How to Clean a Commercial Oven: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re running a commercial kitchen, you know that keeping your oven clean is not just about aesthetics—it’s about safety, efficiency, and the quality of your food. A dirty oven can lead to uneven cooking, strange smells, and even fires. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to clean a commercial oven. I’ll share some personal tips, industry standards, and maybe even a bit of self-doubt to keep things real.

When I first moved to Nashville from the Bay Area, I was blown away by the vibrant food scene here. But I also noticed that not everyone was keeping their ovens as clean as they could be. So, I decided to write this guide to help out my fellow food enthusiasts. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly how to tackle that beast of a oven and keep it sparkling clean.

Understanding Your Commercial Oven

Before we jump into the cleaning process, it’s important to understand your oven. Commercial ovens come in various types like convection ovens, combi ovens, and deck ovens. Each has its own quirks and cleaning needs. If you’re not sure about your oven type, maybe I should clarify that most commercial kitchens use convection ovens due to their even heat distribution.

Now, let’s talk about the frequency of cleaning. Ideally, you should be doing a quick clean daily, a more thorough clean weekly, and a deep clean monthly. But let’s be real, things get busy, and sometimes that schedule can slip. Is this the best approach? Let’s consider…

Daily Cleaning Routine

Your daily cleaning routine should be quick and efficient. Here’s what you need to do:

• Wait for the oven to cool down. Safety first, folks!
• Remove the oven racks and give them a good scrub in hot, soapy water.
• Wipe down the oven interior with a damp cloth to remove any food particles or grease.
• Give the oven door a quick wipe, inside and out.

I’m torn between using a specific oven cleaner daily or just sticking to soap and water. But ultimately, I think soap and water are gentler and just as effective for daily use.

Weekly Cleaning Routine

Once a week, you’ll want to give your oven a bit more TLC. Here’s how:

• Start by removing the oven racks and setting them aside.
• Apply a commercial oven cleaner to the interior surfaces. Chef’s Deal offers a range of cleaning solutions that are tough on grease but gentle on your oven.
• Let the cleaner sit for the recommended time (usually around 20-30 minutes).
• Scrub the surfaces with a non-abrasive pad or brush.
• Wipe everything down with a damp cloth to remove the cleaner and residue.
• Replace the oven racks and give them a quick wipe too.

A word of caution: some oven cleaners can be pretty harsh. Make sure you’re wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated area. If the weather’s nice, I like to take the racks outside to clean them – fresh air and all that.

Monthly Deep Clean

Once a month, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and give your oven a deep clean. This is where you’ll tackle the tough stuff, like burnt-on food and hard-to-reach areas. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Start by removing everything from the oven – racks, thermometer, pizza stone, etc.
2. Apply a heavy-duty oven cleaner to the interior surfaces. Again, Chef’s Deal has some great options.
3. Let the cleaner sit for the recommended time (this could be a few hours).
4. Scrub every nook and cranny with a non-abrasive pad or brush. Pay special attention to the corners and the area around the heating elements.
5. Wipe everything down with a damp cloth.
6. Clean the oven racks thoroughly. If they’re really grimy, you might need to soak them in a mixture of hot water and oven cleaner.
7. Don’t forget to clean the oven door, inside and out. A glass cleaner can work wonders on the exterior.
8. Finally, replace everything and give the oven a quick wipe down with a clean, damp cloth.

I know this sounds like a lot of work, but trust me, it’s worth it. A clean oven is a happy oven.

Cleaning Specific Oven Types

Convection Ovens

Convection ovens have a fan that circulates hot air, which can make them a bit trickier to clean. Make sure to turn off the fan before you start cleaning, and be extra careful around the fan blades.

Combi Ovens

Combi ovens combine steam and convection cooking, so they can get pretty grimy. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, as some combi ovens have self-cleaning cycles.

Deck Ovens

Deck ovens are often used for pizza and bread. They can accumulate a lot of flour and dough residue, so make sure to sweep out any debris before you start scrubbing.

Natural Cleaning Alternatives

If you’re not a fan of harsh chemicals, there are plenty of natural cleaning alternatives. Here are a few options:

• Baking soda and vinegar: Sprinkle baking soda inside the oven, then spray with vinegar. Let it bubble up, then scrub and wipe clean.
• Lemon juice: Mix lemon juice with water and use it to wipe down the oven. It’s a great degreaser and leaves a fresh scent.
• Salt and baking soda: Mix equal parts salt and baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Apply it to the oven, let it sit, then scrub and wipe clean.

I’ve had mixed results with natural cleaners, but they’re definitely worth a try if you’re looking to avoid chemicals.

Maintaining Your Clean Oven

Once your oven is clean, you’ll want to keep it that way. Here are a few tips:

• Line the bottom of the oven with aluminum foil to catch drips and spills.
• Clean up spills as soon as they happen to prevent burnt-on food.
• Invest in good quality oven liners that can be easily removed and cleaned.

And remember, the more often you clean your oven, the easier it will be to maintain.

Professional Cleaning Services

If you’re really struggling to keep your oven clean, or if you just don’t have the time, you might want to consider professional cleaning services. Companies like Chef’s Deal offer comprehensive kitchen cleaning solutions, including oven cleaning. They also provide expert consultation and support, which can be a lifesaver in a busy commercial kitchen.

But let’s be real, professional cleaning services can be pricey. Is it worth the investment? Maybe I should clarify that it depends on your budget and how much time you can dedicate to cleaning.

The Impact of a Clean Oven

A clean oven isn’t just about appearances. It can have a real impact on your cooking and your business. Here’s how:

• Improved food quality: A clean oven heats more evenly, which means your food will cook more evenly too.
• Increased efficiency: A clean oven doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain temperature, which can save you money on energy bills.
• Reduced risk of fires: Grease and food particles can catch fire if they build up too much. A clean oven is a safe oven.

Plus, let’s not forget the peace of mind that comes with knowing your oven is clean and ready to go.

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Before we wrap up, let’s talk about some common mistakes to avoid when cleaning your commercial oven:

• Not reading the instructions: Always read the instructions for your oven cleaner and your oven itself. Different products and models have different requirements.
• Using abrasive materials: Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive materials that can scratch your oven.
• Not wearing protective gear: Oven cleaners can be harsh. Make sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Not cleaning regularly: The longer you go between cleanings, the harder it will be to get your oven clean.

Wrapping Up: Your Oven, Your Way

Cleaning a commercial oven is no small task, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s definitely manageable. Whether you’re using a heavy-duty oven cleaner or a natural alternative, the key is to stay consistent and not let the grime build up.

So, here’s my challenge to you: commit to a cleaning schedule and stick to it. Your oven (and your food) will thank you. And who knows? You might even find that a clean oven leads to a more organized, more efficient kitchen overall.

FAQ

Q: How often should I clean my commercial oven?
A: Ideally, you should do a quick clean daily, a more thorough clean weekly, and a deep clean monthly. But this can vary depending on how often you use your oven.

Q: Can I use natural cleaners on a commercial oven?
A: Yes, natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar can be effective. However, for tough grease and burnt-on food, you might need something stronger.

Q: Is it worth investing in professional cleaning services?
A: It depends on your budget and how much time you can dedicate to cleaning. Professional services can be a big help, but they can also be pricey.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make when cleaning commercial ovens?
A: The biggest mistake is not cleaning regularly. The longer you go between cleanings, the harder it will be to get your oven clean.

@article{how-to-clean-a-commercial-oven-a-comprehensive-guide,
    title   = {How to Clean a Commercial Oven: A Comprehensive Guide},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/how-to-clean-commercial-oven/}
}