Can You Remember the Last Time You Cleaned Your Oven? Here's How to Do It for the Best Results

CNET

2 days ago

If you find yourself wondering how often you should be cleaning your oven, you probably aren't doing it often enough -- and don't worry, you aren't the only one. Unlike our clothing and sheets, it isn't always obvious how often they should be cleaned. Nor is it always clear how exactly to do it, which is another problem entirely.
Not all ovens are the same, and some are designed to be cleaned more regularly than others based on how often you use them. But it's always good to have a guideline to work to, and that's why we asked an expert how often a typical oven needs a deep clean. Plus, we turned to an appliance expert to learn how to get the job done as quickly and effectively as possible. So if you're in a cleaning mood, here's everything you need to know about making a large kitchen appliance gleam like new.
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How often should you clean your oven?
On average, deep cleaning your oven every two to three months should be enough for regular maintenance, but this can vary.
"Users should clean their ovens as often as needed, especially with heavy spills or when there is noticeable debris at the bottom," says Tetiana Tarandushko, senior category manager of cooking at Miele USA. "This should be done every couple of months at the minimum."
If you use your oven every day, you may need to double or even triple the number of times you clean your oven every year. Although this might not be the most desirable chore, it will help your oven function better in the end.
"A clean oven certainly performs better, as the residue at the bottom doesn't build up and cause smoking," Tarandushko says.
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What is the best way to clean your oven?
One of the most simple options is to use the self-cleaning function on your oven if it has one. This function turns the oven to an extremely high temperature, which causes any food build-up or splatters to turn to ash. Once the cleaning cycle is done and the oven has fully cooled, you can wipe the ash from the bottom of the oven with a microfiber cloth or sponge and the appliance should look good as new.
"This makes arduous scrubbing unnecessary," Tarandushko says. "Miele ovens are properly insulated and use superior materials so that the pyrolytic process can be truly used without any damage to surfaces or the electronics over time."
Numerous oven brands offer the self-cleaning function, and it's a great alternative to manually scrubbing off the build-up for hours on end. Just keep in mind that if you use this function, it often takes at least a couple of hours for the cycle to run its course, so be prepared to be home for the entire time.
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If your oven doesn't have a self-cleaning function, there are other ways to get your oven to shine.
"We would advise against using aggressive cleaners when cleaning ovens," Tarandushko says. "These can damage surfaces and feature chemicals that aren't food safe, which requires extra steps to remove before using [the oven] to cook."
Because of this, one great cleaning method is to use three natural ingredients that you probably already have on hand: baking soda, vinegar and dish soap. When combined, these three ingredients create a paste that can be used to safely clean the inside of your oven. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to do it.
How often should you clean your stovetop?
Your stovetop needs more upkeep than your oven and should at least be wiped down after each use since food from pots and pans often splatter and sizzle onto the surface. This can be achieved with a paper towel and an all-purpose cleaner or a microfiber cloth with soap and water.
Most of the removable parts of your stovetop, including burner caps and grates, can typically be run through the dishwasher. Don't forget to clean your stove knobs and sides on occasion, too.