The Right Ways to Clean Your Oven and What to Avoid

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On November 9, 2024

Regularly cleaning the oven is essential for maintaining its performance and ensuring the safety of the food cooked inside. Grease and food residue often accumulate in the oven, leading to unpleasant odors or even smoke when it’s turned on. To get the best results, it’s important to follow the right cleaning methods and avoid common mistakes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to cleaning your oven step by step.

Daily Cleaning After Each Use

After each use, wipe the oven with a damp cloth to remove fresh and light stains. This step prevents grease buildup and makes deep cleaning easier later.

To Avoid:
Don’t wait until the oven has completely cooled down before wiping; it’s easier to remove stains while the oven is slightly warm (but not too hot).

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Deep Cleaning with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar make an effective and safe combination for cleaning the oven. Mix some baking soda with a little water to create a paste. Spread the paste on the dirty areas and leave it for 10 to 12 hours (overnight is best). Then, spray vinegar on the baking soda and wipe it away with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

To Avoid:

Avoid using vinegar or baking soda on electronic or glass parts of the oven if you’re not sure it’s compatible, as it may cause corrosion or long-term damage.

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Using the Oven’s Self-Cleaning Feature

Some ovens have a self-cleaning function, where the temperature rises to burn off grease and food residue into ash. Once the process is complete, wipe the ash with a damp cloth.

To Avoid:

Don’t leave the oven unattended during the self-cleaning process, as strong odors or unwanted smoke may be produced. Also, remove racks and any removable parts before starting self-cleaning.

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Cleaning the Oven Door Glass

You can clean the oven glass using a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the mixture to the glass, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it with a damp cloth.

To Avoid:

Avoid using sharp or abrasive tools on the glass, as this can cause scratches or damage.

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Using Commercial Cleaners with Caution

For tough stains, you can use commercial oven cleaners. It’s best to follow the instructions on the package carefully, wear gloves, and open the windows to ventilate the kitchen.

To Avoid:

Avoid using cleaners that are not meant for ovens or contain harsh chemicals that may leave harmful residues affecting your food. Also, avoid spraying cleaners directly on the oven’s electrical parts.

Additional Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

Choose the Right Time to Clean.
It’s best to clean the oven when the kitchen is well-ventilated.
Don’t Delay Cleaning.
Leaving dirt for long periods makes it harder to clean later.
Don’t Mix Cleaners.
Avoid mixing different chemical cleaners, especially those containing ammonia and chlorine, as this can release harmful gases.