipe down the interior of your oven after each use to minimize the accumulation of grime.
Consider using oven-safe silicone mats to protect the bottom of the oven from spills and splatters.
Oven Cleaning Safety Tips
Ensure the oven is completely cool before starting the cleaning process to avoid burns. Use gloves to protect your hands from cleaning agents and debris. Also, make sure you have adequate ventilation whenever you use cleaning products; open windows or turn on the exhaust fan to reduce the buildup of fumes.
Consider Professional Oven Cleaning
If you rely on your oven to prepare meals, you know that keeping it clean is essential to maintaining its efficiency and preserving the taste of your meals. When excessive buildup, strong odors, or malfunctioning components begin to affect how you use your oven, it’s time to seek help from the pros.
Molly Maid® offers cleaning services that make even the most challenging cleaning tasks a breeze. Whether you need a one-time, weekly, or special event cleaning, our team of experienced pros will get the job done right because all our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise®, which ensures your total satisfaction with every clean.
Request a free estimate today!
