Cleaning your oven might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! Follow these four key steps (and a regular cleaning routine) to keep your oven looking and working great. Not only will your food taste better, but you’ll extend the life of your appliance and avoid the need for oven repair work down the line.

Step One: Gather Supplies

The first step is easy. Gather everything you’ll need so that you’re not searching for an essential item in the middle of the process.

Key oven cleaning tools and supplies include:

• Cleaning brush with stiff bristles
• Dish soap or laundry detergent
• Dishcloth or rag
• Soft towels
• Silicone spatula
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle

With these on hand, you’re ready. Next, it’s on to the cleaning process.

Step Two: Clean Oven Racks

Oven racks can collect a lot of grime and stuck-on food. To remove this you first need to soak them in hot, soapy water. You can do this in a large sink or bathtub. If you use a bathtub, you might want to line it with rags or towels to prevent scratching.

Soak the racks for 2–12 hours using laundry detergent or dish soap. Then,

• Scrub with a bristled brush
• Wipe clean with a dishcloth
• Rinse and dry

Don’t forget to scrub the top, bottom, and sides of the racks. Once they’re done, set them aside so that you can clean the rest of the oven.

Step Three: Clean the Oven Interior

Spills and dishes that bubble over can lead to grease, grime, and food debris getting stuck on your oven’s interior. Not only can this transfer burned smells into your food, but it can also contribute to your oven not working as well, especially if heating elements or sensors are affected.

Here’s an effective way to clean away any residue on the inside of your oven:

• Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 3 tablespoons water to make a paste
• Spread the paste on all interior surfaces with a silicone spatula
• Leave the paste for 20 minutes or several hours depending on the soil level
• Wipe the paste away and scrub any stubborn spots to remove food residue

You can use this paste on the inside of the oven door as well. You may, however, still need to give that door some TLC. Spray white vinegar on the inside of the glass door and wipe it away with a cloth to remove all traces of food splatters and cleaning paste.

Step Four: Clean the Oven Exterior

Now that the inside of the oven is clean, it’s time to address the outside. You can use the same vinegar spray that you used on the inside to clean the outside of the glass door. Spray and wipe down the door to remove any food, grease, or fingerprints.

Next, use a cloth to gently clean around any dials or controls. Never use abrasives in these areas as these can damage the numbers and other setting/indicator information. Once that’s done, return the oven racks and you’re good to go!

If your oven has a lot of baked-on debris to contend with, it may take some time to get it clean. That’s why it’s helpful to go through this cleaning process on a regular basis. Routine oven cleaning is a great way to keep your oven in good condition. It can even prevent the need for oven repair service. Stuck-on food debris in the wrong place can cause your oven to malfunction. Avoid those issues—and extend the life of your appliance—with regular cleanings

If you do need oven repair help in the Morris county area, don’t hesitate to call the team at Morris County Appliance Repair. We have over 50 years of combined experience in the appliance repair business and we’re here to help with both regular and emergency service. We are licensed and insured for your peace of mind. Call us today for all of your oven and other appliance repair needs. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!