Ever have trouble getting your oven clean?

Written By Bryan Collison

Tips for Cleaning Your Oven:

Living in Jacksonville, North Carolina, means enjoying coastal vibes and home-cooked meals, but a dirty oven can put a damper on your kitchen game. Whether you're baking for a family gathering or prepping for a Lejeune tailgate, a clean oven ensures better-tasting food and a safer cooking environment. Here are some practical tips to keep your oven sparkling clean, tailored for our busy Onslow County lifestyles.

Why Clean Your Oven?

A dirty oven can harbor grease, burnt food, and odors that affect your cooking. Plus, buildup can reduce efficiency, increase energy costs, and even pose a fire risk. Regular cleaning keeps your kitchen fresh and your appliances running smoothly.

Tools You'll Need

Before you start, gather these supplies, many of which you can find at local stores like Walmart or Lowe’s in Jacksonville:

  • Baking soda

  • White vinegar

  • Dish soap

  • Spray bottle

  • Microfiber cloths or sponges

  • Rubber gloves (to protect your hands)

  • Old towels or rags

  • Optional: Commercial oven cleaner (available at Food Lion or Target)

Step-by-Step Oven Cleaning Tips

1. Prep Your Oven

  • Turn off the power: Unplug your electric oven or turn off the gas supply for safety.

  • Remove racks and accessories: Take out oven racks, thermometers, and pizza stones. Soak racks in hot, soapy water in your sink for easy cleaning.

  • Wipe loose debris: Use a dry cloth or brush to remove crumbs and loose bits from the oven interior.

2. Try a Natural Cleaning Paste

  • Mix ½ cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to form a thick paste.

  • Spread the paste over the oven’s interior (avoid heating elements). Focus on greasy or burnt spots.

  • Let it sit for 12–24 hours. This gives the baking soda time to break down grease. Perfect for doing overnight while you’re catching up on sleep after a day at Hammocks Beach State Park!

3. Wipe It Down

  • After the paste has set, spray white vinegar over the baking soda paste. It’ll fizz, loosening grime.

  • Wipe the interior with a damp sponge or cloth. For stubborn spots, use a non-abrasive scrubber.

  • Rinse cloths frequently to avoid spreading grease.

4. Clean the Oven Door

  • Apply the same baking soda paste to the glass door. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then wipe with a vinegar-soaked cloth.

  • For streaks, buff with a dry microfiber cloth for a crystal-clear finish.

5. Tackle the Racks

  • Scrub the soaked racks with a sponge and dish soap. For tough stains, sprinkle baking soda and scrub gently.

  • Rinse thoroughly and dry before placing them back in the oven.

6. Consider a Commercial Cleaner (Optional)

  • If you prefer a store-bought solution, follow the product instructions carefully. Brands like Easy-Off work well but require good ventilation—open your windows or run the exhaust fan.

  • Always wear gloves and avoid contact with skin.

7. Maintain Regularly

  • Wipe spills immediately after the oven cools to prevent buildup.

  • Place a baking sheet under dishes that might bubble over (like casseroles or pies).

  • Run a quick wipe-down monthly to avoid heavy-duty cleaning sessions.

Local Tips

  • Eco-Friendly Disposal: If you’re using commercial cleaners, dispose of rags or containers properly. Check with Onslow County’s Solid Waste Department for hazardous waste drop-off days.

  • Support Local: Pick up cleaning supplies at family-owned stores like Jacksonville’s Ace Hardware or Food Lion for quality products and to keep our economy thriving.

  • Weather Watch: Cleaning on a humid day? Open windows and use a fan to keep your kitchen comfortable, as Jacksonville’s coastal humidity can make things sticky.

Safety First

  • Always ensure the oven is cool and powered off before cleaning.

  • Avoid mixing cleaning products (e.g., bleach and ammonia), as they can create toxic fumes.

  • If you have respiratory issues, opt for natural cleaners to avoid harsh chemicals.

Final Thoughts

A clean oven not only makes your kitchen shine but also ensures your meals taste their best—whether it’s a seafood boil or a batch of cookies for the kids. By using these simple tips, you can keep your oven in top shape without spending hours scrubbing. Got a cleaning hack that works for you? Share it with our community in the comments below or on our social media pages!

Happy cooking, and let’s keep those ovens sparkling, Jacksonville!

Bryan Collison
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Maintaining Clean Carpets!