The Ultimate Guide on How to Clean a Commercial Oven Properly
Introduction
Keeping a commercial oven clean is not just about hygiene—it’s about food safety, efficiency, and prolonging the life of your equipment. Over time, grease, food residues, and carbon deposits accumulate, leading to unpleasant odors, smoke, and inconsistent cooking results. More importantly, a dirty oven can become a fire hazard and may even result in health code violations if not properly maintained.
Many restaurant owners and kitchen managers struggle to find the right balance between daily maintenance and deep cleaning routines. This guide breaks down the best techniques for cleaning a commercial oven step by step, helping you keep your equipment in top condition while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
By following these best practices, you’ll be able to prevent costly repairs, reduce downtime, and maintain a safer working environment for your staff.
1. Preparation Before Cleaning
1.1 Safety First: Securing the Oven for Cleaning
Before beginning the cleaning process, ensuring safety should be your top priority. A commercial oven contains electrical components, high temperatures, and potentially hazardous cleaning chemicals, so taking the right precautions is crucial.
✅ Turn off and unplug the oven – Always disconnect the power source to avoid electrical hazards. For gas ovens, ensure the gas supply is turned off.
✅ Let the oven cool down completely – Cleaning a hot oven increases the risk of burns and can cause cleaning chemicals to release harmful fumes. Wait until the oven is cool to the touch.
✅ Ensure proper ventilation – Many commercial cleaning agents produce strong fumes. Open kitchen windows or turn on the ventilation system to improve airflow.
✅ Wear protective equipment – Use heat-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a mask to avoid direct contact with harsh chemicals or residual grease.
📌 Taking these safety steps prevents injuries and ensures a smooth cleaning process.
1.2 Gathering the Right Cleaning Supplies
Having the right tools and cleaning products makes the process more efficient and prevents damage to oven components.
🔹 Non-abrasive sponges and scrubbing brushes – Prevent scratches on stainless steel surfaces.
🔹 Commercial-grade degreasers – Specially formulated to break down stubborn grease and food residue.
🔹 Baking soda & vinegar (natural alternative) – Effective for mild grease buildup and eco-friendly cleaning.
🔹 Microfiber cloths – Ideal for wiping down surfaces without leaving streaks or lint.
🔹 A bucket of warm water – Helps rinse surfaces thoroughly after applying cleaning agents.
📌 Using the right products ensures an effective cleaning process without harming your equipment.
2. Step-by-Step Cleaning Process Based on Oven Type
Cleaning techniques vary depending on the type of commercial oven you have. Below is a detailed guide outlining how to clean different oven components efficiently.
Step 1: Remove Grates, Racks, and Accessories
Before cleaning the interior, start by removing all removable components, including racks, trays, and accessories. These parts collect food particles and grease over time, making them one of the dirtiest parts of the oven.
✅ Place racks and trays in a sink or soaking container with warm, soapy water or a degreaser.
✅ Allow them to soak for 15–30 minutes to loosen grease and food residues.
✅ Scrub with a non-abrasive brush to remove remaining buildup.
✅ Rinse thoroughly and let dry before reinserting into the oven.
📌 Regularly cleaning oven racks prevents grease accumulation and improves airflow inside the oven.
Step 2: Degrease Interior Surfaces
Once the removable components are soaking, it’s time to focus on the oven’s interior.
✅ Apply a commercial degreaser or vinegar-baking soda paste to the oven walls and bottom.
✅ Allow the cleaner to sit for 10–15 minutes to break down tough grease and baked-on residue.
✅ Use a soft scrub brush or sponge to wipe away loosened grease and food particles.
✅ Wipe the surfaces with a clean, damp microfiber cloth to remove any chemical residue.
📌 Deep cleaning the oven interior helps maintain consistent cooking temperatures and prevents smoky odors.
Step 3: Clean the Ventilation System and Fans
One of the most commonly overlooked areas of oven cleaning is the ventilation system. A blocked or greasy ventilation system can cause overheating, poor air circulation, and increased fire risk.
✅ Carefully remove and wash ventilation filters to ensure proper airflow.
✅ Wipe down fan blades and motor areas with a damp cloth and degreaser.
✅ Inspect vents and exhaust ducts for grease accumulation or blockages.
📌 Keeping the ventilation system clean ensures efficient heat distribution and prevents overheating issues.
Step 4: Clean Oven Doors, Glass, and Seals
The oven door plays a key role in heat retention and energy efficiency. However, food particles and grease often collect around door seals, reducing their effectiveness.
✅ Spray a glass-safe cleaner on the oven door and wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove streaks.
✅ Inspect door gaskets for grease buildup or damage—replace if necessary.
✅ Check that the oven door closes properly to maintain heat efficiency and prevent energy loss.
📌 Properly sealed oven doors ensure even cooking and prevent unnecessary energy waste.
Step 5: Final Rinse, Drying, and Inspection
✅ Wipe down all surfaces with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaning product.✅ Allow the oven to air dry or use a microfiber cloth to dry quickly.✅ Inspect all parts and ensure everything is properly reassembled before turning the oven back on.
📌 A final check ensures that the oven is spotless, safe, and ready for use.
