Keeping your oven sparkling clean can seem like an overwhelming task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can make it look brand new again. Here is my step-by-step guide on how to deep clean your oven like a professional.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Oven cleaner – Look for a heavy-duty spray that is designed specifically for oven cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
- Steel wool pads – For scrubbing tough grime and burnt-on food.
- Nylon scrubber – For general cleaning of oven surfaces. Less abrasive than steel wool.
- Microfiber cloths – For wiping down surfaces. Choose lint-free cloths.
- Garbage bags – For disposing of grime and debris.
- Rubber gloves – To protect your hands from harsh oven cleaners.
- Safety goggles – To shield your eyes.
- Baking soda – Helps remove stubborn stains.
- White vinegar – Cuts through grease and adds shine.
Prep Your Oven
Before spraying on any oven cleaner, you’ll want to prep your oven so the cleaner can work its magic.
- Remove oven racks – Place them in your sink or bathtub to clean separately later.
- Wipe out large debris – Use a rubber spatula to scrape off any large chunks of food or hardened spills.
- Vacuum the oven – This gets rid of crumbs and dust before cleaning. Pay attention to crevices and vents.
Apply Oven Cleaner
With the oven empty, you’re ready to apply a heavy-duty oven cleaner. Make sure you have proper ventilation.
- Spray the oven cleaner liberally on all interior oven surfaces – sides, back, top, bottom. Avoid spraying the heating elements.
- Let it sit – Allow the cleaner to soak for at least 30 minutes. Overnight is even better for stubborn grime.
- Never leave it on for more than 12 hours at most, as it could damage your oven surface.
Scrub Away Grime
Now comes the elbow grease! Be sure to wear gloves for this part.
- Use a steel wool pad to scrub off burnt-on food and stubborn grease stains. Apply pressure as needed.
- For more delicate areas, opt for a nylon scrubber instead, like around the oven window. Scrub gently here.
- Rinse thoroughly – Wipe clean with a wet microfiber cloth or nylon scrubber to remove all oven cleaner residue.
- Ventilate the kitchen – Open windows, turn on hood vents, etc. to let any fumes escape.
Clean Oven Racks
While the oven interior is soaking, move on to the racks.
- Place racks in trash bags in your bathtub. Spray liberally with oven cleaner.
- Tie bags closed and let racks soak for at least an hour. This loosens burnt-on food debris.
- Scrub racks with steel wool until all grime is removed. Rinse thoroughly.
Final Touches
You’re nearly finished with a sparkling clean oven! Just a few more steps:
- Wipe down the oven door with a separate microfiber cloth and hot, soapy water. Buff dry.
- Remove any hazy residue with undiluted white vinegar and buff with a dry cloth.
- Replace oven racks. You can also run an empty self-cleaning cycle now if needed.
- Sprinkle baking soda on problem spots in a cool oven, then spray vinegar overtop. Let bubble for 5 minutes, then wipe clean.
And that’s it – you’ve expertly deep cleaned your oven like a pro! Just be sure to stay on top of regular gentle wipe downs, and your oven will stay shiny and new.
