Commercial ovens are the workhorses of any restaurant kitchen, but they can also be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and other contaminants if not properly cleaned and maintained. A clean oven is essential for food safety and maintaining the quality and performance of your equipment.
So, how to clean a commercial oven?
It’s easy! In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of deep cleaning your commercial oven and provide some daily cleaning tips to help you keep it in pristine condition.
In the sections coming up, you can expect the following topics:
- How often should you clean your commercial oven?
- How to deep clean your commercial oven?
- Daily cleaning tips for a commercial oven
- FAQs about commercial oven cleaning
Before discussing the “how” part, let’s discuss the “how often” part first.
How Often Should You Clean Your Commercial Oven?
The recommended cleaning frequency for commercial ovens depends on several factors, including the type of oven, the frequency of use, and the types of food being cooked. However, as a general rule of thumb, commercial ovens should be deep cleaned at least once a week—if you use your oven more often, you can make it twice a week.
Here is how your convection oven cleaning process should look like:
- Daily cleaning: After each use, wipe down the oven exterior and interior with a damp cloth to remove any food residue or grease. Pay special attention to the door, racks, and trays.
- Weekly deep cleaning: Once a week, deep clean the oven interior using a commercial oven cleaner. This will help remove any baked-on food or grease accumulated over time. As said, weekly cleaning is not a rule—depending upon the frequency of use and the type of food, you can make it twice a week. Conversely, you can make it even once a month.
How to Deep Clean Your Commercial Oven?
To help you make the most of this guide, we have divided the commercial oven cleaning process into simple steps.
Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
First things first. Gather all the cleaning products and tools you will need to clean your commercial oven deep.
These include:
- Commercial oven cleaner
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Safety glasses
- Sponge or cloth
- Bucket
- Water
- Dishwashing soap
- Toothbrush (optional)
Step 2: Preparing the Oven
Turn off the oven and let it cool completely before cleaning. This is important to avoid burns and to prevent the oven cleaner from evaporating too quickly.
Step 3: Removing Oven Racks and Accessories
Remove the oven racks, trays, and any other removable components. You can clean them separately in a sink filled with hot water and dishwashing soap. How to do that? We will talk about it in a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Cleaning the Interior
Use a sponge or cloth to apply a generous amount of commercial oven cleaner to the oven’s interior. Cover all surfaces, including the sides, back, and door, and allow the cleaner to sit for the time specified on the product label.
Once the cleaner has had time to work, use a sponge or cloth to scrub the oven interior. Be careful about any areas with baked-on food or grease. You may need to use a toothbrush to remove stubborn dirt and grime.
After cleaning the oven interior, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any residue.
Step 5: Cleaning the Oven Racks and Accessories
Next, soak the oven racks, trays, and other removable components in a sink filled with hot water and dishwashing soap. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes, then scrub them clean with a sponge or cloth. Rinse the components thoroughly with water and dry them with a clean towel.
You are all done with the deep-cleaning process of your commercial oven. There is only one step remaining.
Step 6: Reassembling the Oven
This is the final and fun step. Once the oven interior and components are clean and dry, reassemble the oven. Place all the racks in the correct positions—if it is your first time cleaning the oven and you are confused, refer to the manual that comes with your oven.
Daily Cleaning Tips for a Commercial Oven
We covered the process. But here are some daily cleaning tips experts follow while cleaning their commercial convection ovens.
- Wear heavy-duty gloves and safety glasses when cleaning your commercial oven, as the oven cleaner can irritate the skin and eyes.
- Be sure to ventilate the area well when using oven cleaner.
- You can use that feature to clean the oven interior if you have a self-cleaning oven. However, it is important to note that self-cleaning ovens can reach very high temperatures; we recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Wipe down the oven exterior and interior with a damp cloth after each use. Doing so will remove any food residue or grease before it can harden.
- Pay special attention to the door, racks, and trays. These areas tend to get the dirtiest, so thoroughly wipe them down.
- Use a baking sheet to catch any drips or spills to make cleanup easier and prevent the oven from getting too dirty.
- Clean the oven door gasket regularly—gaskets help to keep the oven airtight, so it is important to keep it clean and free of debris.
- Inspect the oven for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you notice any problems, such as cracks in the glass or a loose seal, have them repaired immediately.
- Clean the oven racks and trays regularly, even if you don’t use them daily. This will help prevent the buildup of food and grease.
- If you spill food or grease inside the oven, clean it up immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove.
Choosing VEVOR High-Quality Commercial Ovens for Your Business
Commercial ovens need to be cleaned more often, and the process can get quite frustrating for those with heavy usage. At VEVOR, we understand this. That’s why our experts have designed VEVOR commercial convection, considering the ease of cleaning and maintenance.
Here are some key features that contribute to their easy maintenance:
Stainless steel construction: The entire body of VEVOR commercial ovens is made of stainless steel, providing excellent durability and corrosion resistance. A simple wipe-down over the body can clean it after every use.
Non-stick interior: Our ovens are equipped with non-stick interiors, which further facilitate cleaning by preventing food from sticking to the surfaces.
Front door design: The front doors of VEVOR ovens are well-built and embrace a handy design, allowing for easy access to the interior for cleaning purposes.
- VEVOR Commercial Convection Oven, 66L/60Qt
- VEVOR Commercial Convection Oven, 47L/43Qt
- VEVOR Commercial Convection Oven, 21L/19Qt
FAQs about Commercial Oven Cleaning
Q: Can I use chemical oven cleaner spray on my commercial oven?
Yes, you can use chemical oven cleaner spray on your commercial oven. However, it is important to carefully follow the instructions on the product label. Also, chemical oven cleaners can be harsh, so do wear gloves and eye protection when using them.
Q: What should I do if my oven has a strong odor?
If your oven has a strong odor, there are a few things you can do to try to remove it. One option is to use a commercial oven deodorizer. Another option is to mix equal parts baking soda and water into a paste and apply it to the oven’s interior. Let the paste sit for a few hours, then scrub it clean with a sponge or cloth.
Q: Are there eco-friendly cleaning options for ovens?
Yes, there are some eco-friendly cleaning options for ovens. One method is to mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar to create a paste. Apply the paste to the interior of the oven and let it sit for a few hours, then scrub it clean with a sponge or cloth.
Another option is to use a steam cleaner to clean the oven. Steam cleaners effectively remove dirt, grease, and grime without using chemicals.
Q: How can I maintain a clean oven daily?
Here are some tips for maintaining a clean oven daily:
- Wipe down the oven exterior and interior with a damp cloth after each use.
- Use a mild dish soap and water solution to clean the oven racks and trays.
- Clean the oven racks and trays regularly, even if you don’t use them every day.
- If you spill food or grease inside the oven, clean it up immediately.
Conclusion
A clean commercial oven is essential for food safety and maintaining the quality and performance of your equipment. By following the steps and tips in this article, you can help to ensure that your commercial oven is always clean, safe, and operating at its best.
If you are looking for a reliable, durable, and easy-to-clean commercial oven, then a VEVOR Commercial Convection Oven is an excellent option. Our ovens have all the features necessary for commercial kitchens, including a stainless-steel body, removable racks and pans, and a dual pane tempered glass door.
Maintaining a spotless commercial oven is undoubtedly crucial, and your detailed guide makes it a breeze! One thing that’s also worth considering is placing a shallow baking sheet on the oven floor while cleaning. This not only catches any stray drips during the process but can also serve as a preventive measure for future spills. Thanks for the insightful tips – a clean oven ensures not just hygiene but also longevity for our kitchen workhorse. Thanks