10 Expert Tips For Cleaning A Commercial Oven

Keeping a commercial kitchen clean is no easy task, but one of the most crucial areas that often gets overlooked is the oven. A clean oven not only ensures food safety and hygiene but also helps your kitchen run smoothly. A well-maintained oven can improve cooking efficiency, extend the life of the appliance, and even save you money in energy bills. In a busy commercial kitchen, the oven can see constant use, leading to grease build-up, food remnants, and carbon deposits. Therefore, daily cleaning is essential to keep everything functioning at its best.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through ten essential tips to help you clean your commercial oven effectively. Whether you’re dealing with built-up grease, stubborn food stains, or just routine maintenance, these tips will keep your oven in top shape. And for those times when DIY cleaning and maintenance just isn't enough, we’ll also talk about when it’s time to bring in the professionals.

1. Unplug and Cool Down

Before you begin cleaning, it’s important to turn off and unplug your commercial oven to ensure safety. Always wait for the oven to cool down completely before you start. Attempting to clean a hot oven is not only dangerous, but it can also damage your cleaning equipment or burn you. Let the oven sit for at least 30 minutes after it’s turned off to cool before starting the cleaning process.

This step is crucial, especially in high-traffic kitchens where the oven might be used frequently. Letting the oven cool down also makes it easier to tackle grease and food build-up as it hardens at lower temperatures. Safety should always be a top priority—never underestimate the risk of cleaning a hot oven.

2. Remove Oven Racks and Accessories

Once the oven is cool, remove all racks, trays, and other accessories. These items should be cleaned separately to prevent food build-up and grease from transferring back into the oven. Soak the racks in warm, soapy water for about 20 minutes to loosen grease and grime. After soaking, scrub the racks with a non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratching the surface. Once cleaned, set them aside to dry before placing them back in the oven.

Cleaning the oven racks separately allows you to focus on cleaning the oven's interior without worrying about contaminating the racks again. The racks and trays should be cleaned regularly to prevent them from building up with grease that can transfer into the oven.

3. Scrape Away Loose Debris

With the racks removed, you can now focus on the interior of the oven. Use a non-abrasive scraper, such as a plastic spatula, to gently remove loose debris, food particles, and grease from the oven walls and bottom. Be sure to use light pressure to avoid scratching or damaging the oven’s surface. This step helps clear out the bulk of the debris, making the next stages of cleaning more effective.

Consider using a handheld vacuum or a small dustpan and brush to collect crumbs or food particles that may be stuck in hard-to-reach corners. The less debris that’s left behind, the easier it will be to get rid of stubborn grease and grime during the next steps.

4. Use a Degreaser or Oven Cleaner

After scraping off the loose debris, it’s time to tackle the built-up grease and grime. Commercial-grade degreasers or oven cleaners are specifically designed to break down grease and tough stains. Apply the cleaner to the oven’s interior surfaces, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended time so it can fully break down the grime.

If you prefer eco-friendly products, there are many green cleaners available that are just as effective. Be sure to check that the cleaner you use is safe for your oven model by consulting the appliance’s manual. Once the cleaner has had time to work, wipe it down with a clean cloth or sponge to remove all residue.

It’s worth investing in high-quality, heavy-duty oven cleaners that are designed for commercial use. These cleaners often contain stronger degreasing agents that can handle the type of grime and grease common in commercial kitchens. If you’re unsure of which product is best, ask your appliance provider or cleaning professional for recommendations.

5. Clean the Oven Door

The oven door can accumulate a lot of grease, food splatters, and stains. To clean it effectively, use a mixture of vinegar and water or a glass cleaner for a streak-free shine. For tougher stains, you can create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stains, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth. Always dry the door thoroughly after cleaning to avoid any water spots or streaks.

You might also consider using a specialised oven door cleaner for tougher stains, especially if your oven is frequently exposed to splattering oils or acidic food. A clean oven door ensures that the glass is clear, which helps you monitor cooking progress without constantly opening the door.

