Home Care Challenge: Tackle That Oven and Stovetop Mess
Deep Cleaning Your Oven & Stovetop
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We made it through January!
That alone is worth celebrating, right? It always feels like the longest month of the year.
In our house, we’ve had a few sleepless nights. Our oldest has been waking up between 1-3 a.m. and then deciding the day should start at 5:30 a.m. This mama is tired—and so is he.
It all caught up with him when one morning this week, we found him asleep in the playroom, somewhere between finishing breakfast and getting ready for daycare. That day, we kept him home and let him nap as much as he needed to catch up.
This whole phase feels like deja vu. When we first transitioned him to a big kid bed, he had a habit of wandering the house in the middle of the night. We introduced the Hatch sound machine and assigned colors to different times: orange meant he could quietly play in his room, and green signaled it was okay to wake others up. While we’ve had stretches of great sleep, it looks like we’re back in a rough patch.
Despite the sleep deprivation, we’re tackling this week’s home care task: cleaning the oven and stovetop.
The oven and stovetop are the heart of the kitchen—the place where family meals come to life. But with all that cooking comes splatters, spills, and baked-on messes that can get out of hand fast. Keeping these appliances clean isn’t just about aesthetics—it also helps them last longer and work more efficiently. Plus, a clean oven ensures that no lingering grease or residue affects the flavor of your food.
Cleaning the Oven
Before starting, remove any oven liners and loose debris from the bottom of the oven. If you haven't cleaned your oven in a while, you might need to scrape off any stuck-on food particles first.
Steam Clean: Place an oven-safe dish filled with 2 cups of distilled water on the lowest rack. Run the oven at 450°F for 15-20 minutes, then let it cool with the door closed. This helps loosen up baked-on grime and makes scrubbing easier.
Soak: Remove the oven rack and let them soak in warm, soapy water for at least 2 hours. Use a non-abrasive scrub brush or sponge to remove any remaining dirt. Rinse the racks well with clean water once you've scrubbed them.
Scrub: Make a paste of baking soda and water, then apply it inside the oven (avoiding heating elements). Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for tough stains. Use a scrubber like the ScourDaddy to tackle tough spots. If needed, spray white vinegar over the baking soda paste to create a gentle bubbling reaction that lifts grime.
Wipe Clean: Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove any residue. If necessary, repeat the process for stubborn spots.
Final Touches: Replace racks, insert a new liner, and admire your work.
Now, full disclosure—I only cleaned the oven door this week. Between work, childcare, and everything else, that was all I had time for. But you know what? That’s okay. I can actually see through the glass when the oven light is on, and I’m calling that a win.
Cleaning the Stovetop
A clean stovetop makes a huge difference in the look and feel of the kitchen. It’s one of those spots that can go from sparkling to grimy in just a few days.
In our home, we have an induction cooktop, so I wipe it down frequently with Weiman Cooktop and Stove Top Cleaner Kit to keep it looking clean. This week, I also vacuumed any crumbs that had slipped under the edges and into the cabinet below.
For those with gas or electric stovetops:
Remove Components: Take off burner grates, drip pans, and knobs (if removable). Soaking them in warm, soapy water will make scrubbing easier.
Soak & Scrub: Let grates and drip pans soak in warm, soapy water while you clean the surface. (Never submerge electric coils!) Use a scrub brush or a sponge to remove any built-up grease.
Degrease: Use a multipurpose cleaner or a homemade solution of dish soap and water to wipe down the stovetop. For extra-stubborn grease, try a mixture of baking soda and water, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub.
Detail Work: A toothbrush or cotton swab can help get into crevices around knobs and burners, ensuring a deep clean.
Rinse & Reassemble: Dry all components completely before putting everything back in place. If your stovetop has a stainless steel finish, use a stainless steel cleaner for extra shine.
With a clean oven and stovetop, your kitchen will feel refreshed and ready for more cooking adventures.
And if you only have time for a small win—like wiping the oven door—celebrate that too. Progress is progress!
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Products I used to tackle this week’s weekly home care challenge: