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There’s no denying it — the oven is one of the dirtiest appliances in your house. As the finisher of every hot meal and fresh-baked dessert, it becomes a receptacle for layers of grease, baked-on gunk and saucy splatters. Knowing how to keep your oven in tip-top shape will ensure that it looks gorgeous and performs at its best for years to come.
In this guide, we’ll teach you how to clean ranges and ovens like a pro without using the harsh oven sprays in the cleaning supply aisle, many of which are packed with toxic chemicals. All you need is some warm water, dish soap, a few basic household cleaners and a little bit of elbow grease!
Shop All of Our Range Ovens1. Use the Self-Cleaning Method
Most ovens come with a self-cleaning feature that helps you maintain the interior of the oven in between cooks. These cycles heat the oven up to high temperatures to effectively burn off any stubborn grease or crust. After the cycle, you simply let the oven cool down completely, and then wipe it with a wet microfiber cloth or paper towel. Make sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using the self-cleaning feature.
2. Make a DIY Cleaner
Unfortunately, the self-cleaning cycle often leaves behind some unwanted junk, especially in the nooks and crannies of the oven. To attack these spots, make your own DIY oven cleaner by mixing a few drops of hot water with a half cup of baking soda. This will create a dense, spreadable paste that will help break down dirt and grime. Put the paste onto any stubborn spots. Once the paste has completely dried, spray it with a bit of vinegar. The baking soda and vinegar will create a foamy reaction, helping to dislodge even more gunk.
3. Clean the Exterior
Don’t forget to wipe down the exterior of your oven weekly or more often. You can do this easily with a simple mixture of warm water and dish soap. After a particularly messy spill, you may notice some food stains on the glass panels. If it’s just not getting clean no matter how much you clean the interior and exterior glass, the spill may be stuck in between the door’s transparent panels. Some ovens have removable glass doors that allow for easy cleaning. Otherwise, you may need to take the door apart every so often for a deep clean.
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4. Don’t Forget the Range Hood
Even the very best range hoods get gunky from time to time. Not only is all that grease buildup gross to look at, but it can cause your hood to malfunction too. A dirty, greasy hood is a magnet for germs and bacteria, not to mention a hotspot for fire hazards in the kitchen. Make sure to periodically remove the air filter and clean it with warm, soapy water. The exterior of the hood and the inside of the vent should also be cleaned with soap and water or a mild degreasing agent.
5. Use Hot Water to Remove Baked-On Gunk
Dealing with crusty, baked-on gunk on the burners of your range? Hot water is the best way to handle these tough spots, as it will help break them down so you can easily wipe them away. You can use the hot water method on cast iron burner grates, oven grates and other components. Just make sure to be very careful and make sure to wear appropriate protection to avoid touching boiling water.
6. Use the Right Cleaner on Your Stove
Ranges and burners are made of a variety of different materials, including cast iron, stainless steel or even glass. Make sure you use the proper cleaner for your range’s construction. For example, if you have a stainless steel or glass stovetop, you won’t want to use any abrasive cleaners or cleaning pads that could scratch the surface. If you have removable enamel-coated cast iron burners, you can remove them and deep clean them in the sink or, if the manufacturer allows, even the dishwasher.
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Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to oven cleaning. The best way to tackle this necessary chore is to come up with a regimen that’s tailored to your oven and the specific mess at hand. When in doubt, you can always check with the manufacturer and follow their care instructions. This will help you clean the oven without damage and prevent you from risking voiding your warranty.
Premium Home Source is here to help you maintain or upgrade your kitchen appliances, whether you’re in the market for one of our standout kitchen appliance packages or need tips on cleaning and repairing your old workhorse.
