Convenient and efficient are words that best describe an oven. And because of their durability, they are standard kitchen equipment in many homes. However, cleaning an oven is one uphill task that needs to be done on a regular basis.
In this article, we have compiled a detailed guide to cleaning an oven with an oven cleaner. Additionally, we’ll look at a couple of techniques to keep your oven spick-and-span. That said, let’s dive into our step-by-step guide on how to clean an oven with oven cleaner. Read on!
How to Steam Clean Your Oven
Steaming cleaning an oven is ideal for both traditional and self-cleaning ovens. That said, let’s take a look at how you should steam clean your oven.
Step 1: Empty the Oven
Empty the oven and remove all oven pans, racks and grills. Using a large bucket, soak the oven racks and grills overnight in soapy water and clean them the next day.
Step 2: Wipe It Clean
Using a paper towel, wipe off any excess grease, caked-on food and burnt-on food. If any food debris is stuck in the oven, use a rubber spatula to gently scrub it off.
Step 3: Fill a Large Oven-Safe Baking Dish With Water
Once you got all the debris and excess grease out, fill out a large baking dish with water. And place it at the bottom of the oven.
Close the oven door and set your oven to a high temperature of 350F. Once the water begins to bubble and produce steam – the steam will circulate inside the oven’s interior. And it will soften any stubborn food that is either burnt or caked on.
Step 4: Monitor Water Levels
Monitor the water levels in the baking dish since all the water shouldn’t evaporate. After approximately 45-60 minutes, turn off your oven. Spray the oven’s interior with water and vinegar solution. Allow the solution to rest for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Wipe Away Any Residues
Once the oven has cooled down completely, use a clean damp cloth to wipe down any debris or ash residue left behind.
If any are stuck on oven grime, use a nylon scouring pad and some elbow grease to scrub it off. Moreover, if there are any stubborn spots on the oven, you can use a homemade oven cleaner to clean them out.
How to Deep Clean Your Oven Using Store-Bought Cleaners
Deep cleaning an oven is not an everyday task. You can opt to deep clean your oven once a month, depending on how often you use it and the type of foods you cook using the oven. For deep cleaning purposes, you can opt for the best oven cleaner UK stores have to offer.
Store-bought cleaners will not only get the job done with minimum effort, but also they are efficient when it comes to dealing with stubborn stains. However, ensure that you wear a pair of rubber gloves and protective google for your eyes when using such cleaners since they are made using harsh chemicals.
Now, let’s look at how to clean an oven with a store-bought oven cleaner.
Step 1: Remove the Oven Pans and Rack
Allow the oven to cool down completely. And then remove any racks, pans or grills. Once your oven is empty, lay out paper towels or newspapers at its bottom, this will help form a protective layer on the oven’s bottom.
Step 2: Applying the Oven Cleaner
Whether you prefer a paste-like or a liquid cleaner for oven cleaning, ensure that you apply a generous amount of it to the interior of your oven.
You can use the cleaner on the oven door only if it lacks an oven window or if the oven door is not made of glass. If you own an electric oven, ensure that you lift the heating element and then apply the paste. Allow it to rest for approximately 250-30 minutes.
That being said, it’s worth mentioning that it’s always important to follow the cleaning product’s instructions to the latter.
While waiting for the cleaner to do its magic, take the oven racks to your desired cleaning station and apply the same cleaning product. Allow the product to rest on the racks as indicated in the instruction manual.
Step 3: Clean It Out
Once the time has elapsed, use a damp cloth and wipe off the oven cleaner from the oven’s interior and the door. Use a scrubbing sponge to remove any caked-on or burnt-on grime from the interior of the oven. Once you’re done cleaning the oven, don’t forget to tend to your racks.
Using warm water and a sponge, clean the racks and allow them to air dry before placing them back into the oven.
Once you’re done cleaning the oven, add some water to a baking tin and squeeze lemon juice in it. Place the baking tin in the oven inside the oven and turn up the heat. Let the lemon juice come to a boil and release steam that will mask the smell of your oven cleaning product. Turn off the range and allow it to cool completely.
