Self Help

There are three kinds of ovens: conventional, self-cleaning, and continuous-cleaning. Unfortunately, even the two ovens with “cleaning” in their name will require periodic cleaning by you. There are so many different oven brands and models that only the most general advice will be offered here. Most experts advise that you do not use chemical oven cleaners on self-cleaning or continuous-cleaning ovens. Consult your owner’s manual before cleaning whatever kind of unit you have.

Cleaning a Conventional Oven: Use one of the “fumeless” cleaners that are now available. Leave the cleaner on the oven’s interior surface for at least as long as the product instructions tell you to. This gives it more of a chance to work on grease and baked-on food residue. Then wipe it off with a sponge or paper towels and repeat if necessary.

Option two: Make baking soda-water paste, apply it to the oven walls and floor, leave overnight, then re-dampen and scrub with a plastic scrubber. Rinse with plain water.

Another Approach: Put l/2 cup ammonia into a bowl, place into the oven, and close the door. Let it work on grease and residue overnight, then wipe the interior out with paper towels. Don’t turn the oven on during this process - and extinguish the pilot light if you have a gas oven.

Cleaning the Oven Racks: Put them into your bathtub or laundry-room sink, run hot water over them, add 1 cup automatic dishwasher detergent, and soak them until they’re clean. If scrubbing is still needed, use a Scotch-Brite sponge.

Cleaning the Broiler Pan: Before each use, line the pan with foil to catch grease drips. If needed, clean ASAP after broiling to prevent grease and residue from hardening on its surface.

3Soak the tray insert (the part with perforated holes) in hot water mixed with 1/2 cup automatic dishwasher detergent until the gunk loosens up, then sponge it away or scrub with a Scotch-Brite sponge.

Cleaning a Continuous Oven: The interior surface is porous, so it’s more resistant to stains and absorbs grease better than standard or self-cleaning ovens. Even so, it will need occasional cleaning.

1. First remove the oven racks and the broiler pan; clean according to the instructions for a self-cleaning oven.
2. To clean the interior, just wipe out with a Scotch-Brite sponge and plain water.
3. Clean up large spills or boil-overs while the oven is still warm, using a sponge with water or paper towels. Blot, don’t rub, to avoid clogging the oven’s porous surface with gunk. You can use all-purpose cleaners and rub gently with a Scotch-Brite sponge, but be sure to rinse the cleaned areas with plain water.