How to clean an oven from the inside and outside?

How to clean an oven from the inside and outside

Degreasing the oven is a difficult task to carry out. In fact, this essential kitchen appliance is often covered in splashes and food residue and ends up getting clogged. Fortunately, there are methods to get rid of dirt on the inside and outside of this appliance. So, if you are a fan of smart cleaning, follow the demo to find out how to clean your oven!

How to naturally clean the inside of the oven?

To prepare a roast chicken, a gratin or even a pie, the oven is an essential part of the kitchen. But its interior cleaning is often neglected. Generally impregnated with grease stains,  the oven needs regular  and careful maintenance . This is essential for maintaining a good level of hygiene in the kitchen. To clean it up and give it a good makeover, follow this method found on the  Martha Stewart website , specializing in cleaning, decorating, recipes and all kinds of DIY tips:

To perform this cleaning tip, gather the ingredients below:

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with 1 tablespoon of warm water.
  • Two to three drops of essential oils of your choice (optional)
  • 1 part white vinegar mixed with 4 parts water
  • A tablespoon of dishwashing liquid

Supplies :

Materials

  • Gloves and protective glasses
  • Brush
  • Soft cloths
  • Plastic scraper
  • Old toothbrush to clean inaccessible corners of the oven
  • Sponge
  • Aluminum foil to protect interior oven openings, lights and heating elements

Prepare the baking soda paste

Baking soda is an essential cleaning ally. Thanks to its degreasing properties, it will help you remove dirt from the oven in depth.

  1. In a bowl, mix the baking soda with the lukewarm water.
  2. Add the essential oil of your choice to flavor the dough.

This amount should be enough to do the cleaning. If you need more, do not hesitate to repeat the operation using the same recipe.

Clean the oven racks:

Cleaning cannot be done without first removing the oven racks. This is an essential step, even if the device has a self-cleaning function.

  1. Pour a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid into the kitchen sink or a basin filled with lukewarm water.
  2. Dip the racks in the soapy water.
  3. Leave for a few hours.
  4. Scrub the grates with a sponge to remove burnt-on food residue.
  5. Use the baking soda paste to scrub the grills again with a sponge to remove stubborn stains.
  6. Rinse and dry the grills in the open air or with a clean cloth.

Caution

  • Cover the sink or tub before using to avoid scratching it.
  • Baking soda can only be applied to stainless steel material. It may discolor aluminum grills.

Apply baking soda paste to clean the interior of the oven:

  1. Before starting, protect the fragile corners of the oven with aluminum foil: the heating elements, the light, the thermostat, the wiring.
  2. Take out a kitchen brush to spread the baking soda paste inside the oven.
  3. Scrub inaccessible corners using a toothbrush dipped in baking soda.
  4. For an impeccable result, leave the cleaning paste to act for 12 to 24 hours.

Caution

Avoid metal surfaces of the oven as well as the oven door while cleaning. This requires different cleaning.

Remove the baking soda paste:

Baking soda paste removed using a plastic scraper

  1. Using a plastic scraper, remove the baking soda paste. If necessary, wet the tool to remove product residue more easily.
  2. Using a damp microfiber cloth, wipe the interior of the oven to remove product residue and complete the cleaning.

Clean the inside of the oven glass:

Sara San Angelo , professional cleaning expert practicing in South Carolina and founder of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady, reveals her secret to  a sparkling clean oven door  !

  1. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the baking soda paste.
  2. Spread the dough on the glass surface of the oven.
  3. Leave to act for around fifteen minutes.
  4. Gently scrub the surface of the glass door using a soft, non-abrasive sponge, then use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe clean.

Caution

  • Allow the oven to cool completely before cleaning the oven glass.

To more easily remove baking soda residue from the window, the cleaning specialist suggests using white vinegar. This cleaner and stain remover  is the best option to complete cleaning.

  1. In a bowl, mix one part white vinegar with four parts water.
  2. Dip a soft, lint-free cloth into the cleaning solution.
  3. Use the cloth to wipe the door from the inside and rinse the glass surface.
  4. For a brilliant shine, repeat the operation with a clean microfiber cloth.

And there you have it, your oven door is clean and free of marks!

Caution

Sometimes you have to use major means to thoroughly clean the oven door. Because dirt often gets stuck in the areas that separate the interior and exterior glass of the device. In this specific case, Sara San Angelo recommends removing the oven door for thorough cleaning.

How to clean the exterior of the oven?

Now that you’ve given the interior of the oven a good wipe, don’t neglect one of the most important cleaning steps: the exterior of the appliance. This includes the glass door as well as the various oven controls.

Cleaning the oven glass

After finalizing cleaning the inside of the oven door. Do the same for the exterior part. A solution of vinegar water is enough to restore its shine.

  • Cleaning the exterior of the oven glass
  1. Dip a microfiber cloth in the vinegar water. This can be prepared according to the aforementioned dosage.
  2. Wipe the exterior surface of the oven door with a clean cloth and you’re done!
  • How often should you clean the oven door?

It depends on how often the oven is used in cooking. San Angelo, then, recommends cleaning the oven door when cleaning your kitchen.

Tip for cleaning oven knobs

Finally, oven knobs are often forgotten when cleaning. Just like the oven glass, these require gentle cleaning. We will explain how to proceed.

  • Spray a suitable cleaner or water on a microfiber cloth to remove traces of dirt from the oven controls.
  • If necessary, you can add a little soap or use a disposable wipe to wipe these items.

Caution

  • Avoid spraying your cleaner directly on the oven knobs. The liquid can in fact become encrusted inside the device and cause short circuits or even irreversible damage.

FAQs

How to clean a pyrolysis oven?

  1. Before starting cleaning, remove all items inside the oven, namely the rack, plate and other accessories.
  2. Pass a slightly damp sponge inside the oven to remove food residue, not forgetting the glass from the inside and outside. To do this, you can use a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
  3. Start the cleaning program following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can I clean my very dirty oven with other natural products?

Like baking soda, other natural ingredients are used to clean the oven such as: white vinegar, lemon, spirit vinegar or even clay stone.

How to clean plastic that melted in the oven?

Simply place an ice pack on the melted plastic. Result: it becomes hard and can easily be removed using a knife or sharp tool.