Oven Cleaning Basics

By E. E. Kane

It is the most hated household chore. Housekeepers put it off for months, even years, choosing instead to put up with the smell. It is a never-ending job, since it is certain to be needed again. It is rumored to involve back-breaking labor and more elbow grease than you care to use. The chore is cleaning your oven, and we’re going to look it right in the face. Get a grip.

First you need to know what type of oven you own. There are three: continuous cleaning, self-cleaning, and standard. Continuous and self are by far the ovens of choice if you hate cleaning one. Consider yourself blessed if you own one of these easy-care ovens, but don’t stop reading now; they are also easy to ruin.

Continuous cleaning ovens do just that – they clean as you cook. All they need is a swipe with a damp sponge now and then.

Self-cleaning ovens have a setting that literally cooks the grime away. When choosing the cleaning option of your self-cleaning oven, the door will lock and the temperatures will rise to around 700 degrees Fahrenheit, sometimes higher. After finishing the cycle, you may have a small heap of ash in the bottom of the oven. Use a vacuum to suck it up, then wipe the surfaces with a damp sponge.

It is best to read your owner’s manual for your continuous or self-cleaning oven before you lift a finger or buy that can of oven cleaner. These ovens normally do not require cleaning products, and using them could ruin your expensive appliance.

Standard ovens require more work, but don’t let the mental images of bending over a grease-laden oven deter you. With a little bit of know-how and a determination to have a clean oven for Easter, this job won’t be so bad.

Store-bought oven cleaners do a great job. Spray on, set your oven to the temperature indicated on the can, and wait for the grime to melt away. You will still have to wipe it up, but the residue inside is now akin to a really dirty pan which has soaked overnight. It makes a big difference. You will want to wear long rubber gloves for the job, get a cushion for your knees if your oven is free standing, and use a sponge you can toss after this chore.

Even though oven cleaners sell fume-free options, the process still employs chemicals. There are several natural formulas for cleaning ovens, and the results are nearly as good. You can feel confident you are not introducing harmful elements to yourself, your family, or your pets. You can also pat yourself on the back for saving a few dollars, and, for some of these methods, electricity.

Baking Soda & Salt: Mix one cup each of baking soda and salt, then add enough water to make a paste. Apply paste to the inside of oven, set to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and wait for one hour. When cool rinse off with damp sponge.

Baking Soda & Vinegar: Mix one cup soda, three drops of liquid dish soap, and enough vinegar to make a paste. Apply to the inside of the oven, then let it sit overnight. In the morning wipe away.

The Soak Method: For stubborn spots, set a soapy damp sponge on the spill for an hour. When you return you will be able to remove a layer of the spill. Re-soak the sponge and apply again. This is a good method if you have the time, and to save your energy for enjoyable forms of exercise.

To easily clean oven racks, place an old towel in your bathtub, then set the racks on top. Cover with hot water, dishwashing soap, and let set overnight. Wipe clean in the morning.

Now your oven is clean and fresh, ready for that juicy ham for Easter. Speaking of which, you might want to line the bottom of your oven with a layer of aluminum foil to put off doing this chore again too soon.

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