Effortless Oven Deep Cleaning Without Harsh Chemicals
Are you tired of scrubbing your oven with harsh, toxic cleaners? You’re not alone! Cleaning the oven can be one of the most dreaded household chores. Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective method to deep clean your oven naturally. If you’re like me, you’d prefer to avoid the chemical fumes and go for a more eco-friendly option.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with various cleaning hacks to find the best way to tackle the grime that accumulates in my oven. While I routinely wipe down my oven to keep it in good shape, I make sure to deep clean it during spring cleaning, before holidays, or whenever I notice excessive buildup. Trust me, the results are worth the effort!
This article may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.
What’s the Best Way to Deep Clean a Dirty Oven?
Unless you rarely use your oven, there comes a time when it becomes a greasy mess filled with baked-on food residues. The glass door can get so grimy that you can hardly see what’s cooking inside. If you start to notice smoke when using higher temperatures, it’s definitely time for a thorough cleaning!
My oven tends to get dirty quickly, especially since I love making crispy oven bacon and broiling steaks during colder months. While I do my best to wipe it down weekly, a deep clean is essential from time to time to keep it sparkling and functional.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Start your cleaning session by collecting all necessary supplies. Having everything at hand will save you time and frustration:
- Nylon Scraper
- Metal Spatula
- Dawn Dish Soap – I prefer the classic blue, as it seems to work best
- Baking Soda
- Water
- Paint Brush
- Old Towel
- Kitchen Gloves
- Scouring Pads
- 3 Microfiber Cloths
- Multi-Surface Cleaner – My favorite is Mr. Clean
The most effective cleaning method I’ve found involves allowing the cleaning mixture to sit for at least two hours, though letting it sit overnight yields better results, especially for heavily soiled ovens.
Remove Surface Residue
Start by using the nylon scraper and metal spatula to remove as much buildup as possible from the oven’s interior surfaces and racks. Be careful with the metal spatula to avoid scratching the enamel coating. The more residue you can clear away now, the more effective the cleaning mixture will be at penetrating the remaining grime. Don’t forget to vacuum any loose bits for a thorough clean!
Prepare and Apply the Cleaning Mixture
If the oven is particularly dirty, consider spraying it with hydrogen peroxide and letting it sit for about 10 minutes before applying your cleaning mixture. Combine approximately 2 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and enough water to achieve a thick, syrupy consistency.
Next, remove the oven racks and place them in the bathtub on a towel. Generously apply the cleaning mixture to both sides of each rack and allow them to sit. Then, return to the oven and coat the interior surfaces, including the door and window glass. This mixture also works wonders on dirty stovetops!
Let the cleaning solution sit for at least two hours, or overnight if you can manage without your oven.
Clean the Exterior and Surrounding Area
While the mixture works its magic, take this time to clean the area around your oven. Remove the stove knobs and soak them in hot, soapy water. Pull the range away from the wall and wipe down the exterior surfaces. Use a multi-surface cleaner on the surrounding walls and give the floor a good vacuum and mop. Once everything is clean, return the range to its original position and reattach the knobs.
Scrub the Stove Top
After letting the cleaning mixture sit, return to the stovetop. Use a damp cloth to wipe off the cleaning mixture, scrubbing any stubborn areas. For tough, burnt-on spots on a glass cooktop, a razor blade and water can help gently scrape them off.
Clean the Oven Interior
Once your waiting period is over, fill the bathtub with hot water to soak the oven racks. Lightly mist the oven’s interior to rehydrate the cleaning solution, then use the scraper and spatula to remove the caked-on gunk. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to wipe away the mess!
After scraping, follow up by using a damp scouring pad to scrub any remaining spots. Wipe down the surfaces with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap or baking soda residue. If suds are still present, use a dry towel to soak them up.
Scrub the Oven Door and Glass
Next, scrub the oven door and window glass using a scouring pad to eliminate any remaining buildup. If there are drips between the glass panes, use a butter knife to slide a soapy rag through the opening at the bottom of the door. If your oven door lacks this opening, you may need to remove the door to clean between the glass.
Scrub the Oven Racks
Now it’s time to return to the bathtub and scrub the oven racks. Use the nylon scraper and scouring pad to remove any remaining grime. After scrubbing, rinse and dry the racks before placing them back in the oven.
Finishing Touches
Finally, wipe down the front of the oven and the door handle. Now you can step back and admire your freshly cleaned oven!
Alternative Oven Cleaning Methods
If you’re looking for other cleaning options, here are a few methods that I found useful:
Self-Clean Setting
The self-clean feature is one of the simplest methods available. It heats your oven to a scorching 900 degrees, turning food residue into ash. Afterward, a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you need. However, I reserve this option for only the dirtiest of ovens due to the intense fumes it produces.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Another method involves sprinkling baking soda over the oven’s surfaces and spraying it with vinegar. This chemical reaction can assist with cleaning, but I find the smell of vinegar unpleasant, and it doesn’t cut through grease as effectively as dish soap.
Ammonia and Water
For those who can tolerate the strong odor, using ammonia can simplify the cleaning process. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees, then turn it off. Place 3 cups of ammonia in an oven-safe dish on the upper rack and 3 cups of boiling water on the lower rack. Close the door and let the steam work overnight. The next day, wiping the oven clean should be a breeze.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Oven
To avoid the hassle of deep cleaning, consider these preventive tips:
- Wipe Spills Immediately: Addressing spills as they occur prevents them from hardening and becoming stubborn. Let the oven cool down first!
- Use an Oven Liner: A heat-resistant oven liner can catch spills, making cleanup easy. Simply remove and rinse or toss it in the dishwasher.
- Cover Your Food: When cooking, use oven bags or aluminum foil to minimize spills. Just be mindful that covering certain foods may change cooking times or textures.
How Do You Deep Clean Your Oven?
Now that I’ve shared my method for deep cleaning an oven and other options I’ve tried, I’d love to hear from you! How do you approach your oven cleaning? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!
Bir yanıt yazın