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What’s the Best Way to Clean My Oven?

June 19, 2024

Picture of Claire Hebert

Claire Hebert

Nobody likes oven cleaning. Not only does it force you to get down on your knees and scrub at the hardened grime, but you usually have to wait twelve hours or more for the cleaning mixture to soften the baked-on grease before you can finally scrub it off.

Thoroughly cleaning an oven is so difficult that many homeowners treat it as a separate cleaning project, rather than a part of a regular house cleaning in Baton Rouge. Just about the only good thing about oven cleaning is that you don’t have to do it often.

We’re here to help! In this article, we’ll tell you how to make your oven cleaning infinitely easier and less time-consuming. Read on!

How often should I clean the oven?

Like kitchen countertop cleaning, the frequency of oven cleaning depends mostly on your cooking habits. If you don’t use your oven often, you’ll only have to clean its interior once or twice a year. However, if you’re using it multiple times a week, it won’t be long before it becomes greasy and stained. In these cases, cleaning the oven at least once every 2-3 months is crucial in order to avoid foodborne illness.

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How do I get baked on grease off my oven?

First, take the oven racks out. Sink them in hot water mixed with 1/2 cup of dishwashing soap and let them sit overnight. The next day, give them a good scrubbing to remove the crusted grease and let them dry.

As for the oven itself, follow these steps:

  • Step #1: Mix half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of warm water. Make more of this mixture if you have an especially large oven. Wait for the mixture to become thick like paste, and then slather it all over the inside of the oven, but avoid getting it on the heating elements.
  • Step #2: Close the oven and let it sit for twelve hours or longer. The baking soda mixture will take on an ugly brown hue, but don’t let that worry you. This is a normal chemical reaction and it means the mixture is working.
  • Step #3: The following day, gently spread white vinegar over the inside of the oven and let it react with the baking soda paste. This will soften the grease and the debris.
  • Step #4: Once the vinegar and the paste have done their job, reach in and scrub off the cleaning mixture and the softened grease.

What is the easiest way to clean an oven?

Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as an easy way” to clean a dirty oven. The heat from the oven will have caused the grease and the stains inside to harden, making them immune to all but the most abrasive cleaning products.

The most efficient way to deal with this problem is to hire a dependable maid service. Not only will the experts clean your oven in no time, they can also clean your fridge properly and wipe-down your cabinets as well, all during the same cleaning.

What is the best thing to clean an oven with?

For the “minimum effort, maximum gain” approach to oven cleaning, you’ll need to choose the right tools. What’s important here is to choose tools that go easy on the oven walls, but efficiently eliminate baked-on dirt and grime. Fortunately, these are all very easy to come by and you certainly have some of them already:

  • Non-abrasive sponges: Items like soft or melamine foam sponges are great for scrubbing, as they are gentle enough not to damage the oven but tough enough to remove dirt buildup.
  • Soft lint-free cloths or microfiber cloths: These are perfect for removing residue that remains after scrubbing and for those finishing touches (just remember to use different cloths for different tasks).
  • Silicone scrapers: These common utensils work wonders for stubborn grime patches while remaining gentle on the surfaces. Plastic scrapers can work just as well, although they are slightly tougher.
  • Soft-bristled brushes: They are true lifesavers when it comes to oven rack cleaning and the go-to option for getting to those hard-to-reach places. You can even use an old toothbrush for fine detailing.
What is the easiest way to clean an oven

What not to use to clean an oven?

Certain chemicals and tools should never be used when cleaning the oven, as they could damage it and also be hazardous to your health. Here’s the list of things you want to avoid:

Chemicals & cleaning agents:

  • Abrasives: Store-bought abrasive cleaners are often too rough and can easily scratch oven surfaces.
  • Bleach & ammonia: Both can damage oven enamel when used separately. When combined, these chemicals become a true health hazard as they produce fumes that can be lethal when inhaled.
  • Oven cleaners on self-cleaning ovens: If you have an oven with a self-cleaning feature, avoid using commercial oven cleaners. It may seem counterintuitive, but these chemicals can damage the self-cleaning coating, rendering it useless.
  • Lye-based solutions: While these compounds are commonly used in soaps and other cleaning products, they’re highly caustic on their own. Not only can lye-based cleaners damage your oven but they can also cause chemical burns.

Tools

  • Metal tools: Whether they’re scrapers, knives, scouring pads, or otherwise, any metal tool is ill-suited for oven cleaning as it’s almost guaranteed to cause permanent damage.
  • Steel wool: Similarly to metal tools, these common kitchen tools can wreak havoc on the oven’s surfaces.
  • Pressure washers: While using these can seem like a great shortcut – it’s anything but. High-pressure water can easily remove protective coatings and damage electrical components.

Where can I book a first-rate house cleaning in Baton Rouge?

There’s nothing worse than coming home after an exhausting day at work, only to be faced with a greasy oven that demands your attention. Luckily for you, Geaux Maids of Baton Rouge are here to help!

By booking our cleaning service, not only will you get a squeaky clean home, but you’ll also get the free time you need to relax or enjoy a memorable performance at the Shaw Center for the Arts. Schedule your cleaning today!

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