The oven is often one of the most neglected appliances in the kitchen because when it’s closed, we don’t see or think about the grease and grime inside.

But did you know that the oven is one of the most fire-prone appliances in the kitchen? It quickly accumulates grease, which is the root of grease fires in the kitchen.  

Given this, you should know how to clean your oven properly to prevent kitchen fires. But how exactly do you do this? Let’s find out below. 

How to Clean Your Oven

Having a clean oven helps you create delicious dishes and prevents the accumulation of grease, grime, and other contaminants, which can start fires. Find out how to properly clean your oven to prevent fires below. 

What You’ll Need

Gather the following first: 

• Sponges
• Microfiber cloths
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Plastic scraper or silicone brush
• Dish soap 

Cleaning the Oven Racks

1. Remove the racks from the oven.
2. Place the racks in the sink.
3. Sprinkle some baking soda over the oven racks. 
4. Then, pour white vinegar over them. 
5. Let the mixture fizz and leave it for a few hours to loosen any built-up dirt.
6. Rinse the racks with warm water.
7. Dry the racks using the cloth. 
8. Leave the oven racks out since you have to clean the inside of your oven next. 

Cleaning the Inside of Your Oven

1. Make a paste using ¾ cup baking soda and ¼ cup water.
2. Apply it inside the oven, but avoid the heating elements. 
3. Let the paste sit overnight to loosen stubborn grime.
4. Scrub the paste away the following day using a sponge or damp cloth. 
5. Gently use a scraper or silicone brush for hard-to-reach spots.
6. Finish by wiping the inside using a damp cloth to remove any residue. 

Cleaning the Outside of Your Oven

1. Mix dish soap with warm water. 
2. Wipe down the surface using a cloth. Pay special attention to buttons and knobs. 
3. If you have a stainless steel oven, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water to get rid of marks and restore your oven’s shine.
4. Then, take a dry cloth and wipe the outside of your oven.
5. Put the leftover water and vinegar mixture in a spray bottle.
6. Next, spray the mixture on your oven's glass door and let it sit for a few minutes.
7. Gently rub the glass with a sponge or cloth to remove any residue.
8. If your oven has stubborn spots, use the baking soda and water paste from the previous section and let it sit overnight.
9. Scrub the paste away the next day using a sponge or damp cloth. 
10. Finish by wiping the outside of your oven using a damp cloth. 
11. Once everything is clean, put the racks back inside.

Conclusion

Knowing how to clean your oven lets you make fantastic dishes, keep your oven in good condition, and prevent fires. By following the steps above, you also ensure that you and your loved ones are safe from nasty kitchen fires.

If you want a complete guide on how to prevent and put out an oven fire, check out our blog. Stay prepared, hero!