Cleaning the Oven

Written by Karen Bates (last updated July 3, 2023)

I have always found cleaning the oven to be one of the most dreaded of household chores. The time spent scrubbing and scraping at burnt spots can leave almost anyone discouraged, especially since these stubborn spills and splatters are so glued on that it takes some serious dedication to clean them off. The oven is often neglected because of the inconvenience that cleaning causes, and because it is left dirty for so long the problem only grows worse. There are some ideas you can try, however, that can make the chore of cleaning the oven a little less painful.

  • Use the self-cleaning function. Some ovens, especially newer ones, are able to self clean. When this process is used, the oven heats up to a very high temperature and reduces the spills in the oven to ash. It is much easier to wipe away the spills after the oven has self-cleaned, but remember that using this function can cause fumes and smoke. It is a good idea to open the windows in your home while the oven is self-cleaning.
  • Clean spots with oven cleaner. If your oven isn't self-cleaning, don't worry. At your local grocery store, you should be able to find cleaners that are made specifically to tackle the tough baked-on spots in your oven. The way the cleaner works will depend on the type and brand of cleaner. Follow the instructions and wear gloves to protect your skin as you clean, since the cleaner may be harsh on skin. All-purpose cleaners will work, too, but might not have the same effect as a cleaner that is designed especially for ovens.
  • Try natural cleaning techniques. You can buy natural cleaners for your oven that aren't so harmful to your skin, or you can try making your own. One alternative that many have found helpful is baking soda. To do this, sprinkle some of the baking soda on the bottom of your oven and spray lightly with water. Repeat this step for a few hours. Later, scrape out the baking soda and wipe the bottom of the oven with a wet washcloth to remove any residue.

Any of these cleaning methods will leave your oven clean and free of spots left from spills. If you clean with a non-natural cleaner, remember that the inside of the oven might smell like cleaner you used. Before cooking with the oven, leave it on a low setting for a little while to get the smell cooked out.

Author Bio

Karen Bates

An English student who enjoys writing and art, Karen has had her poetry published in her university's literary journal and has several novels in the works. ...

MORE FROM KAREN

Coffee Service

A lot of workplaces provide a break room for employees to relax. Using a coffee service to restock and maintain coffee ...

Discover More

Getting a Pedicure at Home

Going to the salon for a pampering pedicure can become costly and inconvenient. Instead, try doing a pedicure at home ...

Discover More

Cleaning Your Wedding Dress

What should you do with your dress after the big day is over? Getting it cleaned is important if you want it to stay in ...

Discover More

Tough Tools for Tough Cleaning Jobs O-Cel-O sponges and Scotch Brite scrubbers are truly a fashion-meets-function success story. The highly absorbent and durable sponges in this handy six-pack make quick work of tough cleaning problems in any kitchen, bathroom, or garage. Check out Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges today!

More Cleaning Tips

Cleaning the Range Hood

You can spend hours scrubbing your oven and range, but the whole job isn't done until you've cleaned your range hood. ...

Discover More

Cleaning an Electric Oven

Cleaning an electric oven, despite what many people may think, is a fairly easy task. All you really need to do is ...

Discover More

Get Your Gas Oven Spotless

Just like any well-kept car, your gas oven needs a little maintenance from time to time to keep it functioning properly. ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 9 - 9?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.