During our many years of providing professional electric oven repairs in London, we have gained valuable knowledge that we are happy to share with our clients. This includes tips on how to clean electric ovens, which will definitely help keep them in good condition.
There are different types of electric ovens, so it is necessary to find out what you have at home before proceeding with the cleaning, as they might require different detergents and cleaning methods.
How to Clean a Self-cleaning Electric Oven
These types of electric ovens have been designed with a built-in self-cleaning cycle but still need care and a few finishing touches.
Safety Precautions
- Ensure the kitchen windows are open and there is good ventilation to allow fumes and smells from the cleaning process to evaporate.
- Stay away from the oven while the self-cleaning cycle is running, as the temperature will reach between 430 and 480 degrees Celsius.
Cleaning Steps
- Gather and prepare some cleaning towels and oven cleaning detergents.
- Remove the oven racks and clean them with detergent. Do not leave them in the oven, as they are likely to get damaged during the cleaning cycle, not being designed to withstand high heat.
- Turn on the oven’s cleaning cycle, ensuring its safety self-locking feature is working. If something is wrong with the self-lock, call a professional oven repair engineer to check it and prevent a possible accident.
- The self-cleaning cycle works by burning grease and food leftovers to ash and can continue for up to six hours.
- Once the cycle is over and the oven has cooled down, wipe it with a damp cloth. You can add a bit of detergent if you like.
- Put back the oven racks, and you are done.
How to Clean a Textured (Continuous) Electric Oven
This type of electric oven is even easier to clean than the self-cleaning one, as it has a porcelain layer designed to burn any grease and spills immediately while the food is cooked.
Cleaning Steps
- First, gather your cleaning products and towels.
- Remove the oven racks, clean well, dry, and set aside.
- Wipe the oven with a damp cloth and a hint of cleaning detergent. Do not use abrasive cleaners or sponges, as they could damage the porcelain surface. If avoiding harsh chemicals, use a solution of water and vinegar.
- Wipe well with a damp, clean cloth to remove any cleaning detergent residue.
- Replace the oven racks.
How to Clean a Regular Electric Oven (Conventional)
Conventional, or regular, electric ovens require a different approach to cleaning. The cleaning process depends on how often they have been cleaned, but the steps are generally the same.
Safety Precautions
- Open windows wide, as most oven cleaning detergents contain harmful chemicals.
- Stay out of the kitchen after applying the cleaning solution, especially if using spray or mousse.
Cleaning Steps
- Remove the oven racks, scrub well, rinse, dry, and set aside.
- Clean the oven of any burnt debris. Apply the oven cleaning detergent of your choice, leave it as per instructions, scrub well, then clean with a damp towel.
- For severely burnt patches, reapply detergent, wait longer, and use a scraper. Wipe away any residue.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaning materials or sponges on a glass oven door, as they will damage it.