How to Clean Your Oven
The oven bottom often becomes a magnet for mess, especially during busy baking and cooking seasons.
From bubbling casseroles to dripping pies, spills can add up quickly. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to clean it up and keep your oven looking spotless.
Interestingly, in America, cleaning ovens ranks as the third most common chore people search to pay someone else to clean.
That says a lot about how tricky this task can feel—but with the right tips, you’ll have it under control in no time.
Prevention Makes Life Easier: Cleaning Tips from Distinguished Manor make it possible
While you can’t always prevent spills, adding a liner or drip pan to your oven bottom can make cleanup much easier. These simple tools catch spills before they bake on, saving you time and frustration.
Plus, they help keep smoke and odors from filling your home, so you can focus on cooking, not cleaning.
4 Simple Steps to Clean the Bottom of Your Oven Like a Pro
Step 1: Check for Self-Cleaning Options
Some ovens come with a self-cleaning feature that can do the hard work for you. Always start by checking your oven’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for recommendations. Following their guidance ensures you won’t void any warranties.
If your oven doesn’t have a self-cleaning option or specific instructions, don’t worry. There are plenty of DIY cleaning methods to try.
Step 2: Tackle Spills Quickly
Consumer Reports experts suggest cleaning the oven bottom right after a spill or after cooking fatty meats. A simple mix of warm water and dish soap applied with a sponge can do the trick.
Step 3: Overnight Cleaning with Baking Soda
For a no-scrub, overnight solution, try this method:
Wait until the oven is completely cool.
Mix water with 3 tablespoons of baking soda to create a paste.
Spread the paste over the oven bottom.
Leave it overnight, then wipe it clean the next morning.
This method is gentle, effective, and perfect for those stubborn, baked-on messes.
Step 4: The Lemon Trick for Freshness
If you want your house to smell amazing while cleaning your oven, grab a few lemons. Southern Living calls this a "secret ingredient" for oven cleaning. Here’s how to do it:
Fill a heat-resistant dish, like a casserole or pie dish, with water.
Slice a few lemons and add them to the dish.
Place the dish in your oven and set it to 250°F.
Let it heat for about 30 minutes.
Afterward, the steam will have loosened grime, making it easy to wipe away with a sponge. Be careful not to touch any hot oven elements while cleaning. Bonus: your home will smell fantastic, too.
Bonus Tip: What to Do with Used Lemons
If you have a garbage disposal, avoid tossing the used lemons in there. Instead, use a mix of lemon juice and ice cubes to freshen up your disposal. According to Superior Drainage Complete Plumbing, this trick works wonders.
And if your oven isn’t the only kitchen appliance needing TLC, check out how to clean a black glass stovetop without streaks.
Final Words
Cleaning the bottom of your oven doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you go for a quick dish soap scrub, an overnight baking soda soak, or a lemon-steam refresh, there’s a method for everyone. And if the idea of tackling oven grime still feels like too much, consider calling in the pros.
At Distinguished Manor House Cleaning, we don’t just handle the basics—we take care of those tricky spots, too, like oven bottoms, stove tops, and more.
Let us make your home gleam so you can enjoy more free time and a stress-free kitchen. Contact us today to schedule your cleaning and experience the joy of a spotless home!
Comments