Oven Cleaning Tips

Innovations over the years have made oven cleaning a very simple job.

For those of you who have invested in those "self cleaning" ovens, congratulations. Please take good care of them.

If you don't have a "self cleaning" oven there are some great oven cleaners out there you can use.



Oven Cleaning

Oven Cleaning - When it's a self cleaning oven

Self cleaning ovens work when the clean mode is turned on and the interior surface of the oven heats up to about 800-900 degrees. For 2 - 6 hours all stains, grease and spills are turned into a gray ash.

To start oven cleaning your self cleaning oven, remove the oven racks and soak them in warm water mixed with a dishwashing cleaner.

Set the clean mode timer for 2 - 6 hours and make sure the oven door is locked.

When the oven cleaning cycle is complete, let the oven cool and then wipe out the ash with a damp sponge or rag.

Don't forget to clean the inside of the oven door. With a little bit of cleaner and a rag, wipe the inside the door, paying close attention to the seal around the door. Rinse well with a damp sponge or rag.

You should also wipe clean the outside of the oven door and the stove.

If you have stove racks soak them in in warm water mixed with dishwashing cleaner.

When you have cleaned the racks for the oven and the stove, dry them and put them back where they belong.

Oven Cleaning - When it's not a "self cleaning oven"

For those of you who don't have this self oven cleaning miracle, a more physical workout is required.

Equipped with oven cleaner and a pair of rubber gloves, remove the oven racks and soak.

Spray the oven cavity with the oven cleaner and let it sit for 6 - 8 hours. A lot of these cleaners work overnight, so while you sleep let the oven cleaner work it's magic.

Next day, scrub the oven cavity clean and rinse with a damp sponge or rag.

And as with the self cleaning oven, don't forget the oven door and stove.

Tips for oven cleaning

  • Before you clean your oven for the first time, consult your owner's manual.
  • If your Sunday casserole spills or whatever your baking spills, clean up the mess when your baking session is complete.
  • To prevent spills in the first place, line a cookie sheet with foil and place it under the rack you are baking on.

: : Oven Cleaning

Claim your free copy of our Special Report:

How To Clean Your House: Advice From the Past

* indicates required

Read our privacy policy here.

In it you'll get...

  • The exact practices used for household management back in 1914 -- you'll be shocked to know that we still use some of these today.

  • The best methods of removing dust, cleaning paint, woodwork and glass.

  • Instructions on how and why you should make an inventory of household goods in a card file -- e.g., "Keep bed linen and towels, piled preferably on shelves, near bedrooms and bathrooms, marked and numbered. Put the clean underneath when they come from the laundry."

By entering your email, you're opting in to receive our free weekly house cleaning letter, "The Saturday Morning Cleanup". It will give you house cleaning tips and motivation to create a home that is quick and easy to clean. We'll never send you spam, and you can opt-out at any time.