How to Clean Your Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your oven clean is essential not just for hygiene but also for its performance and longevity. A clean oven cooks food evenly, prevents unpleasant odours, and avoids potential fire hazards. Whether you’re a regular baker or use your oven occasionally, this guide will help you keep it sparkling clean.

How Often to Clean Your Oven

The frequency of oven cleaning depends on how often you use it:

• Light Use: Clean every 3–6 months.
• Moderate Use: Clean every 2–3 months.
• Heavy Use: Monthly cleaning is recommended.

Additionally, clean spills and splatters immediately after they occur to prevent stubborn stains and odours.

How to Clean the Inside of the Oven

The inside of the oven can accumulate grease, burnt food particles, and carbon deposits over time. Here’s how to tackle it:

1. Gather Your Supplies:
   • Bicarbonate of soda
   • White vinegar
   • A sponge or microfibre cloth
   • A spray bottle
   • A scraper or spatula
2. Remove Loose Debris:
   Take out the racks and scrape off loose food particles from the oven’s interior.
3. Prepare a Bicarbonate of Soda Paste:
   Mix half a cup of bicarbonate of soda with a few tablespoons of water to form a paste.
4. Apply the Paste:
   Spread the paste over the inside surfaces of the oven, avoiding heating elements. Let it sit for 12 hours or overnight.
5. Wipe It Off:
   Use a damp cloth to wipe off the paste.
6. Spray Vinegar:
   Spray white vinegar over the areas where bicarbonate of soda residue remains. It will fizz and help loosen any stubborn grease.
7. Final Wipe:
   Wipe the oven’s interior with a clean, damp cloth.

How to Clean Oven Racks

Oven racks are prone to grease build-up, but cleaning them is relatively straightforward:

1. Soak in Hot Soapy Water:
   Remove the racks and place them in a sink or bathtub filled with hot, soapy water. Let them soak for an hour.
2. Scrub Gently:
   Use a non-abrasive scrubber or sponge to remove grease and grime.
3. Rinse and Dry:
   Rinse the racks thoroughly with clean water and dry them with a towel before placing them back in the oven.

How to Clean the Oven Door

The oven door, especially the glass panel, is prone to stains and smudges. Follow these steps:

1. Use Bicarbonate of Soda Paste:
   Apply the same paste you used for the oven interior to the glass panel. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
2. Scrub and Wipe:
   Use a sponge to scrub away stains, then wipe with a damp cloth.
3. For Stubborn Stains:
   A razor blade scraper can help gently lift stuck-on grease without scratching the glass.

How to Clean Oven Knobs and Handles

The knobs and handles are high-touch areas that can accumulate grease and dirt. Here’s how to clean them:

1. Remove Knobs (if possible):
   Check your oven manual to see if the knobs can be safely removed.
2. Clean with Mild Soap:
   Wash knobs and handles using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners, as they can damage the finish.
3. Wipe Dry:
   Dry thoroughly before reattaching the knobs to prevent water from seeping into the appliance.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Oven

• Use an oven liner to catch drips and spills.
• Wipe up spills immediately after cooking.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals, especially if your oven is self-cleaning.
• Run the self-cleaning function as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Schedule a professional oven cleaning service at least once a year for deep cleaning.

When to Call the Professionals

If your oven has stubborn grime, is emitting unpleasant odours, or hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it might be time to call the experts. Professional oven cleaning service ensure your appliance is thoroughly cleaned, inside and out, without any risk of damage.

Conclusion

A clean oven not only enhances your cooking experience but also ensures a safe kitchen environment. While regular maintenance goes a long way, tough stains and deep cleaning are best handled by professionals.

For oven cleaning in Melbourne, trust Clean to Shine. With services available across Australia, Clean to Shine specialises in delivering sparkling clean ovens, making your kitchen a healthier and happier space. Contact us today to book your appointment!