How often do you clean your oven? To find the answer, we called up our friends over at Appliance Educator, who gave us two easy, foolproof ways to clean your oven. While it might not be something that you need to do every week, cleaning your oven should be a part of your regular cleaning routine. In today’s blog, we’ll walk you through the two easiest ways to clean an oven!
1. Steam Clean an Oven
Option one is by far the easiest. For this technique, all you’ll need is a deep baking dish, water, and a damp cloth.
STEPS:
Start by taking out any extra racks in your oven besides the lowest one.
Set oven temp to 450°F.
Take a deep baking dish and fill it with water.
Place it on the remaining oven rack.
Leave in the oven for 45 - 60 minutes.
After it has run, turn off the oven and wait another 45 - 60 minutes to cool.
Once cooled, take a clean, semi-damp washcloth and wipe away all the gunk in your oven.
NOTE: If your oven needs some extra attention, take a spray bottle full of water and spray down the sides midway through. This will help enforce the process and create more steam.
2. Baking Soda to Clean an Oven
If it’s been a long time since you’ve cleaned your oven, and option one doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, this option should help!
STEPS:
Combine 4 parts of baking soda into a dish and mix with 1 part of water.
Mix until it turns into a nice paste.
Remove all racks from the inside of your oven.
With a sponge, coat the oven interior with the paste.
Let the paste sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Scrub the inside of your oven with the rough side of your sponge.
Once you’ve removed all the gunk, be sure to wipe down your oven with a clean washcloth.
NOTE: For those hard-to-remove spots, feel free to scrape the gunk with a plastic scraper, and spray it down with some apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
One helpful tip our friends at Appliance Educator mentioned was that there’s no need to use a heavy-duty store-bought chemical cleaner. While it might help remove gunk from your oven, it can also cause long-term damage to your oven.
Wall Ovens Need Love Too
Keeping your oven clean, whether it’s a part of your range or a wall oven, is essential for maintaining its optimal performance and ensuring your culinary creations come out perfectly every time. A clean oven not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen but also helps eliminate any lingering odors or flavors from previous meals.
When it comes to exceptional quality and innovative features, the ZLINE 30 in. Professional True Convection Single Wall Oven with Air Fry and Self Clean in Stainless Steel (WAS-30) stands out as an excellent choice. With its sleek design and advanced cleaning options, such as self-cleaning and removable racks, maintaining a spotless oven has never been easier.
ZLINE 30 in. Professional True Convection Single Wall Oven with Air Fry and Self Clean in Stainless Steel (WAS-30)
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Luxury isn’t meant to be desired - it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE 30 in. Professional True Convection Single Wall Oven with Air Fry and Self Clean in Stainless Steel (WAS-30) provides a professional culinary experience by pairing reliable,… Read More
Experience the joy of cooking with a ZLINE Single Wall Oven, where cleanliness and culinary excellence unite effortlessly. Or take a look at ZLINE 30 in. Professional True Convection Double Wall Oven with Air Fry and Self Clean in Stainless Steel (WAD-30), for double the space!
ZLINE 30 in. Professional True Convection Double Wall Oven with Air Fry and Self Clean in Stainless Steel (WAD-30)
$2,969.99
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Luxury isn’t meant to be desired - it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE 30 in. Professional True Convection Double Wall Oven with Air Fry and Self Clean in Stainless Steel (WAD-30) provides a professional culinary experience by pairing reliable,… Read More
We hope these techniques help you efficiently clean your oven! A big shout-out to Appliance Educator for walking us through the different cleaning techniques. If you aren’t already, be sure to give them a follow on YouTube, and don’t forget to check out their website! They’ve got great how-tos, before you buy guides, and recommendations for every aspect of your home!
If you find yourself in the market for a new oven, be sure to check out our wide selection of professional ranges here at The Range Hood Store! Please give us a call at 1 (877) 945-1023 if you have any questions, or book a consultation with one of our many knowledgeable representatives here!
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FAQs
How often should I clean my oven?
Most homeowners should clean their oven every three to six months, depending on how frequently they cook. If you bake, roast, or broil often, light cleaning in between deep cleans helps prevent grease buildup and lingering odors.
What is the easiest way to clean an oven?
Steam cleaning is the easiest and least abrasive method. By heating a dish of water in the oven, steam loosens grease and baked-on residue so it can be wiped away with minimal effort and no harsh chemicals.
Does steam cleaning really work on baked-on messes?
Steam cleaning works very well for light to moderate buildup. For ovens with heavy grease or long-term residue, steam cleaning is best used as a first step before a deeper cleaning method.
When should I use baking soda instead of steam cleaning?
Baking soda is ideal if your oven hasn’t been cleaned in a long time or if grease and food residue are heavily baked on. The mild abrasive properties of baking soda help lift stubborn grime without damaging oven surfaces.
Is baking soda safe for all ovens?
Yes, baking soda is safe for most standard ovens, including ranges and wall ovens. It is non-toxic and far gentler than many store-bought chemical cleaners that can damage finishes or leave behind harmful residue.
Do I need to remove oven racks before cleaning?
Yes. Oven racks should be removed before both steam cleaning and baking soda cleaning. This allows better access to interior surfaces and prevents discoloration or damage to the racks.
Can I use store-bought chemical oven cleaners instead?
While chemical cleaners can remove grime quickly, they are not recommended for regular use. Harsh chemicals can cause long-term damage to oven interiors and may leave behind strong odors or residue that affect cooking performance.
What should I use for tough, stuck-on spots?
For stubborn areas, a plastic scraper combined with baking soda paste and a small amount of vinegar can help loosen residue without scratching the oven interior.
Do wall ovens need to be cleaned differently than range ovens?
No. Wall ovens and range ovens can be cleaned using the same steam or baking soda methods. The cleaning process is identical; only the oven’s placement differs.
Do self-cleaning ovens still need manual cleaning?
Yes. While self-cleaning functions are convenient, occasional manual cleaning helps reduce smoke, odors, and excessive residue buildup that can occur during high-heat self-clean cycles.
Are ZLINE ovens easy to clean?
ZLINE wall ovens are designed with easy maintenance in mind. Features such as self-cleaning modes, smooth interiors, and removable racks make routine cleaning faster and more manageable.
Why is regular oven cleaning important?
A clean oven performs better, heats more evenly, and prevents unwanted odors or flavors from transferring between meals. Regular cleaning also extends the life of your appliance and keeps your kitchen looking and functioning at its best.
