Your stove and oven are the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen. From sizzling stovetop meals to baked casseroles, they collect grease, spills, and burnt-on food almost daily. Without regular cleaning, this buildup not only looks unpleasant but also affects cooking performance and even poses fire risks.
The easiest way to stay on top of it? A stove and oven cleaning checklist. This step-by-step guide ensures you don’t miss a spot and keeps your kitchen appliances running like new.
Key Takeaways
- Wipe spills daily to prevent buildup.
- Deep clean stoves and ovens monthly (or every 2 weeks for heavy cooking).
- Always let appliances cool completely before cleaning.
- Use baking soda paste for stubborn grease and burnt spots.
- Avoid harsh abrasives that scratch or damage enamel.
Why Do You Need a Stove & Oven Cleaning Checklist?
- Consistency: Prevents grease buildup before it becomes unmanageable.
- Efficiency: Saves time by breaking tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly routines.
- Safety: Reduces risk of smoke and kitchen fires.
- Longevity: Keeps appliances working efficiently for years.
According to a Consumer Reports kitchen study (2023), ovens with regular cleaning last 25% longer on average than those cleaned infrequently.
Daily Stove & Oven Cleaning Checklist
✅ For the Stove
- Wipe spills with damp microfiber cloth after cooking.
- Wash removable knobs with warm, soapy water.
- Dry surfaces thoroughly to prevent water spots.
✅ For the Oven
- Wipe fresh spills on oven floor (after cooling).
- Use a damp cloth to clean oven door glass if splattered.
Weekly Stove & Oven Cleaning Checklist
✅ For the Stove
- Remove grates (gas) or coils (electric) and soak in hot, soapy water.
- Scrub with non-abrasive sponge and rinse.
- Wipe stovetop surface with vinegar-water solution.
- Polish stainless steel (if applicable) with soft cloth.
✅ For the Oven
- Check for crumbs and wipe them away.
- Clean oven racks with dish soap and warm water.
- Spray oven interior lightly with vinegar-water mix to cut grease film.
Monthly Deep Cleaning Stove & Oven Checklist
✅ For the Stove
- Gas stove → Clean burner caps and heads with baking soda paste.
- Electric stove → Remove drip pans, scrub with baking soda + hydrogen peroxide.
- Glass stovetop → Apply baking soda paste, cover with damp cloth, let sit 15 mins, wipe clean.
- Clear clogged burner ports with a pin (gas stoves only).
✅ For the Oven
- Remove racks and soak in bathtub with hot water + dish soap.
- Make baking soda paste (½ cup baking soda + water), spread on oven interior.
- Let sit overnight, then wipe with damp cloth.
- Spray vinegar on residue for fizzing effect, then wipe clean.
- Clean oven door glass with baking soda paste or glass cleaner.
Seasonal / Quarterly Checklist
- Pull stove away from wall (if safe to do so).
- Vacuum or wipe behind and underneath (crumbs, grease).
- Check oven seal and replace if damaged.
- Run a full self-cleaning cycle (if oven allows).
Safe Cleaning Products to Use
- Dish Soap → Daily grease removal.
- Vinegar + Water → Cuts grease naturally (avoid near stone counters).
- Baking Soda Paste → Best for burnt-on food.
- Hydrogen Peroxide → Tackles tough stains.
- Commercial Degreasers → Use only if labeled stove/oven safe.
👉 Avoid steel wool, harsh abrasives, or bleach — they scratch enamel and metal finishes.
Quick Table: Cleaning Frequency at a Glance
| Task | Frequency | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe spills | Daily | Microfiber cloth, dish soap |
| Wash grates & racks | Weekly | Soapy water, sponge |
| Deep clean stovetop | Monthly | Baking soda, vinegar |
| Deep clean oven interior | Monthly | Baking soda paste, vinegar |
| Move stove & clean behind | Every 3–6 months | Vacuum, cloth |
FAQs
Can I use oven cleaner sprays?
Yes, but only in well-ventilated areas. Avoid frequent use on enamel interiors.
What’s the fastest way to clean an oven?
Use baking soda paste overnight, then spray vinegar in the morning and wipe.
Is vinegar safe on stovetops?
Yes, except on nearby granite or marble counters.
Do I need to deep clean if I use oven liners?
Yes, but liners reduce how often you’ll need to scrub.
Final Stove & Oven Cleaning Checklist
- Wipe spills after cooking.
- Clean grates, racks, and knobs weekly.
- Use baking soda paste monthly for deep cleaning.
- Polish stainless steel with soft cloth.
- Vacuum behind stove seasonally.
- Replace oven seals if worn.
Final Thoughts
Stove and oven cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking tasks into daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal routines, you’ll keep your appliances spotless without hours of scrubbing. A simple checklist makes the process manageable and ensures nothing gets overlooked.
Stick to gentle, safe cleaners like dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda, and you’ll extend the life of your stove and oven — while keeping your kitchen healthier and safer.
As the chief content writer, Hassan Al Sarker works as a professional kitchen-based content creator at Kitchen Liker.
In addition to reviewing the content published on Kitchen Liker, he ensures that it is accurate, relevant, and helpful. As a result, all the reviews and information published at Kitchen Liker are neutral and userfriendly.
Hassan Al Sarker has a bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Tourism Management From the Newyork University. Before joining Kitchen Liker, he was a contributor at Kitchen Club, United States.