How to Clean an Oven: Self-Clean, Steam Clean or by Hand

Which cleaning to use

From GE Appliances and Samsung. GE suggests running steam clean regularly and self-clean occasionally if your oven has both.

How often to clean an oven

Once or twice a year is enough for most families, especially if you wipe up big spills as they happen. If you cook every day, GE suggests four or five cleanings a year, with steam cleaning in between for light soil.

How to self-clean an oven

1. Start with a cool oven (GE).
2. Take everything out: probes, pans, cookware and any aluminum foil or silicone mats. Foil melts onto the oven surfaces, and items left inside can be damaged or catch fire (GE, Samsung).
3. Take out the racks unless your manual says they can stay. GE’s dark enameled racks marked “Self-Clean” or “Never-Scrub” can stay in; shiny or silver racks should come out, or they’ll discolor and may warp. Samsung says to remove the racks; its warnings allow porcelain-coated shelves to stay but not nickel ones.
4. Wipe up loose soil and spills with a wet cloth, and clean the inside of the door glass with a damp cloth. Don’t use any cleaning products while you prep (GE). Self-clean is only for what you can’t wipe away yourself (Samsung).
5. Start the cycle. On Samsung ovens, select Self Clean and then Start; pressing Self Clean again first changes the length. Controls differ by model, so follow your manual (Samsung).
6. Let it run, and keep the door shut. It locks automatically; on Samsung ovens it stays locked until the oven is below 350°F. Don’t force it (Samsung). A little smoke is normal; for more, open a window or run the exhaust fan (GE).
7. Wait for it to cool, 30 to 90 minutes after the cycle ends, and stand back when you open the door (GE, Samsung).
8. Wipe out the ash with a sponge or cloth and a mix of water and vinegar (GE).

How to steam clean an oven

Steam cleaning is gentler and quicker: the steam softens light soil so you can wipe it off (GE, Samsung).

1. With the oven cool, wipe up excess grease (GE). For heavy residue, Samsung suggests rubbing detergent into it first.
2. Pour in 1 cup of water. GE: onto the center of the oven floor. Samsung: tap water, not distilled, into the steam-clean tray, or onto the oven floor if there is no tray. Models with a water reservoir call it Hybrid Clean and take 2¼ cups in the reservoir (Samsung).
3. Use water only. GE warns that vinegar can permanently stain the oven liner.
4. Close the door and start Steam Clean. On GE ovens it runs 30 minutes, and the door locks if your model locks automatically.
5. Wipe out the water and loosened soil once it has cooled. Up to half a cup of water can be left; that’s normal (GE).

How to clean an oven by hand

• Soap and water with a wet cloth or a non-scratch sponge. Abrasive sponges and scrubbers can scratch the oven interior (GE).
• No oven cleaner in a self-cleaning oven. Samsung says commercial oven cleaners and oven liners should never be used in or around any part of it: the residue damages the oven during the next self-clean.
• Ovens without self-clean have enamel interiors; Samsung says traditional oven cleaners can be used, but suggests a mild cleanser such as Bar Keepers Friend, or salt and lemon juice, instead of a harsh one.

Racks, door glass and the outside

• Racks: rinse light soil off; soak heavily soiled racks in warm, soapy water and scrub with a non-abrasive pad (GE, Samsung). Keep water and cleaner out of racks with ball-bearing slides (GE). If they stick afterward, rub a few drops of cooking oil on the side rails (Samsung).
• Door glass: lay a paper towel or cloth soaked in soapy water on the glass for about 10 minutes to loosen grime (GE). Don’t use stainless steel cleaner on the outer glass, and keep the door gasket dry (Samsung).
• Stainless exterior: with the oven off and cool, use an approved stainless cleaner or white vinegar on a cloth, rubbing with the grain, then dry it (Samsung).

Before a holiday meal

Plan around the cycle: a self-clean takes several hours, and the door stays locked for another 30 to 90 minutes while the oven cools (GE). On GE double ovens you can’t bake in one oven while the other is self-cleaning, or self-clean both at once.

Questions people ask