Yes, You Still Need to Clean Your Self Cleaning Oven

Spring cleaning time is here! And the most frequently overlooked (and often times dreaded) item to conquer is the oven. Nowadays, most newer ovens have self cleaning modes that work by using extremely high temperatures, which can range from 800 to 900 degrees F. It is essentially turning any food or grease inside the oven into ash that can be wiped away once the cleaning cycle is complete. Even if your oven has this option, we recommend a good deep clean at least once or twice a year as it's important to protect your investment and keep your appliance in tip top shape. And it's actually a lot less intimidating that it sounds, we promise! Read along to discover the proper way to clean your oven and how often you should do it.

First things first: Gather your supplies: you will need oven cleaner, gloves, a sponge or cloth, and a bucket of water.

Turn Off the Oven: This sounds obvious, but safety first! Make sure the oven is completely cool before you begin cleaning. This will prevent any accidents or injuries.

Remove Racks: Take out the oven racks and set them aside.

Apply Cleaner: Apply the oven cleaner according to the instructions on the bottle. Be sure to wear gloves and follow all safety precautions. As oven cleaner can be harmful to the environment as well as  yourself, we recommend a natural solution of water and baking soda.

Let it Sit: Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended amount of time, usually between 30 minutes to an hour.

Wipe Clean: Using a sponge or cloth, wipe down the inside of the oven, removing any debris and grime. You may need to use a little elbow grease to remove stubborn stains, or repeat the application process again.

Rinse Thoroughly: Once you have wiped down the oven, rinse the sponge or cloth in the bucket of water and wipe down the oven again to remove any remaining cleaner.

Clean the Racks: Clean the oven racks separately in the sink, bathtub, or even outside using a non-abrasive cleaner or dish soap. Rinse them thoroughly and dry before putting them back in the oven.

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?

The frequency at which you clean your oven will depend on how often you use it as well as if you utilize the self cleaning mode often or not. If you use your oven frequently and do little self cleaning cycles, it's recommended to clean it every three months. If you only use your oven occasionally (or you are lazy like us), you can clean it once or twice a year.

Regular cleaning not only keeps your oven looking and smelling fresh, but it also helps to prevent any build-up of debris that can lead to fire hazards. By following these simple steps and cleaning your oven on a regular basis, you'll ensure that your appliance stays in top condition for years to come. Happy cleaning!