The first step in how to clean an electric oven is to just start. Chances are that you’ve overcomplicated this task in your head and now you’re facing the consequences of neglecting your oven for so long.
Some telltale signs that your oven is overdue for a cleanup:
- A distinct odour.
- Too much smoke.
- Thick baked-on crust at the bottom of the cavity.
Sounds familiar? Smells from food bits and grease in a dirty oven can get on your food. And if your oven smoulders, it could be a safety hazard.
Cleaning your oven can be simple if you make it simple. Here’s a fuss-free instruction of how to clean a rusty oven.
What to prepare before cleaning an electric oven
You have several options on what cleaner to use, but a homemade baking soda mixture is your best bet on how to clean a greasy oven. It’s a safer, more natural, and thorough method to get rid of heavy buildup.
Here’s what you need to prepare before cleaning your oven:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Water
- Rubber gloves
- Brushes: Stiff brush, medium-sized soft brush (optional)
- Spray bottle
- Cleaning rag: Microfibre cloth or non-abrasive pad
- Old newspapers or paper towels
Complete guide on how to clean a rusty oven: 5 easy steps
Step 1: Coat the oven cavity
Make a cleaning paste with half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of water. Baking soda will serve as an abrasive and water will soften hardened crud. Remove the racks, oven thermometers, and pans. Put some newspaper or paper towels on the floor to catch bits that fall off.
Professional oven cleaners might be required to provide the best care for your oven surface.
Wearing your gloves or using a brush, liberally coat the oven cavity with the mixture. Avoid the glass door, heating elements, gas vents, and light bulbs. Let it sit for 12 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Soak the oven trays and racks
While your oven marinates in the baking soda mixture, clean the trays and racks.
In the sink, a large basin, or your bathtub, soak them in hot water for two hours. Afterwards, scrub using a stiff brush. The baked-on grease should have loosened so it’s easier to remove.
If the water turns really murky with some charred bits floating around, that’s a good sign. Rinse the tray and racks, then dry.
If you are looking for a new oven tray, check out the below extendable baking tray from Electrolux Indonesia. Feel free to browse our range of kitchen spare parts and accessories as well.
- Baking tray extends from 37.5cm up to 52cm.
- Non-stick coating makes it easy to clean.
- 1x Tray
Step 3: Scrub the inside of the oven
Now that the baking soda has done its magic, it’s time to scrub.
Again, prepare newspapers or paper towels to catch spills. With a damp microfibre cloth or non-abrasive pad, vigorously wipe off the hardened baking soda. It will be satisfying to see the stains and residue come off.
Wipe off the hardened baking soda
For another layer of clean, spray the whole cavity with vinegar to remove the stubborn parts. Finish off with a damp rag then dry.
>>> Read more: How to use your gas and electric oven
Step 4: Clean the inside of the glass oven door
In this step, you will learn how to clean the oven glass properly.
Make another baking soda-water paste. Smear it all over the interior of the door and let it sit for only 30 minutes.
Since it’s glass, be gentler so you don’t cause scratches. Afterwards, wipe it clean using a damp microfibre cloth. As an added step, use a glass cleaner or diluted vinegar for more shine.
Grease and food bits can also get stuck between your oven door’s glass panels. It’s best to refer to your manual on how to access this since you might have to unscrew some parts.
Once open, vacuum off the dust and crumbs. Use a damp sponge or cloth attached to a long handle, and very carefully wipe. Now, you can see through your oven door again.
Step 5: Don’t forget the knobs, handle, and oven door exterior
Mix equal parts vinegar and water. Spray on a microfibre cloth, then use it to wipe the outside of the oven door, the handle, knobs, and the rest of the panel.
Be careful not to spray directly on the controls because you might short them out.
>>> Read more:
- Find the support you might need for your Electrolux ovens
- Frequently asked questions about Electrolux ovens
How often to clean your oven?
Your cleaning schedule will depend on how often you use your oven. If you use it frequently, give it a good scrub once every three months. If not, once or twice a year will do.
For the baking soda method, cleaning will take around 12 hours or overnight, but this is mostly waiting time, and it can be shorter if you regularly spot clean.
It also depends on what you usually cook. Stews overflow. Fats and sauces splatter. Cheese bubbles up then hardens — all these will ramp up how often you need to clean. To make it easier on yourself, protect your oven against messes, using roasting bags or placing a tray at the bottom to catch spills.
Watch the below video for more pro tips on how to take care of your oven:
How to remove the smell of new ovens
When you first use a new oven, it may emit a burnt plastic smell caused by chemicals and protective coatings heating up, but this odor is common and should disappear after a few uses.
