If your oven racks are also coated in burnt food remnants, you can use these same cleaning solutions to scour them. Simply remove them, clean the oven racks, and replace them once you’re done cleaning the oven. You can easily clean oven racks by soaking them in warm water with dish detergent mixed into it. After the oven racks soak for a few hours, use a scouring pad to remove any stuck on grime. Then dry them with a clean dish towel. [2] X Research source
If the bottom of your oven is completely covered in burned-on food, you may need to skip this step. Excessive amounts of burned food layers can end up smoking a lot, setting off your smoke alarm and releasing chemicals. [5] X Research source Keep an eye on your oven while running the self-cleaning cycle. If you start to see smoke, it’s probably best to shut off the cycle and just clean everything by hand. Once the cycle is done and the oven has cooled, remove the light-colored, charred ash from the bottom of your oven by wiping it down with a damp cloth. [6] X Research source
As you spread the paste around, try to rub it into the particularly bad burnt spots. The mixture should start to turn brown. [8] X Research source Add vinegar to the cleaning paste to make it more effective. As an alternative, spray the vinegar onto the paste just before you scrub it off. The vinegar will react with the baking soda to create more cleaning power.
It’s normal for the oven to smoke during this process. Provide ventilation by turning on your oven fan and opening a nearby window. Let the oven cool down and remove the rack before trying to wipe away the spills.
Wear safety glasses and thick rubber gloves if you use heavy-duty cleaners to prevent the chemicals from splashing in your eyes or absorbing into your skin. Check the package directions to find out how to apply the cleaner and how long to let it soak.
For electric ovens, lift up the thick metal wire that forms the bake element and apply the cleaner underneath. If your oven is gas, try not to spray or get cleaner on the gas valve or igniter. If you accidentally get some of the cleaner on the heating element, wipe it away with a cloth dipped in clean water.
If you used baking soda paste, put a bit of white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on the paste before trying to wipe it away. The baking soda-vinegar mixture will foam up, making it easier to see. [13] X Research source If you tried cleaning your oven with lemons, you can use some of the leftover lemon water to scrub away at the burnt areas. [14] X Research source A plastic spatula might help to scrape off the burnt food. [15] X Research source
If you used a heavy-duty cleaner, it may be a good idea to wash the bottom of your oven again with a bit of dish soap just to make sure that no toxic chemicals remain. If you notice any remaining bits of grime, spray vinegar onto them and continue wiping with your wet rag. The vinegar will help you remove the stubborn spots.
If you also need to clean the oven racks, thermometer, or any other items that you removed before cleaning the oven, do so before replacing them.
