How to Clean Your Stove and Oven

Cleaning a Stove can be tough, but there are simple steps to take to make it more manageable. Here are simple steps that will make the job go smoother.

Cleaning the Stove

Step 1

Remove all stove top items and remove all the drip pans. Place the drip pans in hot soapy water. While the drip pans are soaking, remove the heating elements from the stove. With gas stoves it is easy; pick them up from the stove and place them on the counter. Electric stoves are similar but you have to be careful to pull them out straight and then place them next to the counter.

Step 2

Clean away any dirt or food debris that has accumulated on top of the stove. Using mild soap and water, a mild cleanser or a combination of baking soda and water, gently rub in circular motions until the top of the stove is clean.

Step 3

Gently scrub the areas on top of the stove that have tough stains. Using circular motions, apply pressure to all stove top areas. Once you’ve finished working on the tough stains, take your baking soda paste or soft scrub product and work on the rest of the stove top.

Step 4

Rinse off the dirt and stains with a damp cloth. Use cool water or a combination of one part vinegar to one part water. The vinegar and water solution can be sprayed on and then wiped off with a clean cloth. Vinegar works well because it helps to kill germs and eliminate odors.

Step 5

After soaking in soapy water, use an abrasive cleaner or S.O.S. pad to scrub drip pans until clean and then rinse with water. Replace.

Cleaning the Oven

Step 1

Make sure that no heating units are on and if you have a gas oven, be especially careful.

Step 2

Remove all pieces from the inside the oven: racks, drip pans or other items.

Step 3

Cover the floor underneath the oven with newspaper.

Step 4

Using rubber gloves spray the inside of the oven with oven cleaner. Start with the top, then the sides and then bottom. (Note: as you’re spraying, always be careful not to spray the electrical or gas units.)

Step 5

Rinse down the oven using a large sponge, and a bucket or large bowl of warm water. Make sure to rinse all parts of the oven well. Let dry.

Step 6

When dry, replace the racks and drip pans.

Tip

Before replacing the racks, line them with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Aluminum foil can also be used to line your drip pans. By lining the racks and drip pans, the mess will fall on the aluminum, and eliminate future messes.