How to clean an oven

CLEANING your oven might not be enjoyable, but it’s essential since you use it daily and it’s crucial for maintaining efficiency.

Neglecting regular cleaning can lead to tougher grime buildup, longer cooking times, and higher energy bills, so staying on top of it is worthwhile.

Follow these tips and your oven will be as good as new in no timeCredit: Getty

Cleaning your oven might not be the most exciting task, but it's essential for both hygiene and safety.

A dirty oven can not only harbour harmful bacteria that might cause food poisoning but also pose a fire hazard due to grease buildup.

Fortunately, oven cleaning doesn’t have to be a daunting chore.

It can be quick and straightforward with the right approach.

For instance, one mum swears by a £3 spray for her oven's glass door, praising its effectiveness and saying she'll never go back to toxic cleaners.

However, you don’t necessarily need specialized products.

You can tackle oven grime with natural ingredients commonly found at home.

Following these simple steps you can create effective cleaning solutions without having to use harsh chemicals.

Also, check out Sun Selects' list of the best oven cleaners if you're looking for something to boost the efforts of your elbow grease.

How to clean your oven with baking soda

To clean your oven with baking soda, mix half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to form a thick paste.

Apply this paste to the interior surfaces of the oven, avoiding the heating elements, and let it sit for at least 12 hours or overnight.

Afterwards, wipe away the paste with a damp cloth, then spray a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to remove any remaining residue.

Wipe the oven again with a clean, damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Regular cleaning with this method helps avoid heavy build-up and keeps your oven in good shape.

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How to clean your oven with vinegar

To clean your oven with vinegar, you can make a simple and effective cleaning paste.

Start by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with one cup of white vinegar in a pan over low heat.

Stir continuously until the mixture thickens into a paste.

If you don’t have cornstarch, baking soda is a great alternative.

Apply the paste to the oven surfaces, let it sit, then wipe away the grime with a damp cloth for a sparkling clean oven.

How to clean your oven with lemon juice

To clean your oven with lemon juice, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch, a teaspoon of dish soap, and a cup of lemon juice in a pan over low heat.

Stir until the mixture thickens into a paste.

If you don't have cornstarch, you can use baking soda as a substitute.

Apply the paste to the oven surfaces, let it sit, and then wipe away the grime with a damp cloth for a fresh, clean oven.

How to clean a glass oven door

When cleaning your oven you should also consider cleaning the doorCredit: Getty

Cleaning a glass oven door can seem challenging, especially with hard-to-reach areas where food has splattered.

Fortunately, there's a simple cleaning hack: remove the door.

Start by gently sliding the hinges off the frame; in some cases, you may need to unlatch the door first.

Most oven doors can be removed easily this way, making it simpler to clean both the glass and any hidden spots.

Once the door is off, you can clean it thoroughly and then slide it back into place.

How to clean a latched oven door

To clean a latched oven door, start by ensuring the oven is turned off.

Open the door fully and leave it in that position to expose the hinges.

Look for small metal latches on the hinges that secure them in place; you may need to push these latches down as far as they will go or, if they’re stuck, use a screwdriver to help.

Once the latches are disengaged, partially close the door while holding it level by grasping both sides.

Carefully lift the door and close it slightly, so it’s about a third of the way shut.

This will allow you to lever the door off the hinges.

Gently pull the door towards you, and with a bit of wiggling, it should detach from the oven.

With the door removed, you can clean it thoroughly using your preferred DIY cleaning paste, similar to what you use for the interior of the oven.

How to clean an un-latched oven door

Cleaning an unlatched oven door is generally easier.

Start by opening the door to about a quarter of the way, ensuring you hold it firmly on both sides to prevent it from sliding down.

Gently lift the door off the hinges, keeping a tight grip and pulling it away while lifting at the same time.

Make sure to hold the door steady and maintain it at a right angle as you remove it from the oven.

Once the door is off, you can clean it thoroughly using your preferred cleaning paste.

After cleaning, allow the door to dry completely before sliding it back into place.

Oven racks

Whilst cleaning the door and the inside of your oven don't forget about the oven racks.

You should start by removing the oven racks from the oven and if they are stuck, gently wiggle them while pulling to release them.

Next, place the racks in a bathtub or large sink filled with hot water.

Add a few tablespoons of dish soap or a cup of baking soda to the water and let the racks soak for at least 30 minutes to loosen grime and grease.

After soaking, use a non-abrasive scrub brush or sponge to clean the racks.

Pay special attention to any stubborn spots, and you can use a paste made from baking soda and water for tougher grime.

Rinse the racks thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap or residue.

Then, dry them completely with a towel or allow them to air dry before placing them back in the oven.

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For a more thorough clean, you can use a commercial oven cleaner if desired.

Apply the cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually in a well-ventilated area, and follow up with rinsing and drying the racks.

How to clean an oven