So, how do you clean ovens?

Cleaning a dirty oven can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and some elbow grease, you can make it shine again. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean a dirty oven effectively:

1. Gather supplies: Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand:

Oven cleaner (commercial or DIY)
Baking soda
White vinegar
Rubber gloves
Damp cloth or sponge
Plastic or silicone spatula
Spray bottle
Old newspapers or paper towels
Hot water

2. Remove oven racks and other items: Take out all the oven racks, baking trays, and any other removable parts. Set them aside for separate cleaning.

3. Prepare the oven cleaner: If you're using a commercial oven cleaner, follow the instructions on the product label. If you prefer a natural alternative, you can make a DIY oven cleaner using baking soda and water. Mix baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until it forms a spreadable paste.

4. Apply the cleaner: Put on your rubber gloves for protection. If using a commercial oven cleaner, spray it inside the oven, following the manufacturer's guidelines. If using the baking soda paste, spread it over the interior surfaces of the oven, avoiding the heating elements and any openings.

5. Let it sit: Allow the oven cleaner to work its magic. For commercial cleaners, it usually takes around 15-30 minutes. If using the baking soda paste, leave it on for several hours or overnight for tougher stains.

6. Clean the oven racks: While the oven cleaner is doing its job, clean the oven racks separately. You can soak them in hot soapy water or a mix of water and white vinegar. Use a sponge or scrub brush to remove any stubborn grime.

7. Remove burnt-on residue: After the waiting period, take a plastic or silicone spatula to scrape off any burnt-on residue or large chunks of food. Be gentle to avoid damaging the oven's surface.

8. Wipe down the interior: Using a damp cloth or sponge, wipe down the oven's interior, removing the cleaner and loosened grime. Rinse and repeat until the oven is thoroughly cleaned. For stubborn spots, you may need to use a scrub brush.

9. Clean the oven door: If the oven door has glass panels, you can clean them with a vinegar-water solution (1:1 ratio) or a glass cleaner. Wipe them clean with a soft cloth.

10. Rinse thoroughly: Wipe the oven interior with a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining residue from the cleaner.

11. Clean the control panel: If your oven has a control panel, wipe it with a damp cloth, taking care not to let water seep into the electronics.

12. Reassemble: Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the oven racks and other parts you removed earlier.

Remember, regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent your oven from getting excessively dirty in the future. Try to wipe spills and splatters as soon as they occur to make your next cleaning session easier.

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