In Case You Were Never Taught, Lets Clean The Oven
Ovens are one thing I feel a lot of people are never told how to clean. I’d say a lot of people may have never learned proper oven etiquette at all. Homemaking seems to be an art loosing its craft.
This is your sign to stop pretending the oven doesn’t exist just because the door closes 😅
Built-up grease, burnt spills, and crumbs don’t just look bad — they smoke, smell, and affect your food.
My simple oven clean routine:
🧽 Take the racks out first
🧽 Spray a degreaser or oven cleaner on the interior (avoid the heating elements)
🧽 Let it sit — give the product time to work
🧽 Scrape gently with a plastic scraper or scrub pad
🧽 Wipe everything down thoroughly
⚠️ Important reminder:
After using any chemical cleaner, always wipe the entire oven with clean water. I usually do this 2–3 times. You don’t want leftover chemicals burning off into your food the next time you cook.
📌 Pro tip
Line the bottom of the oven with a sheet of tin foil after it’s clean. It catches spills and drips so you can just toss it next time instead of scrubbing again.
I skipped this step last time, cranked the oven to 450°, and fully smoked me and my kid out of the house 🥴🔥 — lesson learned.
Clean doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive — just intentional.
✨ What should I deep clean next?
Keeping your oven clean not only ensures better tasting food but also prolongs the life of your appliance. From my experience, one of the best tools to use is a high-quality degreaser like the Zep Industrial Purple, which is powerful enough to tackle tough baked-on grease yet safe when used correctly. When cleaning, always remember to avoid spraying directly on heating elements to prevent damage. After applying the cleaner, patience is key—let it sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes or as recommended. This waiting period helps break down stubborn residues, making scrubbing much easier. I usually use a plastic scraper for scraping off grime because it avoids scratching the oven surface. One personal tip I found invaluable is rinsing the oven interior with clean water multiple times after cleaning. Chemical residues from cleaners can easily burn off and cause unpleasant odors or even health issues. Using a spray bottle filled with water and a clean cloth for wiping helps ensure no residue remains. For ongoing maintenance, lining your oven’s bottom with heavy-duty aluminum foil is a game-changer. It catches spills and crumbs, which means you can simply replace the foil instead of dealing with frequent deep cleans. Just make sure not to block airflow or touch heating elements with the foil. Additionally, don’t forget the oven racks—soaking them in warm soapy water or a degreaser overnight can make a big difference in removing grime and grime buildup. Finally, regular cleaning every few weeks prevents buildup and keeps your kitchen smelling fresh and inviting. Taking time to clean the oven is an intentional act of care for your home and family, making cooking a more pleasant experience. Happy cleaning!
the washing machine!