Updated on June 12, 2024
Day 11: Clean Stove Top and Oven. Get your home in tip-top shape in just 31 days. Tips on how to deep clean your stove and oven.
Welcome to day 11 of the 31 Days of Deep Cleaning Your Home series!
Clean the Stovetop and Oven
Today’s task is to clean your stovetop and oven.
How to Clean Stove Top
We are going to start by cleaning our stovetops. The method I use is one I found on Real Simple many years ago.
Remove Grates and Knobs
First, remove the grates and the knobs and soak them in your sink with some hot, soapy water.
Wipe Crumbs
While those are soaking, wipe the crumbs off the stove top with a damp paper towel or cloth.
Clean Knobs
Remove the knobs from the sink, wipe them off, and dry them. Do not let them soak too long, or some markings could wear off.
Clean Stovetop
Spray the stove top with an all-purpose cleaner or degreaser. Allow to sit on there for 1 minute. While this is soaking, wipe down the back and knob area.
I use Dawn Powerwash for this. I scrub the stove top with a gentle scrubber and a scratch-free scrub sponge.
Wipe the stovetop clean with a dry cloth or paper towel. You can also shine it with a glass cleaner. I use a mixture of 50/50 vinegar and water.
Scrub the Grates
Scrub the grates you had soaked in the sink and dry them. Replace all the grates and knobs.
It took me about 11 minutes to clean my stovetop, and that was after I took pictures of each step!
I recently discovered a great method for cleaning the stove that doesn’t require any cleaners. Read about how to deep clean your stove naturally.
How to Clean the Oven
Next, we are going to clean the inside of the oven.
Self Clean Cycle
You can always use your oven’s self-cleaning cycle if you have one. However, it can get very hot and stinky, so take that into account.
Wipe out any crumbs or burnt on food before you start the cycle to minimize smoke.
Create Baking Soda Paste
If you don’t want to use your self-clean cycle on your oven or you don’t have one, start by making a paste of baking soda and water.
Spread this mixture all over the inside of your oven. You can even use it on your oven door and glass.
Allow it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Take care not to get cleaner on the door seal.
Remember to check the heating element. If anything splatters, you can have a lot of food there!
Helpful tip: If you do this step first, you can clean the stovetop while you wait. When you finish the stovetop, it will be time to wipe out the oven.
Clean Oven Racks
While waiting for the baking soda to do its magic, soak your oven racks in a large sink with hot water and dish soap. Our sinks are not large enough, so I do this step in the bathtub.
My oven racks are so dirty. If yours are not too bad, you can wipe them off, rinse them, dry them, and put them back in your oven.
Wipe out your oven after 15 -30 minutes, rinsing as you go. This should remove most, if not all, of the baked-on grime.
You can also use a plastic scraper to help remove really stuck-on gunk.
Your oven should now be nice and clean. However, if it is really old or dirty, you may not be able to make it completely spotless. Some types of food will stain the inside of your oven.
If the inside of your glass door is dirty, I found a great tip on Ask Anna to clean it. She has a genius trick for getting in between the panes of glass. I tried it, and it does work!
Clean Outside of the Oven
Wipe down the front of your oven with an all-purpose cleaner. Don’t forget to wipe around the drawer at the bottom.
Don’t forget to clean inside the drawer as well. Dirt and crumbs can fall in there, and it can get pretty dusty!
Note: Did you know most ovens’ bottom pull-out drawer or space is a warming tray? I didn’t know this until we got our new stove. We no longer store anything down below.
RELATED: Project Organize: Do the Dishes
Clean Behind Oven
Carefully pull your oven out from the wall.
Clean the sides and back with an all-purpose cleaner. A magic eraser can help remove any stuck-on grime. I haven’t pulled mine out in about a year, so it was pretty gross!
It always seems disgusting, but the gunk dripping down the sides usually only takes a quick wipe-down to get rid of it.
Remove any items that may have made their way underneath your oven. I have two small kids and cats, so I never know what I will find back there.
Vacuum up any dirt and wipe down your floor.
Put your stove back into place. You are now ready for all your holiday baking!
This post is part of the 31 Days of Deep Cleaning Your Home series. In just 31 days, you can get your home in tip-top shape.
This series includes deep cleaning lists, tips and tricks, ideas, and how-tos.
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