3. How Often Should You Clean Your Commercial Oven?
The frequency of oven cleaning depends on several factors, including the type of food being cooked, cooking volume, and regulatory requirements. While general guidelines exist, each kitchen should tailor its cleaning schedule based on these considerations.
Factors That Affect Cleaning Frequency
🔹 Type of Cooking: High-fat and greasy foods, such as meats and fried items, produce more residue, requiring more frequent cleaning. On the other hand, bakeries or pizza ovens may accumulate less grease but can still develop carbon buildup.
🔹 Usage Volume: A high-volume kitchen running ovens constantly will accumulate grease and debris much faster than a low-traffic kitchen, necessitating more frequent deep cleans.
🔹 Oven Type: Convection ovens require regular fan and vent cleaning, while steam ovens need descaling to remove mineral buildup. Gas ovens require burner maintenance to prevent clogging.
🔹 Health & Safety Regulations: Local food safety laws, including HACCP guidelines, may mandate specific cleaning schedules to maintain compliance.
🔹 Preventive Maintenance Approach: Regular light cleaning can reduce the need for extensive deep cleans, extending the lifespan of the equipment and reducing repair costs.
📌 Rather than relying solely on a fixed schedule, assess your kitchen’s needs based on these factors to determine the optimal cleaning frequency.
4. Best Cleaning Products & Mistakes to Avoid
Recommended Cleaning Products
Choosing the right cleaning agents prevents damage and improves efficiency:
✅ Heavy-duty commercial degreasers – Break down thick grease and baked-on residue.
✅ pH-neutral cleaners – Safe for delicate surfaces and internal components.
✅ Baking soda & vinegar – Eco-friendly and effective against mild buildup.
✅ Oven-safe descaling solutions – Necessary for steam ovens to remove mineral deposits.
Common Cleaning Mistakes
🚫 Using abrasive scouring pads – Can scratch and damage oven interiors.
🚫 Applying too much water – Excess moisture can damage electrical components.
🚫 Skipping the final rinse – Leaving cleaning residue can create unpleasant odors and affect food taste.
🚫 Ignoring ventilation components – Leads to inefficient cooking and fire hazards.
📌 Avoiding these mistakes helps maintain oven efficiency and extends equipment lifespan.
5. Daily vs. Deep Cleaning Checklist
Daily Cleaning Tasks (After Each Shift)
✅ Wipe down oven interior with a damp cloth to remove grease and food particles.
✅ Remove crumbs and food debris from the bottom to prevent smoke and fire hazards.
✅ Clean door handles, control panels, and exterior surfaces for hygiene.
✅ Inspect door gaskets and seals for grease buildup or wear.
📌 A daily cleaning routine prevents buildup and reduces the need for heavy scrubbing later.
Weekly Deep Cleaning Tasks
✅ Perform a full degreasing of interior surfaces using a commercial-grade cleaner.
✅ Soak and scrub racks and trays to remove baked-on grease.
✅ Clean ventilation fans and check for airflow obstructions to ensure proper function.
✅ Inspect and wipe down door seals to maintain insulation and prevent heat loss.
✅ Check for any persistent stains or odors that indicate areas needing extra attention.
📌 A structured deep cleaning schedule keeps the oven performing efficiently and extends its lifespan.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if my commercial oven needs cleaning?
If you notice excessive smoke, uneven cooking, a strong burnt smell, or visible grease buildup, it’s time for a thorough cleaning. Residue buildup can lead to inconsistent temperatures and food contamination.
What is the best way to clean a heavily greased oven?
For ovens with heavy grease buildup, use a commercial-grade degreaser, let it sit for at least 15 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive brush. Repeat if necessary, and always rinse thoroughly.
Are natural cleaning solutions effective for commercial ovens?
Yes, for light cleaning. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help break down mild residue. However, for heavy-duty cleaning, a commercial degreaser is recommended.
Can I clean my oven while it's still warm?
No. Always allow the oven to cool down completely before cleaning to prevent burns and ensure cleaning agents work effectively.
What parts of the oven are most often overlooked?
Kitchen staff often forget to clean:
- Ventilation fans & filters (critical for airflow and fire prevention)
- Oven door seals (affect heat retention and efficiency)
- Heating elements & burners (influences cooking consistency)
- Grease traps & exhaust hoods (prevent fire hazards)
📌 A thorough cleaning routine includes attention to these areas to maintain optimal performance.
Conclusion
Cleaning a commercial oven regularly is essential to maintain food safety, cooking efficiency, and kitchen compliance. Following a structured step-by-step process prevents grease buildup, extends the life of the oven, and reduces costly repairs.
By implementing daily cleaning habits and periodic deep cleaning, restaurant owners can keep their ovens performing optimally while ensuring consistent food quality. Avoiding common cleaning mistakes and using the right cleaning products further enhances efficiency and safety.
At Boh, we emphasize preventive maintenance and proactive kitchen management. A clean oven is just one aspect of a well-maintained kitchen—ensuring all equipment is serviced regularly keeps operations smooth and cost-effective.
📌 Need professional cleaning services? Boh connects you with trusted experts for commercial kitchen deep cleaning.
