Sometimes it seems like oven cleaning is the worst part of cleaning your kitchen but it doesn’t have to be with this straightforward guide! When an oven hasn’t been cleaned for some time – and there are drips and splatters of burnt food and grease covering all the surfaces – it can seem like a big job. However, with the right cleaning products and an efficient strategy, cleaning the oven can actually be quite a simple task. Ensure you have a sparkling clean and hygienic oven with these tips!
Cleaning the oven is a messy chore, so roll up your sleeves, grab some rubber gloves and pick up an oven cleaner like Jif Kitchen spray or Jif Cream with active microparticles, which is specially designed to fight burnt-on food and tough grease.
What Kitchen Cleaners Need to Clean the Oven?
There are many different varieties of kitchen cleaners specifically designed for oven cleaning like those by Jif. These oven cleaners are safe to use in your home and very effective.
If you’d prefer to use natural kitchen cleaners, it’s simple to whip up some homemade products to tackle oven grease and stains. For burnt food, a paste of baking soda and water works wonders; and for unpleasant smells, a couple of lemons sliced in half works brilliantly.
However, if you go for the natural option it can be best to give your oven a good, heavy duty clean periodically with a commercial oven cleaning product, and regularly maintain the cleanliness with natural items. It’s also a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s manual to check what cleaning products and methods are suitable for your type of oven.
Oven Cleaning Basics
When cleaning the oven, there are a few things that you must remember:
Always wear gloves and protect your arms when using any oven cleaner. It’s a good idea to wear old clothes or an apron if you are worried about getting dirty.
Make sure that the room is well-ventilated – some oven cleaners can have quite a strong smell.
Lay down old newspapers or old towels on the floor in front of the oven to protect the surrounding area.
Make sure the oven is cold before beginning to clean it.
Never use sharp or abrasive tools to remove burnt food from the oven. While it is tempting to use such tools, scraping a knife along the inside of the oven could damage the interior, making the appliance a hazard to use.
When using cleaning products always follow the directions on the label and test on a small area of the oven first.
Never apply cleaning products directly to the heating element. Most ovens today have a hidden element, but some are exposed, so just be sure to take care. Consult your oven’s manual if in doubt.
Cleaning the oven can take time – do not plan to use the oven for at least several hours after doing a major clean.
If using an oven cleaner, be aware that your oven may smell like chemicals when you first turn it on after cleaning it. Be sure to leave the oven door open after cleaning and keep the kitchen windows open to help ventilate your oven before using again.
Strategies for Cleaning the Oven
Here are the best methods for cleaning the oven:
For greasy residue, use a commercial oven cleaner specifically designed to remove tough grease such as Jif Cream – simply apply the product onto the interior walls of the appliance, avoiding the heating element. Remember to always follow the instructions on the product’s label. Usually, it is best to leave the product for about 30 minutes before wiping with a damp sponge. Alternatively, you can fill a basin with warm water and a dishwashing soap with grease removing properties, and gently wipe the insides. Don’t forget the oven door!
For burnt-on food, use an oven cleaner in the same way as above, paying particular attention to the specific problem areas. Alternatively, sprinkle some baking soda onto the affected areas. Spray with a little cold water from a spritzer bottle and leave for a few hours, or overnight if possible. Wipe with a damp cloth, and the burnt food should come right off.
For bad smells that are produced from burnt food on the bottom of the oven, firstly you need to remove the stains by following the tips above. Then chop two lemons in half and place in a roasting dish with a small amount of water. Heat the oven to around 200 degrees and place the dish inside for around 30 minutes. Not only will your oven smell fresh but the citrus oils that are released from the lemons will help reduce excess grease build up.
Consult the manufacturer’s manual for guidelines on cleaning your oven.
Use a commercial oven cleaner specially formulated to tackle tough grease and burnt-on food.
Follow the instructions on your product carefully and wear rubber gloves.
Leave your cleaner to soak for around 30 minutes to remove as much grease and grime as possible.