The oven is a key player in any kitchen, especially during the holiday season when cooking demands are high. While ovens are designed to make cooking easier, they can quickly accumulate grease, food stains, and other messes that make cleaning a necessary chore. Fortunately, many modern ovens come with built-in self-cleaning features that simplify the process, saving you time and energy. Here’s a practical guide to keeping your oven clean and ready for all your holiday meals.

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?

To maintain a hygienic cooking environment, it’s essential to clean your oven regularly. The interior should be cleaned about every three to four months, while the exterior, including the door and knobs, needs a quick wipe-down at least once a week. However, if you notice any food residue or stains, it’s a good idea to clean your oven sooner. Keeping your oven clean not only prevents bacterial build-up but also ensures it operates efficiently.

How to Tidy Up the Inside of Your Oven

Using the Self-Cleaning Function

The easiest way to clean your oven is by using its built-in self-cleaning function, available in most modern ovens. These features eliminate the need for harsh chemicals, preventing damage to the oven’s interior. There are two common self-cleaning methods:

• Pyrolytic Cleaning: This process heats the oven to over 750°F, burning off food residue. While it takes several hours, it offers a thorough clean.
• Catalytic Cleaning: This quicker method uses special liners to break down grease at a lower temperature. Any remaining residue can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth.

Before starting the self-cleaning cycle, make sure the oven is empty and free of any foil or food scraps, as these could cause a fire. Wait for the oven to cool completely before cleaning manually with a damp cloth.

Store-Bought Cleaners

If your oven doesn’t have a self-cleaning feature, you can opt for store-bought cleaners. After removing the racks, spray the cleaner evenly inside the oven and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This will loosen any grease or stains, allowing for easy wiping. However, avoid using these cleaners too frequently, as harsh chemicals can damage the oven’s surfaces. Remember to wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation.

DIY Cleaning Solutions

For those who prefer natural cleaning methods, a simple DIY cleaner can be just as effective. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, then apply it to the oven’s interior. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (longer for tougher stains) before wiping away. For added power, you can add white vinegar to the mix. Avoid using microfiber cloths, as the paste may damage them.

How to Clean the Exterior of Your Oven

Cleaning Glass Doors and Knobs

Cleaning the outside of your oven is straightforward. For the glass doors, either use a glass cleaner or a baking soda mixture. Let the solution sit for 20 minutes before wiping it away. For the knobs, a microfiber towel will restore their shine, or you can use a damp cloth with soapy water for a deeper clean. If you prefer store-bought cleaners, spray them onto a cloth instead of directly on the knobs to avoid damage.

How to Clean Oven Racks

To clean your oven racks, first remove them and place them in a bucket or tub. Apply baking soda and vinegar, which will create a fizzing reaction. After the fizzing stops, soak the racks in hot water overnight. The next day, scrub the racks with a stiff brush to remove any remaining grime. Alternatively, you can use dishwasher detergent for a similar effect, but the baking soda mixture is generally more effective for tough stains. Avoid using bleach, as it can discolor the oven and leave an unpleasant smell.

Recommended Self-Cleaning Ovens

To make your holiday hosting easier, we recommend ovens that come equipped with self-cleaning features. These ovens save time, effort, and energy while ensuring your kitchen remains tidy.

• Beko 30″ Stainless Steel Wall Oven
  This durable wall oven features a programmable Pyrolytic self-cleaning function. With a spacious 11.4 cubic feet of interior space, it’s perfect for cooking large meals. The air fry function offers a healthier cooking option, while the twin-turbo convection feature ensures even heat distribution for faster cooking.
• Frigidaire 27″ Double Electric Wall Oven with Fan Convection
  This model offers various self-clean options with cycles lasting 2, 3, or 4 hours. Its premium touchscreen control panel simplifies temperature and time settings, and the customizable broil temperatures ensure perfect finishes.
• Thermador Masterpiece® Single Wall Oven
  The Thermador oven comes with an efficient self-cleaning option, and it’s Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to control it via smartphone or Alexa. With 11 different heating modes and a quick preheat time, it’s perfect for holiday cooking and easy cleanup.

By following these tips and using a self-cleaning oven, you’ll be ready for holiday cooking without the stress of cleaning. Keep your oven in top shape and enjoy your holiday gatherings without worrying about the mess.