How to Clean Your Oven in 3 Easy Steps

It’s the time of year when you turn to your oven the most. you’re ready to bake seasonal cookies, pies and cakes. A filthy stove can influence your dishes’ flavors, so it’s necessary to create a clean slate for your desserts. Here are three ways you can clean the oven to welcome baking season this year.

1. Store-bought cleaner

There are many store-bought products you can try. This option will be quicker and simpler than other methods. You can easily coat your stove’s interior and use a cloth to remove any grime and grease. The downside to store-bought cleaners is their ingredient lists. They contain various chemicals that you may find too harsh. You should choose a more natural option if you’re concerned about these substances.

As you clean, remember to inspect every other appliance in your kitchen to see if they need cleaning. A mold problem can quickly go unnoticed.

2. Baking soda and white vinegar

You can also use regular household supplies instead of buying an arsenal of new cleaning solutions. You’ll need baking soda and white vinegar for your cleaning agents. A cloth, spatula and pair of gloves are essential, too. Here’s a guide to help you clean your oven with baking soda and white vinegar:

1. Empty your oven completely.
2. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste.
3. Spread the paste around your stove’s interior. Aim for particularly dirty spots.
4. Allow your stove to sit for a day.
5. Wipe away the paste.
6. Spray your oven’s interior with white vinegar.
7. Wipe away the vinegar.

You should look for any mold while you clean your stove. Substances like mildew can find their way into your appliances. 

3. Self-cleaning feature

Your oven probably has a self-cleaning button. This feature uses your stove’s temperature to melt away grease and other debris. Note that you should avoid self-cleaning as a solution for extremely dirty ovens. If your stove has excessive buildup, it can catch fire. Therefore, assess your situation and proceed with caution before cleaning. A moderately messy oven will likely be fine.

If you decide this solution is suitable, you’ll want to take certain precautions and steps to make self-cleaning simpler:

1. Remove your oven’s racks so you can clean them separately.
2. Open surrounding windows to vent any bad smells.
3. Hit your stove’s self-cleaning button — this process usually lasts a few hours.
4. Avoid opening your oven until it’s finished — it’ll be extremely hot at around 550 degrees.
5. Use a rag to remove any ash when your stove has cooled completely.

The self-cleaning feature should be your last resort because you can use other methods. However, it’s still a beneficial solution you can try.

Try these methods to clean your oven efficiently

A clean oven is a must for everyday use—but it’s especially handy when you’re planning to bake. Use any of these solutions to make sure your appliance is spotless.

AUTHOR: KACEY BRADLEY

Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Guides for Brides, Hotel Online and more!

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