Cleaning the oven is usually never on the top of someones list of their favorite things to do. Unfortunately, it is something that must be done. If your oven looks and smells like it has never been cleaned, it is time to get out your elbow grease and get this task done. Regardless of how thick the grease is caked on the sides of the oven, these easy to follow instructions will help you get through this black, caked on mess so your next meal can cooked in a clean, smoke free oven.

Give the Racks a Bath

Giving the racks a nice, hot bath will help to remove the stuck on food and grease. Simply fill the tub with hot water and add 1/4 of a cup of powdered dishwasher detergent. If you do not have dishwasher detergent, a few squirts of traditional dish-washing liquid will also work. Use a stiff scrub brush to loosen the stuck on food particles. Leave the racks to soak in the bathtub while you work on the oven.

Getting Rid of the Grease and Grime

Spray a heavy layer of oven cleaner on the top, bottom and sides of the oven (be careful to not spray the cleaner on the heating element). If you do not like the smell of traditional oven cleaner, use a fume free brand, such as Fume Free Easy-Off. Using a damp sponge, spread the oven cleaner around to make sure it is in all of the hard to reach crevices, such as around the light. Spray another light coat on the top, bottom and both sides. Close the door and let the oven cleaner sit for about 3 or 4 hours.

The Stovetop

While the oven is "soaking", remove the electric coils, the drip pans and the knobs. Fill the sink with hot water and add a few drops of liquid dish-washing liquid. Place the knobs and the drip pans in the water to soak. Use a damp sponge to wipe off the top of the coils and set them aside. Sprinkle baking soda on the stovetop and scrub with a wet sponge, rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Use a soft scrub brush to clean the knobs and drip-pans, rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Replace the drip pans, the electric coils and the knobs.

Putting it all Back Together

Fill the kitchen sink with warm water. Using a sponge and warm water clean off the oven cleaner from inside the oven., rinsing the sponge frequently in warm water. After all of the oven cleaner has been removed, if there are still grease/food particles stuck in the oven, sprinkle baking soda on the stained area, rub the baking soda with a wet sponge, scraping with a plastic spatula, if necessary. Rinse the oven with clean, clear water and dry with a soft cloth. Use a soap-scrubbing brillo pad to scrub the racks, drain the water and turn on the shower to rinse the soap off, dry with a clean towel and replace them in the oven.

To keep the oven clean and fresh, wipe up spills on the stove-top as they happen, remove the drip pans and wash by hand or in the dishwasher once each week. Cleaning the inside of the oven about every three months will help to keep in clean and prevent a buildup of grease.