One of the most basic and important forms of appliance maintenance is regular cleaning. The dark interior of an oven can hide dirt and accumulated food, but that doesn’t mean it should be skipped over. If your oven is having performance issues, or generating unpleasant smells, it’s time to give it a good scrub. This guide is designed to walk you through the whys and hows of oven cleaning.

How Often Does an Oven Need to be Cleaned?

While this varies based on use, the average household should clean their oven every three months. Other signs that a cleaning is due include burning smells and loose pieces of cooked food. Give the appliance a quick wipe down every few weeks to make the eventual scrubbing easier. 

If it has a self-cleaning cycle, run it once a month. While these cycles aren’t good at clearing up crusted-on messes or detailing the oven racks, they are useful for keeping grime under control. Following these steps will help the oven regulate its temperature, and improve the lifespan of filters and mechanisms.

What Supplies Are Necessary?

Ovens can be detailed using either chemical degreasers or a less harsh combination of baking soda paste and vinegar. If the appliance has a glass door, use a standard glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to avoid scratches. For the interior, a non-abrasive scouring pad will be needed, as well as a stiff-bristled brush for scrubbing the racks. Protect your skin, eyes, and lungs with gloves, safety glasses, and a mask.

How Do You Clean an Oven?

First, remove all racks and trays and set them aside to soak for 10 to 12 hours. A bathtub works well for this. If using chemicals, spray the interior of the oven thoroughly, and be careful not to breathe any fumes. If using baking soda, mix it with water to form a stiff paste and spread it thickly over the oven. 

Avoid putting paste on the heating elements, or gas outlet. Let the baking soda mixture set overnight, then spray it lightly with vinegar. Use a damp rag to wipe the paste away. While the oven is still wet, scrub any remaining dirt with a scouring pad. 

Spray the oven window with glass cleaner and wipe it clean with the microfiber cloth. Once the oven is clean, pull the racks out and brush them to remove any remaining dirt or grease. Rinse everything thoroughly, wipe dry, and replace the racks. 

When cleaning, keep an eye out for any additional appliance maintenance that is needed. From cracked glass to doors that won’t shut, problems are easier to solve when they're caught early. 

When your oven needs additional care, contact Niceley’s Appliance Repair. They’ve supplied the Northern Kentucky area with appliance maintenance services since the 1980s. A family-owned business, they’re committed to providing homeowners with polite and professional assistance. Call them at (859) 342-9900 or visit their website to learn more about how their family can serve yours.