Keeping your oven in top shape isn’t just about appearances. It is about performance, safety, and saving yourself from future repairs.
Yet many home cooks aren’t quite sure which habits help and which ones quietly cause damage. From cleaning mistakes to overlooked maintenance checks, small choices can make a big difference.
This guide breaks down the essential dos and don’ts to help your oven stay efficient, reliable, and ready for every meal.
Do: Clean the Oven Regularly
A well-maintained oven lasts longer and performs better. Regular cleaning prevents grease and food residue from building up. This means fewer strange smells, no smoke, and safer cooking.
A clean interior also heats more evenly, so your meals cook beautifully without wasting extra energy.
Use Natural Cleaning Products
When baked-on grime takes over, reach for baking soda and vinegar. These modest kitchen staples cut through dirt, so you wouldn’t need to use harsh chemicals to clean up.
For a gentler alternative, try castile soap, a plant-based cleaner that’s tough on grease but kind to surfaces.
Oxygen bleach is another smart option that removes stubborn stains while preserving your oven’s finish. This is a trade secret, but feel free to spread it around.
Set a Simple Cleaning Routine
Give your oven a deep clean every month to keep it performing at its best. Start by removing the racks and trays. A quick soak in warm, soapy water will lift off most grease and grime. Wipe down the interior once it cools, paying attention to corners and seals where residue builds up.
If you’re short on time or energy, why not bring in professional oven cleaners? They’ll get your appliance back to its peak efficiency and spotless condition, all without adding any extra stress to your day.
Use Oven Liners to Catch the Mess
These sheets offer an ingenious solution. By catching spills and crumbs, the oven stays neat, and clean-ups become a walk in the park.
Stick to a regular cleaning strategy, and you can extend your oven’s lifespan, with an added bonus of feeling good about its safety and cleanliness.
Do: Check and Replace Door Seals
To keep your oven running efficiently and save on power bills, regularly check your door seals. Any wear and tear allows heat to escape, making your food cook unevenly and your oven work harder.
You should also try the “paper test.” To do this, shut the oven door on a sheet of paper and see if you can pull it out easily. If it slips out, you probably need new seals.
Good seals lock in the heat, so your meals cook faster and more evenly, saving you time and energy. Swapping out bad seals is a budget-friendly way to boost your oven’s performance and make it last longer.
Do: Use the Right Cleaning Products
Choosing the right materials for cleaning your oven is vital to maintaining its functionality and ensuring your safety.
Harsh chemicals can damage internal parts and leave behind fumes you don’t want anywhere near your food. Therefore, it is safer to look into eco-friendly options that focus on sustainability and minimise the impact on our planet.
A blend of baking soda and vinegar is a classic choice. It tackles stubborn grime without compromising overall integrity.
Before applying any cleaning solution, though, it is highly recommended to consult your oven’s manufacturer guidelines so you don’t void a warranty or cause damage.
Using approved cleaners can help protect the oven’s components, keep it running smoothly, and save you from pricey repairs down the line.
Don’t: Ignore Unusual Noises or Smells
If your oven starts making strange noises or giving off odd smells, it’s usually a sign that there’s an issue or a problem that needs fixing.
Catching these issues early can stop minor problems from turning into big, expensive headaches.
Plus, it keeps everyone safe at home. So, if your oven is acting out, consider getting a professional to check it out. It could save you money and help keep your home safe.
Make regular oven checks part of your routine so you can spot trouble early and keep everything running smoothly. Staying vigilant to anything unusual is the easiest way to keep your oven in top condition and avoid sudden breakdowns.
Don’t: Overlook the Oven Light
When your oven light stops working, it’s not just a minor nuisance. It could potentially signify a more substantial issue with the electrical system.
Even a dim or dead bulb could appear to be a minor issue, but it could lead to uneven food results and wasted energy.
Being able to see clearly inside your oven helps avoid burnt dinners and helps you get that new recipe right the first time. So always make it a habit to replace the bulb as recommended by the manufacturer, ideally alongside your other regular maintenance tasks.
A functioning oven light also means you can check your food without opening the door, which keeps the heat inside and cuts down on cooking time.
Add a quick light check to your upkeep routine. It is just as important as caring for the rest of the oven.
Don’t: Use Aluminum Foil on the Bottom
Lining the bottom of your oven with aluminium might seem like a clever way to catch spills, but it can do more harm than good.
It blocks airflow, causes uneven heating, and can even reflect heat onto the elements, leading to burnt patches on food and potential damage to the appliance.
Foil can also interfere with temperature regulation, forcing your oven to work harder and driving up energy costs.
A safer alternative is to use a heat-resistant oven liner designed for your model. If you prefer foil, place it only on the racks to catch drips. In all cases, always double-check your manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid unnecessary damage.