Here are some steps to take before you use a new oven for the first time:
- Remove all packaging and zip ties, checking thoroughly for any missed items.
- Wipe the oven interior and racks with warm, soapy water.
- Turn on your cooker hoods, open the windows, and heating the oven between 200-260°C for 30 minutes to an hour. If the new oven smell remains, repeat the ‘burn-in’ process once or twice more.
- After the oven cools, wipe the interior and racks again with warm, soapy water.
Tips to care for your oven
- Clean dirty oven promptly: Regularly clean spills and food debris inside the oven soon after use to prevent stubborn buildup and unpleasant odors.
- Use gentle cleaning methods: Use gentle cleaning methods like a baking soda paste or the oven’s self-cleaning feature, avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive tools that can damage surfaces.
- Maintain door seals: Inspect and maintain oven door seals regularly to prevent heat loss, improve energy efficiency, and ensure proper cooking temperatures.
- Clean oven racks frequently: Clean oven racks frequently by soaking and scrubbing to remove grease and food residue, promoting even heat distribution.Schedule professional maintenance: Arrange periodic professional maintenance to check heating elements, wiring, and other components, helping to detect and fix issues early and extend your oven’s lifespan.
How to clean an electric oven the smart way
It’s better to be more strategic, do less, and enjoy more; than spend too much time on something all at once. After every use, sweep off any crumbs and wipe the surfaces of your oven. Don’t wait for it to be totally caked in grease. Clean smart, not hard.
For (most) times when you’re not in the mood to use elbow grease, newer models have a self-cleaning function that comes in handy for moderately dirty ovens. Simply add water at the bottom of the UltimateTaste 300 Electric Oven and its Steam Assisted function will dissolve residue so it’s easier to wipe the cavity clean.
Another grease-busting agent is intense heat. The UltimateTaste 500 Electric Oven with a pyrolytic cleaning programme burns away grime, without any need for water or chemicals, leaving you to easily wipe the interior afterwards. Its oven door with quadruple glazing keeps it cool to the touch while reflecting heat back in.
Left: Regular oven cleaning, right: pyrolytic cleaning
Don’t let it come to a point where a dirty oven — or procrastination — hinders you from enjoying quality meals. Choose Electrolux electric ovens that make cleaning easier for you. Applying technologies to offer low energy-consuming yet high performance home appliances are what Electrolux has been known for years.
Check out some of our best-selling built-in and freestanding ovens or you can also read our guide to find more helpful tips for choosing a good oven:
- Different oven functions for diverse cooking.
- Steam Assisted Cleaning makes chores easier.
- Pizza program grills above and cooks from below.
- SteamBake for bakery-style bread at home.
- Smart food probe monitors core temperatures.
- Easy pyro cleaning at high temperature.
- Different oven functions for diverse cooking.
- Large gas oven to cook for a crowd.
- Rotisserie turnspit roasts to perfection.
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- 4-in-1 oven toast, bake, grill and rotisserie.
- AirFry your food for a fried taste with less oil.
- Convection function for roasting or baking.
- 4-in-1 oven toast, bake, grill and rotisserie.
- AirFry your food for a fried taste with less oil.
- Convection function for roasting or baking.
Frequently asked questions about how to clean an electric oven
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How to clean an oven with baking soda?
To clean an oven with baking soda, make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water until spreadable. Apply the paste evenly inside the oven, avoiding heating elements, and let it sit overnight or for at least 12 hours. Then, wipe away the dried paste with a damp cloth or sponge, using vinegar to help remove any remaining residue.
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How to use the self-clean feature on Electrolux electric ovens?
You can use the Steam Assisted Cleaning feature in Electrolux built-in ovens. Add water to the bottom of the oven, and the steam will help dissolve grease and grime, making it easier to wipe away any residue from the oven's surfaces.
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Does self-cleaning feature replace manual oven cleaning?
The self-cleaning feature helps reduce the effort needed for cleaning by burning off food residues at high temperatures. However, it may not remove all spills, grease, or stains completely, so Electrolux advises combining both methods.
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Can I clean an electric oven without leaving stains or marks?
Yes, you can clean an electric oven without leaving stains or marks by using gentle, non-abrasive cleaners like baking soda paste or a mild vinegar solution. Avoid harsh scrubbing pads or metal tools that can scratch surfaces and always wipe thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove any cleaner residue. Regular cleaning after each use also helps prevent tough stains from forming.
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Is it safe to use vinegar or baking soda to clean an electric rusty oven?
Yes, it is. Both are natural, non-toxic cleaners that effectively break down grease and grime without damaging oven surfaces. Just avoid applying them directly on heating elements and always ensure the oven is cool and unplugged before cleaning.
