Cleaning your oven can feel like a task that gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list, especially in a busy professional kitchen. Many people find it messy, time consuming, or simply overwhelming. But keeping your convection oven clean is essential for hygiene, safety, and efficiency. The right products and process can make this task much easier.

Convection ovens, also called fan assisted ovens, are a bit different from standard ovens. They have a fan that circulates hot air evenly, which helps food cook faster and more consistently. This makes them a popular choice for restaurants, bakeries, and catering services. However, even with their advanced features, they still require regular cleaning.

Here is a simple and step by step guide on how to clean your commercial convection oven manually. Following these steps will ensure your oven stays clean, safe, and works at its best.

1. Identify the Type of Cleaning Needed

The first step is to figure out how much cleaning your oven needs. Is it a light surface clean or a deep clean? This depends on how often you use your oven and how long it’s been since your last clean.

Here are some signs that a deep clean is overdue:

  • Lingering food odors
  • Smoke coming from the oven
  • Uneven cooking or loss of heat
  • Not remembering the last time you cleaned it!

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time for a thorough deep clean.

2. Remove the Oven Racks

Oven racks can quickly get covered in grease, grime, and food residue from everyday use. It’s important to keep them clean because dirty racks can affect the overall cleanliness of your oven.

Here’s how to clean oven racks:

  • Remove the racks carefully and place them on a protected surface (like a towel or sheet).
  • Wear rubber gloves for safety.
  • Spray the racks with a non-toxic oven cleaner or soak them in hot, soapy water for 10-15 minutes.
  • Use a scouring pad to scrub off grease and grime.
  • Rinse the racks thoroughly with water and let them dry before putting them back in the oven.

3. Choose the Right Oven Cleaner

Not all oven cleaning products are created equal. While it might be tempting to grab the strongest chemical cleaner off the shelf, these can be harmful to your health, food, and the environment. Many store bought products contain harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide and butoxydiglycol.

Safer Cleaning Alternatives

  • Use natural products like baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice.
  • Opt for non-toxic, bio-based oven cleaners.

Safety Tip: Always wear gloves and ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated when using any cleaning products.

4. Apply the Cleaning Solution

Once you’ve chosen your oven cleaner, it’s time to apply it.

  • Spray or spread the cleaning solution evenly inside the oven, focusing on tough stains and baked-on food.
  • Let the solution sit for the recommended time. For natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar, you may need to leave it for several hours or even overnight.

Pro Tip: Natural solutions work best when given time to loosen dirt and grease.

5. Scrub and Wipe Down the Oven

Once the cleaner has had time to work, it’s time to get scrubbing.

  • Use an abrasive sponge, wire brush, or scouring pad to scrub away the dirt and grime.
  • Pay extra attention to the oven’s back wall, bottom, and door where most debris collects.
  • Once the scrubbing is done, take a damp cloth and wipe out any remaining cleaning product.
  • Repeat the wiping process until the oven’s interior is completely clean.

6. Clean the Stovetop and Oven Canopy

While cleaning the oven, it’s also a great time to give the stovetop and canopy (oven hood) some attention.

Cleaning the Stovetop:

  • Make sure the stove is turned off and cool.
  • Apply a non-toxic stove cleaner or homemade solution to the stovetop.
  • Let the solution sit for a few minutes.
  • Scrub away any grease and stains with a sponge or scouring pad.
  • Wipe off residue with a damp cloth.

Cleaning the Oven Canopy:

  • Wipe the exterior of the canopy after cooking to prevent grease buildup.
  • Use a soft bristled toothbrush for tough spots or stubborn food debris.
  • Dry the canopy with a soft cloth to avoid smears or streaks.

If your canopy needs more intensive cleaning, consider professional services for the best results.

Should You Use the Self-Cleaning Function?

Many modern ovens come with a self-cleaning function that uses high heat to burn off dirt and grease. While this feature can save time, it’s not always the best option.

Pros of Self-Cleaning Ovens:

  • Saves time
  • No need for chemicals

Cons of Self-Cleaning Ovens:

  • Extremely high temperatures can cause oven parts to wear out faster.
  • It may produce smoke and odors.
  • It doesn’t clean the oven’s exterior or canopy.

While self-cleaning is helpful, it doesn’t replace regular manual cleaning.

Keep Up with Daily Oven Maintenance

Daily cleaning is key to keeping your convection oven in good shape. It reduces the need for frequent deep cleans and ensures the oven operates efficiently.

Here’s how to maintain your oven daily:

  • Wipe up spills immediately after the oven cools.
  • Use a damp cloth with mild soapy water to clean the interior and oven door.
  • Cover dishes with lids or foil to avoid spills and splatters.
  • Check and clean the oven racks regularly.

These small steps will keep your oven clean, sanitary, and safe for everyday use.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your commercial convection oven doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. By following these simple steps, you can keep your oven spotless and working at its best. Start with daily maintenance, choose the right cleaner, and schedule regular deep cleans when needed.

A clean oven is not just about appearances; it’s essential for food safety, hygiene, and energy efficiency. If you need professional cleaning or want to try our eco-friendly bio oven cleaner, don’t hesitate to reach out.