Hot Oven Cleaning Tips and Tricks
No doubt about it: your oven gets a real workout over the holidays – especially Thanksgiving! Turkeys have splattered, pies have spilled over, casseroles have dripped, and bread crumbs have gathered in corners. So now what?
Once the last of the leftovers have been eaten and the holiday guests have all gone back home, it’s time to come face to face with whatever messes remain in the oven, no matter how challenging. Read on for a few key tips and tricks to help make your oven-cleaning project just a little easier.
Pro Tip: Always check your user manual to understand the best way to take care of your oven!
Know Your Oven Type
Regular oven cleaning is essential for maintaining a spotless kitchen, but also for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your range or wall oven. Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to understand the type of oven you have.
Self-Cleaning Ovens
These ovens come with a self-cleaning setting that uses high heat to burn off grime and food residue, turning it into ash that can be easily wiped away. While this feature is convenient, it’s not always enough for heavy build-up, and manual cleaning may still be required.
Some self-cleaning models, including Kenmore gas and electric ranges, also feature a Steam Clean option that’s just right for light, everyday cleaning tasks. But for now, we’re going to assume you need to pull out the big guns to take on post-holiday messes!
Manual-Cleaning Ovens
For ovens that lack a self-clean cycle, regular manual cleaning is necessary to keep them in top shape. This typically involves the use of commercial spray-on oven cleaners or all-natural cleaning solutions… plus plenty of old-fashioned “elbow grease”.
The Power of Preparation
Preparation is key to a successful oven cleaning session. A few moments spent getting ready can save you a lot of extra cleanup later… and possibly protect your floors from yuckiness, too.
Start by removing all the racks, thermometers, and any other accessories from inside the oven. Note: While many newer self-cleaning models use racks that can be left in the oven, the high temperatures aren’t especially good for them… so we recommend you take them out first.
Collect all the crusty burnt bits that have collected in the bottom of the oven before you start cleaning. The more you can scape out before you get started, the better!
If you’re planning on using a commercial oven cleaning product, PLEASE make sure the kitchen is well-ventilated. (Thank us later.) Also, be sure to wear rubber or latex gloves to protect your skin from harsh chemicals.
If you’re tackling an especially big mess, lay down some old newspapers or a drop cloth around the oven to catch any spills or debris during the cleaning process.
Self-Cleaning Simplicity
In simple terms, self-cleaning ovens work by heating up to a super-hot temperature (about 850° to 950°F) and turning all those leftover food bits and baked-on splatters into dust. If your oven has a self-cleaning option, refer to the directions for your model in your Care & Use Guide.
Wipe Away Loose Debris
Before starting the self-cleaning cycle, use a damp cloth to wipe away any loose food particles. This will prevent smoke and unpleasant odors during the cleaning process.
Run the Self-Cleaning Cycle
Select the appropriate self-cleaning cycle based on the level of dirt. Most cycles last between 2-6 hours. During this time, the oven will lock itself and reach scorching-hot temperatures to burn off residue.
Cool Down and Wipe Clean
After the cycle is complete, allow the oven to cool completely. Once cooled, open the door and wipe away the ash with a damp cloth.
The Good, Old-Fashioned Way
If you don’t have a self-cleaning oven, you can get the job done the old-fashioned way: with a little cleaner and vigorous scrubbing. For those who prefer eco-friendly or non-toxic cleaning methods, homemade solutions can be just as effective as store-bought cleaners. Here are a few tried-and-true options.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
This classic duo is excellent for cutting through grease and grime. Simply mix a half cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to create a thick paste. Apply the paste to the oven’s interior surfaces, avoiding heating elements. Let it sit for 12 hours or overnight. The next day, spray the area with vinegar, which will react with the baking soda and create a foamy texture. Wipe it all away with a damp cloth for a sparkling clean finish.
Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
If you’re dealing with a particularly greasy oven, lemon juice is your best friend. Mix the juice of two lemons with baking soda to form a paste. Spread it over the affected areas, let it sit for a few hours, and then scrub away the residue with a sponge.
Salt and Baking Soda
Another effective combo for tackling tough stains is salt mixed with baking soda. Sprinkle the mixture over greasy areas, spray lightly with water, and let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing it off.
Cleaning the Racks
If the oven racks are also in need of some extra care and cleaning, no worries. Simply place them in a large sink or bathtub, fill with water and allow to them to soak. Use the scratchy side of a kitchen scrub-sponge to scrape away the burnt food bits.
For stubborn stains, add some baking soda and vinegar to the soaking water. The bubbling reaction helps lift off tough grease. Scrub, rinse, and dry the racks before placing them back in the oven.
Pro Tip: A steam-based spot remover, like the Kenmore SteamLite™ 2-in-1 Steam Mop, can help power away stubborn messes that scrubbing alone won’t remove.
Taking On the Oven Door
The oven door, particularly the glass window, can become clouded with grease and food splatters over time, making it harder to monitor your meals. One way to clean it: apply a thick paste of a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and water to the inside surface of the glass. Let it sit for 30-40 minutes, and then scrub gently with a soft cloth or sponge. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
If you prefer, you can use a commercial glass cleaner for a streak-free shine. Spray it on, let it sit for a minute, and wipe it off with a dry cloth.
Please note: Both of these methods are effective for removing most of the grease from your oven window, but neither is likely to produce a “perfect” result. For a more thorough clean, some oven doors can be disassembled. If you feel like you’re up to a little DIY project, check your oven’s User’s Guide for instructions on how to safely remove and clean the inner glass panel.
Make It a Clean Routine
The best way to keep your oven clean is to adopt a regular maintenance routine. Here are a few tips to prevent build-up and reduce the need for heavy-duty cleaning:
Wipe Spills Immediately
Address spills as soon as they happen to avoid tougher cleanup challenges later. Once the oven cools down, wipe up any spills with a damp cloth to prevent them from baking onto the surface.
Line the Bottom
If you know you’re baking an item that’s prone to dripping (like Nana’s overstuffed lasagna recipe), use an oven liner or place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch drips and spills. This makes cleaning easier and protects the oven floor from stubborn stains.
Easy, Light Cleaning
If your oven comes with a Steam Clean option (like Kenmore’s newest ranges do), it’s a good idea to let it run every week or two to keep small splatters and light messes from adding up and turning into something nastier and tougher to tackle.
Regular Deep Cleaning
Even with good habits, your oven will benefit from a deep clean every few months. Regular deep cleaning ensures your oven stays in top condition and extends its lifespan.
Cleaning your oven is a great way to maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. And it doesn’t need to be a burdensome chore, as long as you stay on top of it with regular, routine cleaning. From all of us Kenmore… happy cooking, and happy holidays!
Kenmore
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