How Often Should You Clean an Oven?

How often you clean your oven depends on how much you use it. If you use your oven daily, you’ll probably need to clean it once a month. On the other hand, if you only use your oven every now and then, every four months is a better strategy. 

A little prevention can cut down on cleanings and make cleaning your oven a lot easier, too. 

How do you keep your oven clean? 

A little prevention can go a long way towards keeping your oven clean. Here are some tips: 

• If you find that pies, cakes, and other items often bubble over and leave goo on your oven, practice putting baking sheets underneath the pan to catch the drips. 
• After using your oven, let it cool, then wipe up any spills or cheese bits that may have ended up on the racks or on the bottom of your oven. 
• Use an oven liner. These are exactly what they sound like. They line the bottom of your oven to catch spills. Make sure to check your owner’s manual to be sure that your oven can use an oven liner. 
• Cover your pans with a lid or a piece of aluminum foil to prevent food from bubbling up and splattering on the inside of the oven. 
• Don’t put pizza directly on the rack. Use a pizza pan or rack to keep all the cheese and other goodies from ending up on the bottom of the oven. 

Oven cleaning FAQ 

What can I put in the bottom of my oven to keep it clean? 

An oven liner will keep the bottom of your oven clean, but only use one if the owner’s manual says it’s okay. Some ovens aren’t made for liners, and they can make the oven malfunction or even damage it.  

Why should you clean your oven? 

Bits of food and gunk can burn and release smoke into your oven. This can make your food taste odd, and the smoke can waft into your home. Cleaning also gets rid of grease buildup, which is a fire hazard. 

Should you use aluminum foil on the bottom of your oven? 

Probably not. Aluminum foil can block heating elements. It’s better to use an oven liner that works for your specific type of oven. Make sure to check your oven’s owner’s manual before lining your oven. 

Can you use baking soda to clean your oven? 

You can, but be wary. Baking soda can cause abrasions on certain finishes. You may want to try it in a small area to see how it reacts with your oven.