How do I clean my oven safely?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to clean your greasy oven, but the oven cleaner fumes made your eyes water.

Everyday mishaps add up.

Causes & evidence

Follow the label, ventilate, and protect skin. See cleaning chemical safety.

What to do

1. Ventilate.
2. Gloves.
3. Follow label.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: using oven cleaner in a closed kitchen. Many oven cleaners are strong and caustic. Open windows and turn on the fan. Wear gloves and eye protection if the label says so. Keep kids and pets away. Follow directions about how long to leave it. Wipe out residue thoroughly. Never mix with other cleaners. For a milder option, a baking soda and water paste left overnight can loosen grime. Clean spills soon after they happen to make future cleanings easier. Many ovens have a self-cleaning cycle; read the manual, ventilate, and keep pets out of the kitchen during it, since fumes can bother birds especially. Never use oven cleaner on a self-cleaning oven unless the manual says it's okay. Remove racks and clean them separately.

Speed Man tip: Try baking soda.

Wrap-up: Air. Gloves. Label.