How to Make Your Stove and Oven Look New Again
Let’s be honest — cleaning the stove or oven is rarely on anyone’s priority list. Whether you live in a tiny studio in Manhattan or a sleek apartment in downtown Chicago, it’s easy to forget about those grease splatters and burnt food crusts building up behind closed oven doors. But if you want to avoid potential safety hazards, weird smells, and security deposit issues when moving out, you can’t afford to ignore it. The good news? With a few simple steps, you can make stove and oven look new again — no need to break your back or your budget.
Why Stove and Oven Cleaning Matters
It’s not just about aesthetics. A dirty stove or oven is a hygiene issue and, more importantly, a fire hazard. Grease buildup can ignite under high heat, and burned food particles can produce smoke and odors that linger in your space. If you rent, you’re also risking part of your deposit — landlords often check kitchen appliances for cleanliness during final inspections. And let’s be real: no one wants to cook on a crusty stovetop.
Consistent cleaning also helps your appliances function more efficiently. Clean burners heat more evenly, and a clean oven cooks more predictably. The payoff? Better meals, fewer headaches, and a kitchen you’re not embarrassed to show your guests.
Pre-Cleaning Checklist: What You’ll Need
Before diving in, gather these easy-to-find supplies — many of which are already in your cabinet:
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
- A microfiber cloth
- Scrub sponge or old toothbrush
- Plastic scraper or spatula
- A pin or safety needle (for gas stove holes)
- Trash bag or zip-top bag (for soaking grates)
- Gloves (optional but recommended)
No need for expensive or specialty products — we’re going to stick with effective basics that get the job done.
How to Clean a Gas, Electric, or Ceramic Stove
Each stove type has its quirks, so we’ve broken it down by category:
Gas Stoves
Start by turning everything off and letting your stovetop cool completely. Then remove burner caps, knobs, and grates. Soak them in hot, soapy water while you focus on the surface.
Use a damp cloth with dish soap to wipe down the main area. For tough spots, sprinkle baking soda over the grime and spray a little vinegar on top — let it fizz for a few minutes, then scrub gently. Use a pin to unclog burner holes and restore even flames.
Electric Stoves
Never submerge electric coils. Instead, wipe them gently with a damp cloth and a bit of soap, making sure the electrical connections stay dry. Drip pans can be soaked like gas stove grates.
Pro tip: most electric stoves lift up like a car hood — clean underneath for hidden crumbs and grease.
Ceramic or Glass Tops
Use a scraper (a plastic one is fine) to gently remove any dried-on residue. Follow with a paste of baking soda and water for polishing. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for that glossy finish.
Whichever type you have, a consistent monthly wipe-down can make stove and oven look new long before you need a deep clean.
Hacks to Save Time and Cut the Grime
Stove cleaning doesn’t have to be a full-day event. Try these shortcuts to make it easier:
- Ammonia + a plastic bag: Place your greasy grates in a sealed bag with a splash of ammonia and leave them overnight. By morning, you’ll wipe off the grime effortlessly.
- Vegetable oil for grease: Counterintuitive, but oil cuts through oil. Dab a paper towel in cooking oil to loosen grease stains, then clean normally.
- Salt for fresh spills: If a spill happens while cooking, sprinkle salt over it while still warm (but burners off). It absorbs the mess and prevents burning.
- Hydrogen peroxide + baking soda: A powerful DIY paste for those “baked-on forever” messes. Let it sit, then scrub with an old toothbrush.
These hacks not only save you time — they make the process feel way less overwhelming.
How to Deep Clean Your Oven Without Harsh Chemicals
Yes, your oven may have a self-cleaning feature, but relying on it exclusively isn’t a great idea. High heat cycles release fumes and don’t always reach every corner. Here’s how we do it better:
Step-by-Step Deep Clean
- Remove everything: Racks, thermometers, pans — get it all out. Soak the racks in warm, soapy water or toss them in your bathtub.
- Make a baking soda paste: Mix ½ cup of baking soda with water until it forms a thick paste. Spread it evenly throughout the inside of the oven, avoiding heating elements.
- Let it sit overnight: Or for at least 8 hours.
- Wipe it down: Use a damp cloth to remove the paste and loosened grime.
- Spray vinegar: Any remaining residue will react with the vinegar and foam — wipe again.
- Replace everything: Once dry, slide the clean racks back in.
Another option? Leave a small bowl of ammonia in a cold oven overnight. The fumes soften grime, making it easy to wipe clean in the morning.
Pro Tips to Keep Everything Cleaner for Longer
Once you make stove and oven look new again, you’ll want to keep it that way with minimal effort. Here’s how:
- Use burner liners: Disposable or reusable — they catch spills before they become problems.
- Wipe spills immediately: The longer something sits, the harder it gets. A 10-second wipe saves you hours later.
- Monthly maintenance: Pick one day a month (first Sunday, for example) and give the stovetop and oven a 10-minute refresh.
- Vent while cooking: Reduces condensation and smoke, which keeps your surfaces cleaner.
- Avoid foil on oven surfaces: It can block heat distribution and damage the finish — stick to silicone mats or oven-safe trays instead.
Final Thoughts
Between classes, work, social life, and just trying to breathe in the city, deep-cleaning your oven is not how anyone wants to spend a weekend. That’s exactly why MyClean exists — to make your life easier and your space cleaner, without the hassle.
With a few clicks, you can book a professional who shows up on time, follows exact cleaning protocols, and knows how to make stove and oven look new — without damaging your appliance or your schedule. Our process is consistent, our staff is trained, and we respect your space and your time. Whether it’s a move-out clean or just maintenance before hosting your next dinner party, we bring the quality, comfort, and convenience you need.
