Best Way to Clean the Inside of Your Oven
Let us be honest for a second. Cleaning the inside of your oven is probably at the very bottom of your household to-do list. It is a messy and tedious chore that most of us put off for as long as possible.
However, ignoring that burnt-on cheese and greasy residue will eventually cause problems. A dirty oven can lead to unpleasant smells and even affect the taste of your food. It also forces your appliance to work harder to reach the right temperature.
Thankfully, getting your oven sparkling clean does not have to be a nightmare. You do not even need to rely on harsh chemicals that leave your kitchen smelling like an industrial factory. We are going to show you the most effective way to clean the inside of your oven using everyday household items.
Why Keeping Your Oven Clean Matters
A clean oven is a happy and efficient oven. When thick grease and grime build up on the heating elements, your oven takes longer to heat up. This wastes electricity and can cause your appliance to wear out much faster than it should.
Burnt food remnants also produce excess smoke when you cook. This smoke can completely ruin the flavour of your favourite meals. Keeping the interior spotless ensures your food tastes exactly how it is supposed to.
Regular cleaning also helps you spot potential faults early on. If you notice your oven is not heating evenly while wiping it down, it might be time for a repair. Catching these issues early can save you a lot of hassle and money.
What You Need for the Best Oven Clean
You probably already have everything you need hiding in your kitchen cupboards. We highly recommend using natural ingredients because they are safe, cheap, and surprisingly powerful. You will need a box of bicarbonate of soda and a bottle of white vinegar.
You should also grab some standard washing up liquid and a non-scratch scourer. Do not use heavy-duty wire wool on the inside of your oven. It will scratch the enamel coating and cause permanent damage.
Finally, make sure you have a pair of sturdy rubber gloves. Even though we are using natural ingredients, lifting heavy grease can get incredibly messy. A few clean damp cloths will also be essential for wiping everything down at the end.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning the Inside of Your Oven
Step 1: Prep the Area and Remove the Racks
First things first, make sure your oven is completely switched off and cool to the touch. You should never attempt to clean a warm oven.
Take out all the oven racks, baking trays, and the thermometer if you have one. Set these aside for now. We will tackle the racks separately while the inside of the oven soaks.
Use a damp cloth to wipe away any loose bits of burnt food from the base. Getting rid of the loose debris now makes the deep cleaning stage much easier.
Step 2: Make Your Magic Cleaning Paste
Grab a small bowl and pour in half a cup of bicarbonate of soda. Slowly add a few tablespoons of water and mix it together. You are looking for a thick, spreadable consistency that resembles shaving paste.
If the mixture is too runny, simply add a little more bicarbonate of soda. If it feels too powdery, add a tiny splash of water. This simple paste is the ultimate secret weapon against baked-on oven grease.
Step 3: Coat the Inside of the Oven
Put your rubber gloves on and start spreading the paste all over the interior of your oven. Pay special attention to the greasiest areas and the baked-on stains. The paste will turn a brownish colour as it starts absorbing the grime.
Be extremely careful to avoid the heating elements. You only want to coat the metal walls, the base, and the inside of the door. Getting cleaning paste on the heating elements can cause them to smoke the next time you cook.
Step 4: Let It Sit
This is the easiest part of the entire process. You need to let the bicarbonate of soda paste do all the hard work for you. Leave it to sit for at least twelve hours, or ideally overnight.
The longer you leave the paste, the easier the grease will lift away. Go put your feet up and enjoy a cup of tea. Your oven is currently cleaning itself.
Step 5: Wipe It Down and Add Vinegar
Once the paste has had time to work its magic, grab a damp cloth. Wipe away as much of the dried paste and grease as you possibly can. Use your non-scratch scourer to gently rub away any stubborn spots.
Next, pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz the entire inside of the oven. The vinegar will react with the leftover bicarbonate of soda and create a gentle foaming action. This lifts the very last bits of hidden grease.
Take a fresh damp cloth and do a final wipe down of the interior. Keep rinsing your cloth until the inside of the oven is completely clear of residue. Your oven should now look brilliantly clean and shiny.
How to Clean Your Oven Racks
While your oven is soaking overnight, you can easily clean your metal racks. The best place to do this is in your bathtub or a large sink. Lay down an old towel at the bottom of the tub to prevent the racks from scratching the surface.
Place the racks on the towel and cover them with very hot water. Add a generous squirt of washing up liquid or half a cup of laundry detergent. Let the racks soak for a few hours or overnight.
The hot soapy water will loosen all the burnt-on food and sticky grease. After they have soaked, use a sponge to wipe the grime away with ease. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them before sliding them back into your clean oven.
How to Clean the Oven Door Glass
Being able to actually see your food cooking is a major bonus. To clean the glass oven door, mix another small batch of your bicarbonate of soda paste. Spread it generously across the glass and leave it for thirty minutes.
Use a damp cloth to wipe the paste away. If there are any stubborn baked-on spots, gently scrape them off with a plastic scraper. Never use a metal scraper on the glass as it can easily cause scratches or cracks.
Give the glass a final polish with a standard glass cleaner or a splash of white vinegar. Wipe it dry with a microfibre cloth for a streak-free finish. You will finally be able to watch your cakes rise without opening the door.
When to Call the Appliance Repair Experts
Sometimes, giving your oven a deep clean highlights other underlying issues. You might notice that the door seal is loose or torn. You may also find that the heating element looks damaged or warped.
If your oven is struggling to heat up properly even after a thorough clean, there could be an electrical fault. This is not something you should try to fix yourself. Tinkering with faulty appliances can be highly dangerous.
If you live in Wiltshire and need a reliable domestic appliance repair, we are here to help. Our friendly team can quickly diagnose and fix your oven to get it working perfectly again. Reach out to Anderson James today to book an appliance repair visit.