Nowadays, technology has granted us so many favors, depriving us of hard work from our daily lives, especially when it comes to house chores. And self-cleaning ovens are also one of those innovations.
Indeed, the appearance of the self-cleaning feature on ovens has been a big life-changing moment for homeowners all over the globe as cleaning the oven manually is, frankly, pretty tiring.
While the self-cleaning option indeed helps a lot, this feature isn’t 100% effective in all cases. There would be times when humans still need to be involved in the cleaning process. Thus, if you want to find out how to clean a self-cleaning oven without using the self-cleaning feature, today’s post is for you.
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How To Clean A Self-Cleaning Oven Without Using The Self-Cleaning Feature
Occasionally, an oven’s self-cleaning option is effective. Unfortunately, in many instances, they are not. When things are hard, it’s advisable to do it the manual way.
Thus, if you are looking for methods to clean a self-cleaning oven by hand, these cleanup alternatives are for you. They will return your oven’s stunning appearance in no time.
Clean Your Oven Using Lemon
Lemon extract is undoubtedly the magical solution when it comes to kitchen and cookware cleaning. And ovens aren’t the exceptions.
Because lemonade and comparable citrus juices are high in PH level, making them excellent degreasers. As a result, they excel at removing baked-on food debris.

The process is also super effortless:
- Combine the essence of 2 citrus and 1/3 cup water on a baking tray.
- Put the tray in the range.
- Bake at 250ºC in 30 mins.
Once baked, citrus releases fumes that can help remove persistent food residues. After the oven has chilled, use a scour cloth or a hard scraper to clear any leftover remains.
Utilize Soap and Water
This is the best method if the range isn’t dirty, but it’s not as clean as you’d want. Simply clean every nook and corner of the oven using a scrubbing brush dipped in lukewarm water plus dishwashing detergent to remove unwanted streaks and spots.

When you feel satisfied, use a tissue napkin to dab the interior dry. Of course, it will take more work, but it will be worthwhile if you enjoy one of these delectable stews and soups.
Employ Some Baking Soda
Baking soda can do more than only lifting pastries. Indeed, this home essential effectively eliminate marks from grouts, residues from the crock pots, and even clearing spots inside the ovens.

First, prepare a thin mixture with 3/4 cup baking soda plus 1/4 cup lukewarm water for optimum outcomes.
Then, detach the oven shelves before applying the mixture to the interior of the range. Allow it to sit overnight and scrape off the solidified layer the following day. Finally, clean the oven again using a damp cloth, and you’ve got yourself a spotless oven.
Apply Vinegar
Even if you’re cooking a five-course dinner or haven’t cleaned your range in years, vinegar will help you solve all the problems thanks to its thorough cleaning characteristic.
If somehow the baking soda solution above doesn’t work, spray the mixture with vinegar before cleaning everything. Baking soda (a foundation) and vinegar (an acidic substance), when used together, fizz up and perform wonderfully on stubborn dirt.
How To Clean The Outside Of Your Range
Cleaning the internal compartments of your oven isn’t enough. The whole machine would still look bad if you didn’t know how to clean other parts of the ovens.
The following sections will provide you with the best methods to clean the whole range from the stovetop to the burner grates, and hood filters.
Stovetop
Cleaning the stovetop is not as hard as you think! If you want to get rid of recent oil splashes and condiment spills on your stovetop, using a dampened clean cloth or rag is more than enough. Wipe it a few times, and utilize a bit of soap (if necessary) and you’re done.

Yet, if you intend to get rid of those obstinate, burned food bits, apply a warm, damp washcloth to the region for a couple of minutes. After that, remove those stuck-on stains using a hard scraper, and you’re good to go.
Burner grates
Next, let’s tackle the burner grates.
For the best results, soak the knobs and burner grates in a basin filled with a lukewarm, soapy water solution while wiping the stovetop. Then, add additional kosher salt plus baking soda for a thorough cleaning.

Apply the mixture onto your soaked burner grates and give it some scrubs. Finally, rinse it thoroughly and you’re all set.
Hood filters
The function of your oven’s hood filters is to gather fats dropped down during the baking process. Thus, they’re probably the dirtiest section of all. Fortunately, cleaning them is a piece of cake.
After removing the filters from the hood, soak everything for 10 mins in a basin filled with boiling water, add several drops of dishwashing liquid and 1/4 cup of baking soda.

Then, on those difficult-to-clean spots, utilize a non-abrasive scrubbing brush. After washing the soap away, allow the filters to be thoroughly dry before reinstalling them (otherwise, you risk getting electric shocks!). For the hood, use an all-purpose solvent to polish its exterior.
Self-Cleaning Ovens: What Is It?
As its name states, self-cleaning ovens are those which can clean themselves automatically.
2 kinds of self-cleaning ovens are available nowadays: conventional high temperature and steam. It is critical to understand the kind you possess beforehand, as each boasts its unique approach.
Several latest variants include both types of cleaning options in one device, allowing you to select which technique to employ.
Based on the dirt concentration in your oven, the conventional self-clean involving a high-temperature burn is generally variable in duration from 2 to 4.5 hours. This sort of cleansing can result in a somewhat unpleasant stench.
Read More:
Can You Use A Dutch Oven On The Stove Top?
Can You Take The Oven Door Apart To Clean The Glass?

In this method, heat can reach 900-1000°F to scorch off the food remains, leaving ashes on the base floor of the oven that you could effortlessly sweep away after the operation is over and the oven has thoroughly cooled.
Modern stoves include a steam cleaning alternative, allowing householders to clean their ranges in far less time and with less odor. In addition, the steam cleaning function promises less effort and less dirt.
All you have to do is pour water (ideally distilled one) into the base floor of the oven, and the heat will vaporize the water into steam, which helps eliminate the dirt inside the oven. In addition, the process is super time-saving as it only takes around 20 and 40 mins.
See how the steam self-cleaning feature works:
Although both methods appear effective, surprisingly, many homeowners claim that self-cleaning isn’t enough in more severe cases. Thus, they tend to lean towards manual cleaning these ranges in such situations.
Conclusion
Now you know how to clean a self-cleaning oven without using the self-cleaning feature. Although it sounds complicated, the process isn’t that challenging after all. Follow our guidelines above strictly, and we promise a like-new appearance of your oven!