How to Clean the Oven

When Aunt Maggie forgets the recipe for her famous pie and spills goopy apple syrup all over the oven floor, you’ve got a cleaning job. If you use the self-cleaning feature for that, everyone will be forced outside and the neighbors will call the fire department. While most oven cleaners are not made for self cleaning or continuous cleaning ovens, there are some products you can use to spot clean without causing damage. Follow these eHow steps on how to clean the oven, and do it as often as necessary.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Appropriate oven cleaner
• Rubber gloves
• Sponge or wiping cloth

1. Identify your oven. Remember most oven cleaners are not made for self cleaning and continuous cleaning ovens. The chemicals in these products can damage oven surfaces when exposed to extremely high heat.

2. Put the gloves on. A chemical compound strong enough to clean the inside of an oven is also strong enough to eat skin! Avoid eye contact especially. It’s also not healthy to breath the fumes from oven cleaners. A well ventilated area is one that has outside air circulating through.

3. Choose your cleaner. Many products available at the grocery store will do a fine job of tackling the baked-on build up in your oven. Some brands even make sprays without fumes. Read label directions to be sure the product you buy is right for your type of oven.
   Household cleaning products can also be used. Mix ammonia, baking soda, vinegar and water. Apply to oven surfaces and scrub with steel wool.

4. Remove the racks and preheat the oven to 200 degrees if cleaner requires. Spray a complete coating of cleaner over the inside walls, floor, ceiling and inside the door. In gas ovens, remember to open the bottom flap to clean the broiling surface. Your cleaner may require heating the oven to 200 degrees after spraying. Follow all product directions, including how long to leave it on before wiping.

5. Wipe clean with a sponge or cloth. Again the rubber gloves are a must. Nylon scrubbers are good for removing any tough spots that don’t simply wipe off.