Cleaning an oven can be one of the most dreaded household chores, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be difficult. While most self-cleaning ovens offer convenience, they often fail to remove tough buildup completely. Here’s an effective method to deep-clean your oven, including the window, with minimal effort.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 150°F (or the lowest possible setting). While it heats, boil a pot of water.
Step 2: Set Up the Cleaning Bowls
Once preheated, turn the oven off. Place one cup of ammonia in an oven-safe bowl on the top rack. Place the bowl of boiling water on the bottom rack. Close the oven and let both bowls sit overnight. This combination softens grease and grime, making scrubbing much easier the next day.
Step 3: Clean the Oven
In the morning, remove both bowls and set aside the ammonia bowl for later use. Take out the oven racks and leave the door open for about 15 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap to the ammonia, along with 4 cups of warm water. Wearing gloves, use a scrubbing pad to wipe down the oven’s sides, bottom, and window. Finish by wiping with a damp cloth.
Step 4: Optional Chemical-Free Approach
For those who prefer a chemical-free method, you can steam-clean the oven using only water. This method also loosens grime and reduces scrubbing time, though it may take longer for particularly stubborn buildup.
This technique makes it simple to achieve a sparkling clean oven without spending hours scrubbing. The combination of ammonia, warm water, and steam effectively softens residue, leaving your appliance ready for daily use.
