Let’s face it, we all have that one tedious household chore that we absolutely can’t stand doing and putting it off only makes it worse. In the kitchen, the oven is usually the main appliance that gets the least amount of TLC. What’s the best oven cleaner for gas ovens? Let’s find out.
It’s difficult to put off cleaning the stovetop or the kitchen counter because they are always in clear view. They practically shout, “Clean me!” as you walk by. The oven, on the other hand, can be kept secretly dirty for weeks or even months because it is hidden away behind the oven door. Yet, postponing a thorough cleaning can affect the performance of your oven. Don’t let last week’s burned lasagna ruin that delightful aroma of your oven roasted garlic, clean your oven regularly.
What product works best?
When it comes to choosing the best cleaning product for your gas oven you have two ways to go:
- DIY/ecological
- Quick action/store-bought cleaner
The DIY method
Arm & Hammer baking soda is becoming the top choice among many households. You’ll even notice the blogosphere is really starting to embrace the natural approach. But the DIY route really only makes sense to use if it works.
Thankfully, baking soda cleanser can be just as effective as commercial cleaners. And you don’t have to worry about exposing yourself or other family members to toxic chemicals and harsh fumes. This is also the most economical and environmentally friendly option.
This 5-pound bag from Amazon will keep your baking soda in stock.
Here is a simple recipe to make your own baking soda oven cleaner.
What you will need:
- 1 cup of Arm & Hammer pure baking soda
- 1 cup of water
- Paintbrush from Amazon
- Spray bottle
- 1 cup of vinegar
This Clever U amber glass spray bottle from Amazon won’t hold the vinegar odor after you empty it.
The steps:
- Mix the baking soda with water until it forms a thick paste.
- Using a paintbrush, cover the inside of your oven and the glass door with the paste and let it sit for 30 minutes. If you have some difficult stains, close the oven door and let the baking soda sit for 12 hours before removing it.
- When you are ready to clean off the baking soda paste, pour the vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it all over the inside of your oven.
- Wipe the paste and vinegar off with a paper towel or a damp cloth.
- Enjoy your sparkling clean oven!
Check out this post on bleaching a coffee pot.
The commercial cleaner method
Natural cleaners may be good for the environment but they aren’t always the fastest way to get rid of tough, greasy stains. After all, sometimes you need a little extra help from a tougher, harsher cleaner. If your oven looks like it had a pizza pocket explode inside it and you aren’t convinced about the power of baking soda, Easy-Off Fume Free Max Oven Cleaner from Amazon is an excellent choice.
No harsh odor
The biggest selling point of this oven cleaner is that it does not give off the acrid, harmful fumes, commonly associated with most oven cleaners. Instead, it has a fresh lemon scent, making it one of the most pleasant smelling oven cleaners on the market today.
See my post about the best oven cleaner for baked on grease.
Easy application
This oven cleaner comes in a 16 oz. aerosol can, which makes it very easy to apply, wipe off and perfect for spot cleaning. It works quickly and effectively on mild grease or food stains. For tougher spots or to remove stuck-on, burned food bits you can spray the soiled area with Easy-Off and leave it on for up to 12 hours.
Before you start – check your burners
Before you get down on your hands and knees and start scrubbing your oven, you need to check the gas burners. Most modern gas ovens have a bottom panel covering the burners yet burned food scraps and sauce have a mysterious way of sneaking down below the panel and clogging your gas burners.
To ensure that your gas burners are working properly, you need to remove the bottom panel. Each oven is different, so you may or may not have a couple of screws holding the panel in place. Once you have removed your panel, turn on your oven to check the flames. Each gas burner should be emitting an even, blue flame along the circumference of the burner.
If you notice that the flame has gaps or is interrupted, there may be something clogging a hole in that burner. If this is the case, you will need to use a thin wire or needle to clear the hole. Alternatively, you can take the burner off and let it soak in hot, soapy water, which will gently remove any hidden residue.
Find Easy-Off Fume Free at Amazon.
Safer
Unlike corrosive, ammonia-based industrial cleaners, Easy-Off is also one of the safest chemical cleaners around. You can use it without worrying about damaging your skin, although using gloves is always recommended (Amazon) when handling any cleaning product.
These Playtex Living gloves from Amazon help make even the messiest kitchen tasks easier!
All in all
Both Arm & Hammer pure baking soda and Easy-Off Fume Free Max Oven Cleaner are excellent choices to help you keep your oven clean if you clean it regularly. After all, if you allow your oven to get to the point that you are scared to open it, there is no cleaner out there that will make the job easy.
Next, I’ll show you how to properly clean your fridge.
Alexis DeAnda is a food fanatic, library card user, and cast iron hunter, in that order. She has been cooking for anyone that will taste it ever since her mom let her make doughnuts on Saturday mornings at the age of 7.