Using a clean cloth, wipe the oven’s interior using lemon water. And that’s how to use oven cleaner.
Cleaning Oven Racks and the Oven Door
Oven racks usually bear the burden of carrying all the heavy baking trays and dishes. And they also require some TLC regularly. However cleaning them can be pretty challenging, but it proves to be the easiest part of oven cleaning if done right.
That being said, bear in mind that clean oven racks keep your unit looking pristine and your food safe from contamination.
When cleaning oven racks, ensure that you soak them in a mixture of warm water and washing powder for a few hours.
This will allow any stuck-on grease and grime to scrub off easily with the help of a non-abrasive sponge. On that note, ensure you always give your racks a gentle scrub to avoid discolouration.
On the flip side, cleaning the oven glass door ensures that you have a clear vision of what’s cooking when using the oven to prepare different meals.
If your oven comes with a glass door or window, it’s essential to clean it regularly. You can use a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar or water: form a baking soda paste and apply it to the oven’s door using a brush or cloth.
Allow the paste to rest for a couple of minutes. Once the paste is dry, scrape it off using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Clean out any remaining residue and repeat if need be. Furthermore, you can also steam the oven door with a steam cleaner to disinfect it after.
How to Keep Your Oven Spotless
Needless to mention that oven cleaning is a tedious task. However, there are several ways you can prevent your oven from getting too dirty. These hacks will save you a lot of cleaning time whenever you are cleaning your oven.
Oven Liners
If you’re looking for a solution that can contain the messes while you’re cooking, then oven cleaners are your answer. Spillage is inevitable whether you like baking often or cooking in your oven, but clean-up becomes a walk in the park with an oven liner.
When it comes to liners, you can opt for disposable or reusable ones depending on your preference. Furthermore, aluminium foil can also be used to line your baking trays or grilling racks.
Second Roasting Tray
When roasting your favourite steak or lamb, it’s always advisable to always place a second roasting tray at the bottom of the oven.
This tray comes in handy as it’s used to catch grease and spills from the food. This helps when it comes to oven cleaning since you will only be required to pull out the second tray and scrub it down.
Cover Your Food and Do Not Overfill
Covering your food and not overfilling is one rule that cuts across almost every cooking method. So when using your oven, always remember this. Not only will it save you from cleaning up the grease and sauces from your oven. But also, it will help keep the messes at bay.
Can I Use Baking Soda to Clean an Oven?
Yes, if you’re looking for a natural solution for keeping your oven clean without using store-bought cleaners, you can consider using baking soda and vinegar.
When using baking soda for oven cleaning, you’re required to mix half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water.
Then apply the baking soda and water mixture all over the interior of the oven. Ensure that the mixture does not come into contact with the heating elements or the pilot light. Leave overnight.
Come the next morning, use a damp cloth, and clean away the baking soda mix. Add 50% water and 50% vinegar to a spray bottle and spray the mixture on the oven’s interior surface. And Clean out any remaining residue and repeat if need be.
When using non-toxic oven cleaners, you may be required to repeat applications to shift grease and stains.
Why Should You Keep Your Oven Clean?
Well, now that you know what oven cleaning entails, let’s shift our focus to why you should always clean your oven. Whether or not you use your oven often, it’s always necessary to clean your oven. Here are some reasons why you should keep your oven clean.
Fire hazard
An oven covered with grime and caked-on grease is a disaster waiting to occur. Bear in mind that both the top and bottom surfaces of your oven allow even heat distribution. But a dirty oven only means the heat will be distributed unevenly. Moreover, the grease caked on at the bottom might be prone to smoking, which can, in turn, lead to unwanted fires and the fire department knocking down your door!
Clean Your Oven Regularly
Well, that is it on how to clean an oven with oven cleaner. Regular cleaning and proper use of your oven will save you a lot of clean-up time and elbow grease in the long run.
Keep in mind that the above cleaning tips will save you a lot of elbow grease and time. Moreover, if you’re not a fan of store-bought cleaners, you can turn to homemade cleaners. Optionally, you can even use simple non-toxic oven cleaners like lemon juice.
