Ovens should be cleaned regularly. If not, the quality of the appliance, and the food you make in it, can be reduced. Spilled and splattered food are often not cleaned up right away, but it can support the growth of microbes. It’s also stressful to cook when the machine is coated in grease and grime. This can create repair problems later on as well, and decrease the appliance’s lifespan. It’s therefore important to know how to clean a gas oven properly.
When to Clean Your Oven
Generally, an oven should be thoroughly cleaned every three months. But if you see burnt residue inside the unit, the door is splattered with grease, or the oven smells when it heats up, consider a good cleaning. If your oven smokes when you turn it on, it should be cleaned right away.
Gas Oven Cleaning Methods
Before you clean your gas oven, make sure to follow these steps:
- Switch off the oven and the gas supply.
- Make sure the heating element doesn’t get wet.
- For gas heating elements under the burner, remove the metal cap and clean separately; make sure it’s dry before re-installing it.
Use the Self-Clean Function
A self-clean function is included with most new ovens. It works by locking the oven door and turning up the heat very high to burn off any residue stuck to interior surfaces. Self-cleaning is best used when the oven isn’t too dirty. If it’s been several months since you’ve cleaned it and/or there’s a lot of buildups, it’s better to skip this step, as excessive grim can cause a backfire, smoke, or possibly a house fire.
If you opt to run the self-clean feature, remain in your home for the full cycle. Don’t open the oven until it completely cools, and then use a damp cloth to wipe away any white ash at the bottom.
*Some ovens have a built-in steam-clean option. All you need to do is add water and run the cycle; boiling water will make it easier to wipe away debris in the oven cavity.
Best Way to Clean a Gas Oven
To effectively clean a gas oven, remove the oven racks and mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of water. Once it forms a thick paste, spread this over the inside and outside of the oven door. Let the mixture sit for about 12 hours.
Next, mix water and vinegar in equal parts to create a cleaning solution that you can spray on and in the oven. It will react with the baking soda, creating a foam. Use a microfiber cloth, soaked with hot soapy water, and clean the paste, dirt, and grime. Then use a paper towel to dry the oven. Use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the oven and remove any streaks.
Using Store-Bought Cleaners
While these are effective, they can be caustic, so wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when using these cleaning products. Your kitchen should be well-ventilated as well. To get started, remove all items from within the oven, cover the floor nearby with newspapers or paper towels, and spray the cleaner all over the interior, avoiding the gas ports.
The spray should sit for 20 to 30 minutes or however long the label on the product indicates. Spray the oven racks outdoors and let them sit for 20 to 30 minutes in a trash bag. Then wipe the cleaner off with a damp rag and make sure all of it is gone. Steel wool or a wet scouring sponge can be used to remove more difficult-to-wipe cleaner.
Lastly, rinse the oven racks with hot, soapy water. If there’s excess grime, wipe it away with the scouring sponge. Place them back in the oven once dry.
When to Contact Wilshire Refrigeration & Appliance
We hope you now know how to clean a gas oven safely and effectively. If you run into any issues or notice problems with your Wolf oven, schedule factory-certified service with Wilshire Refrigeration & Appliance. Our professional technicians are available in Los Angeles, Southern California, and Las Vegas. Call 800-427-3653 or contact us online to get started.
