Q&A for How to Clean a Non‐Self‐Cleaning Oven

Look for “fume-free” oven cleaners. These will require less ventilation, and they are safer to use in the kitchen around pets and children.

Gently scrape off the bulk of the plastic with a wooden utensil or plastic scraper, being careful not to scratch the surface. For any remaining residue, create a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the area, and let it sit for 15 or 20 minutes. This helps loosen the plastic. Wipe away with a damp cloth. If it's still stubborn, heat the oven to a low temperature to soften the plastic, then quickly turn it off and remove the softened plastic with a scraper.

No. Turn off and cool the oven: Ensure it's completely cool to avoid burns or chemical reactions. Remove the oven racks and soak them in soapy water to loosen grime. Make a cleaning solution. Mix a half-cup of baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply the paste inside the oven, focusing on greasy areas. Don't put it on the heating elements or the oven door. Leave the paste overnight to break down grime. Then use a damp cloth to remove the paste and loosened dirt. Clean the oven door. Use a solution of equal parts water and vinegar to clean the glass.

First, be sure the oven is completely cool and unplugged, or the circuit breaker is off. For the bottom element, you'll typically find screws holding it in place at the back. Use a screwdriver to carefully remove these screws, then gently pull the element towards you to expose the electrical connections. Detach the element from the connectors without pulling the wires themselves. For the top element (or broiler) the process is similar.

It's not necessary to remove the coil if you can carefully clean around it and wipe off any cleaning solution you get on it. If you do want to remove the coil(s), first make sure the oven is turned off and completely cool. For the bottom coil, gently pull it toward you to expose the connection points, then lift it slightly to unhook it from the brackets or supports. The coil is usually connected to the oven's rear with plug-in terminals, allowing you to carefully disconnect it without using tools. For the top coil or broiler, the process might differ depending on your oven model, usually involving unhooking the coil from supports and gently pulling it forward to disconnect from its terminal.