Cleaning your oven without a self-clean setting is possible, but it may require a bit more effort. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean your oven manually:
Gather Supplies: Before you start, gather the necessary cleaning supplies. You will need oven cleaner (either store-bought or a DIY solution), baking soda, vinegar, water, a scrubbing brush or sponge, rubber gloves, and a cloth or paper towels.
Remove Oven Racks: Take out the oven racks and any other removable parts, like the thermometer or pizza stone, and set them aside.
Create a Cleaning Paste: If you prefer a natural cleaner, make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water until you have a spreadable consistency. For more stubborn stains, you can add a few drops of dish soap to the baking soda paste.
Apply the Cleaning Paste: Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands, then spread the cleaning paste over the interior surfaces of the oven, focusing on areas with heavy grease and grime buildup. Avoid applying the paste to the heating elements or the oven's thermostat.
Let It Sit: Once the paste is applied, leave it on the surfaces for several hours or overnight. This will give it time to break down and loosen the baked-on residue.
Clean the Oven Racks: While the paste is working inside the oven, you can clean the oven racks separately. You can use the same baking soda paste, or for more stubborn grime, place the racks in a large plastic bag with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Seal the bag and let it sit for a few hours. Afterward, scrub the racks with a brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly.
Scrub the Oven Interior: After the paste has had enough time to work, put on your gloves again and use a scrubbing brush or sponge to scrub the oven's interior, removing the loosened grime. Wipe away the cleaning paste and residue with a damp cloth or paper towels.
Clean the Oven Door: For the oven door, you can use a vinegar-water solution (1 part vinegar to 1 part water) to clean the glass. Spray the solution on the glass, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it clean with a cloth.
Rinse and Dry: Wipe down all surfaces with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaning residue. Let the oven air dry for a while before using it.
Remember, cleaning your oven manually may take some time and elbow grease, but it can be an effective way to maintain a clean and functional oven. If you perform regular cleaning and avoid letting spills and grime accumulate, it will make the process easier in the future.