5 Tips for Cleaning Your Oven

Cleaning an oven can be dirty work. The good news is that it’s a task that doesn’t take long to complete. It’s still not something you’re looking forward to, but it must be done. It’s an important job because it can affect your health and your ability to cook efficiently. Here are 5 tips to help you clean your oven.

1. Use Oven Cleaner

The oven cleaner spray is the easiest to use, being designed specifically for ovens. Remove the racks from the oven. Spray the insides of a cool oven with the cleaner and let it sit for at least 6 to 8 hours. Some cleaners have to sit overnight. Scrub the inside afterwards and rinse with a wet rag or sponge. Don’t forget to put on gloves. Keep in mind that oven cleaners are comprised of heavy chemicals, some of which are toxic.

2. Spray Baking Soda in the Oven

Baking soda is another medium for cleaning your oven. It is the safest, and it doesn’t cost much to buy. Combine 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 quart of water and put it in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle a little and spray it on the oven. Heat the oven from 30 minutes to an hour and then wipe it off (after the oven has cooled). Repeat these steps until your oven is clean.

3. Cleaning the Racks

Take out the oven racks and put them in a sink that’s three-quarters full of soapy water. Soak them for 20 to 30 minutes. Use regular soap and water to clean. If it’s very difficult to scrub the grime off, put it back in the soapy water to soak longer. After you’ve cleaned it, dry it thoroughly.

4. Make a Homemade Solution

Instead of having to go and buy a commercial oven cleaner, you can make your own. It’s a cheaper and safer way to clean the oven. Here’s a simple recipe for a homemade oven cleaner solution:

-1 Tbsp. Lemon juice
-1 Tbsp. Borax
-1 Tbsp. Dish soap
-1 Qt. Hot water

Mix the ingredients and pour them in a spray bottle. Spray the cleaner in the oven interior and let it sit for 40 to 50 minutes. Scrub with a sponge and then rinse with a wet cloth.

5. Keep the Oven Clean

It’s easier to clean an oven if you maintain it. If you’re baking something that could overflow, place a cookie sheet beneath it. When something spills, make a habit of cleaning it up as soon as you’re done cooking. Cleaning your oven monthly will help you get into a good routine. The longer you put the cleanup off, the harder it will be to clean the oven.

Cleaning an oven keeps your kitchen much healthier, and it looks better than a dirty one. Your oven will also work better and last longer, especially if you make it a habit to clean it on a regular basis.