How to Clean an Electric Oven

Essential Tools and Materials for Cleaning an Electric Oven

To effectively clean an electric oven, you’ll need a variety of tools and materials. These include a spray bottle, a spatula or plastic scraper, rags, rubber gloves, microfiber cloths, and a scrubbing sponge. Additionally, you’ll need baking soda and white vinegar, which are natural and effective cleaning agents. The total cost for these items is less than $8, making it a budget-friendly option.

Project Overview

Cleaning an electric oven can take approximately 2 hours to complete, but when including soaking time, the total time required can range from 10 to 11 hours. This project is suitable for beginners and requires no special skills.

Before You Begin

Before starting the cleaning process, consult your oven’s manufacturer instructions. Some parts, such as the racks, gasket, and door glass, may require special care. Remove any loose debris before applying cleaning solutions. It’s also a good idea to spread newspaper in front of the oven to catch drips and food particles.

How to Clean an Oven Without Oven Cleaner

Many home cooks wonder if they can use commercial oven cleaners on an electric oven. While some can be used, it’s often better to avoid them due to their potentially harmful chemicals. Commercial oven cleaners are highly alkaline and caustic, which can cause irritation, coughing, and even shortness of breath when inhaled. Skin contact can lead to burns and irritation. Instead, consider using homemade cleaners made from pantry staples like baking soda and white vinegar, which are safe and effective.

Homemade Oven Cleaners

Homemade oven cleaners mixed from baking soda and white vinegar are inexpensive, natural, and safe. They can be very effective, especially when tailored to different parts of the oven:

• For oven racks: Use a box of baking soda and a spray bottle filled with white vinegar. Spread a ⅛-inch layer of baking soda over the oven racks.
• For the oven walls, roof, floor, and door glass: Mix 2 cups of baking soda, 3/4 cup of water, and 8 to 16 drops of essential oil (if desired) to form a spreadable paste.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

1. Start with a cool, empty oven: Turn off the oven and let it cool completely. Remove any pans, pots, and oven racks so you can easily access the interior.
2. Consult the manufacturer’s manual: Read your oven manual to find out which components can be safely cleaned without causing damage. Avoid cleaning the heating elements and the flexible gasket located along the interior of the oven door.
3. Presoak oven components: Apply your DIY cleanser to individual oven components and let them soak. For the oven racks, lay them in a bathtub or sink, sprinkle with baking soda, and spritz with vinegar. Let them sit overnight. For the oven interior, spread the homemade cleaner over all surfaces and let it sit for 6 to 8 hours. For the oven door glass, spread the cleaner evenly and let it sit for 15 minutes.
4. Clean each oven component carefully: After presoaking, use slightly different tools and approaches to get everything squeaky clean. Start with the oven glass, then move on to the oven chamber, and finish up with the racks.

Final Tasks

Once you’ve cleaned the interior of the oven, don’t forget to:

• Wipe or vacuum up any loose debris under the oven.
• Clean the stove’s exterior using a solution of vinegar and warm water or warm, soapy water.
• Remove and clean the stove’s knobs with warm, soapy water, then dry and replace them.

Cleaning Tips for Electric Ovens

To make the cleaning process easier and quicker, follow these tips:

• Deal with fresh spills promptly: Wipe up spills and splatters as they happen, and periodically sweep out stray crumbs.
• Prevent spills before they happen: Use lids or foil to cover cookware and place pans on a baking sheet to collect spills.
• Use baking soda to stave off smoke: Sprinkle baking soda directly over fresh oven spills to prevent smoking.
• Never use aluminum foil: Instead, use an oven mat made of fiberglass or other heat-resistant materials to protect the oven floor.

Care Tips for Self-Cleaning Ovens

Self-cleaning ovens offer convenience but require special care. Avoid using commercial oven cleaners on self-cleaning ovens, as they can corrode the enamel coating. If you prefer to buy a cleaner, consult your owner’s manual for recommended products. Also, avoid using the self-clean feature before guests arrive, as the cycle can take 2 to 3 hours and release harmful fumes. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for running a self-cleaning cycle.