6. Don’t Forget the Oven Vent and Fans

Vents and fans are often neglected when cleaning ovens, but they play a key role in ensuring proper airflow and temperature regulation. Grease and dust can accumulate in these areas, reducing the oven’s efficiency. Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the vent and fan areas. Cleaning these parts helps maintain the oven’s performance and ensures that air circulates freely.

Depending on the model, you may also need to remove the fan blades to clean them thoroughly. Over time, grease build-up on the fan blades can cause them to function improperly, affecting heat distribution inside the oven.

7. Focus on the Oven Exterior

While the interior of the oven is important, don’t neglect the exterior. Clean the outer surfaces of your oven with a mild detergent and a soft cloth to avoid scratching the finish. Harsh chemicals can damage stainless steel or other sensitive materials, so always opt for a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner. Regularly wiping down the exterior also prevents grease and food splatter from building up and keeps your oven looking professional.

It’s a good idea to establish a quick daily routine for wiping down the exterior of your oven to avoid the build-up of grease or stains. This practice prevents tougher stains from setting in and ensures that your oven is always presentable.

8. Dealing with Tough Stains and Baked-on Grease

Even after using commercial cleaners, some grease and food stains can be stubborn. For those tough spots, a paste made of baking soda and water can work wonders. Apply the paste to the affected areas and let it sit for 15–20 minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the stain away gently. If the grease is still persistent, you may need to use a stronger commercial oven cleaner designed for heavy-duty jobs. Just be sure to follow the product’s instructions to avoid damaging the oven.

In cases of severe build-up, as you may find with pizza ovens, you may need to repeat this process more than once. Patience is key when dealing with tough stains. Don't be afraid to let the cleaner sit for longer than usual if needed, but be cautious of any surface damage.

9. Maintain Regular Cleaning Schedule

Preventive maintenance is the best way to keep your oven in good shape. Establish a regular cleaning schedule depending on how often the oven is used. For heavy-use commercial ovens, a deep cleaning once every few weeks may be necessary. For lighter use, monthly cleaning may suffice. Regular cleaning prevents grease and food build-up, making the process much easier each time. Plus, it helps maintain the oven’s efficiency, ensuring that it operates at its best.

A cleaning schedule can vary based on factors such as the oven type, frequency of use, and the kinds of foods cooked. For instance, pizza ovens and fryers may require more frequent cleaning than standard convection ovens. Keeping track of these factors can help you stay on top of oven maintenance.

10. When to Hire Professional Oven Cleaning Services

While DIY cleaning can handle many of the day-to-day tasks, there are times when professional cleaning is the better option. If you notice excessive grease build-up that you can't remove, or if your oven has complex parts that are hard to reach, it might be time to call in the experts. Professional kitchen cleaners, like us, have the experience and specialised tools to tackle even the toughest commercial oven cleaning jobs. They’ll ensure that every part of your oven, including hard-to-reach spots, is cleaned thoroughly and safely.

Hiring professional oven cleaning services not only saves you time but also ensures that your restaurant oven is cleaned to the highest standard, reducing the risk of contamination and improving the overall cleanliness of your kitchen. Plus, regular professional cleaning extends the life of your equipment, reducing the need for expensive repairs or replacements.

Commercial Oven TLC: The Key to a Spotless Kitchen

A clean commercial oven is key to maintaining a healthy and efficient kitchen. Regular cleaning not only keeps your oven in top shape but also contributes to the overall hygiene of your restaurant, improving food safety and cooking performance. By following these ten tips, you can ensure that your oven is always ready for the next busy shift.

If cleaning your industrial oven is becoming too time-consuming or if you're looking for a deeper, more thorough clean, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for professional kitchen cleaning services. Our team is equipped to handle all your oven cleaning needs, giving you more time to focus on running your restaurant.

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