Cleaning A Hot Vs. Cold Oven: What's The Difference & Which Is Best?

Removing burnt food from an oven is one of the most daunting kitchen cleaning tasks because these stubborn stains can seem impossible to remove. As a result, many homeowners try out different methods to attempt to make the chore easier. For example, some prefer to clean the oven while it is still hot, while others wait until it has cooled down to remove grime. So, which of these cleaning methods is best? Jon Cronin, Founder and Owner of Glimmer Cleaning Co., shared his expert answer while speaking exclusively with House Digest. According to Cronin, the method you should choose depends on your cleaning goal.

"Cleaning a heated oven tackles grease and food residues while they're softened, making it easier to wipe away," he explained. "However, it requires caution due to the heat. Cleaning a cold oven, on the other hand, is perfect for deep cleans. You can use chemical cleaners or natural solutions without the risk of burns." Now that you know both cleaning methods can be beneficial in their own way, you might want to rethink your approach to removing grime from your oven.

If you are in a pinch and simply need to quickly remove food that fell onto the bottom of your oven while cooking, you might want to consider doing this before the oven cools completely. In this case, it's better to clean a heated oven, as the food will be easier to wipe away. "For routine upkeep, cleaning a heated oven saves time," Jon Cronin explained while speaking exclusively to House Digest.

Alternatively, it's difficult to deeply clean all of the soiled components of your oven when they are still warm to the touch. You must take time to ensure all parts have cooled down enough so that you can clean them without burning yourself. This can be time-consuming, but it is a necessary cleaning tip for a sparking oven. As a result, deep cleaning an oven only after it has cooled completely is a safer choice. Cronin revealed that "for a thorough job or stubborn stains, a cold oven is safer and allows more intense scrubbing without burns or fumes. Assess your oven's needs and choose accordingly."

If you need to clean an oven while it is still hot, you must take a few extra steps to ensure the job is done safely and thoroughly. Jon Cronin detailed exactly how you should really be cleaning your oven while it is still heated. He recommends starting out by placing oven-safe bowls filled with water and vinegar inside of the oven. The expert's next step is to "heat the oven to a low temperature (around 250 degrees Fahrenheit) for 15 to 20 minutes to soften grime." The vinegar-filled bowls will create steam that cleans your oven and loosens those burnt-on food stains to make them easier to remove.

After removing the bowls and turning your oven off, you can use a gentle cleaning brush to scrub those stains away. Before reaching inside, be sure the oven is still warm, but has cooled to a safe enough temperature. Consider using oven mitts to protect your hands as well. Finally, dry your oven thoroughly with a damp cloth. While speaking exclusively with House Digest, Cronin shared two final tips to make the oven cleaning process a bit simpler. "One common mistake is not addressing spills promptly, leading to baked-on stains and odors," he explained. "Also, avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage your oven's interior."