Whether you haven’t cleaned your oven in a while or just had an accident, removing rust from kitchen appliances is a challenge many homeowners face. Not only does rust leave an unsightly blemish on your cookware, but it can also affect your food’s taste.
If rust forms on the bottom of your oven, don’t worry – there are ways to clean it with everyday kitchen items you may already own. Read on to learn how to remove rust from the bottom of your oven with these three easy methods.
Method 1: Vinegar
If you have rust on the bottom of your oven, one way to remove it is with vinegar. Vinegar effectively removes many substances, including velcro adhesive. White vinegar is acidic and will react with the rust to dissolve it.
Start by unplugging your oven and removing any food or racks from inside. Next, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a bowl to use as an all-purpose cleaner. After dipping a cloth into the mixture, scrub the rust off of the bottom of the oven.
If the rust is stubborn, you can also try using full-strength vinegar. Full-strength vinegar contains more acetic acid than white vinegar, resulting in more cleaning power. Apply it to the rust with a cloth and let it sit for several minutes before scrubbing. Use dish soap and water and make sure the area is completely dry.
For additional cleaning, the oven’s heating function can remove any remaining grime and grease once the rust scrubbing and cleaning process is complete.
Method 2: Baking Soda
Another household item that can remove rust is baking soda, which is abrasive and will work to scrub the rust off of the oven’s surface.
Again, start by unplugging your oven and removing any food or racks from inside. Next, make a paste by mixing equal water and baking soda. Apply the paste to the rust and let it sit for about an hour.
The best item to scrub the rust away is steel wool or a wire brush. Once the scrubbing is complete, rinse and dry the area thoroughly.
Method 3: Lemon or Lime Juice & Salt
Lemon and lime juice are acidic substances that can remove rust. Using lemon or lime juice and salt to remove rust is similar to vinegar.
After unplugging your oven and removing any food or racks from inside, mix equal parts of water and lemon or lime juice in a bowl as an all-purpose cleaner. Dip a cloth into the mixture, and scrub the rust off of the bottom of the oven.
Preventing Rust From Forming in Your Oven
The best way to remove rust is to prevent it from happening in the first place. By taking the following preventative steps, you can keep your oven clean and rust-free for years to come:
- Clean up any spills as soon as possible. When liquids or food spill on the bottom of the oven, they can cause rust to form. Wipe the area dry with a paper towel or cloth.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals. Products like oven cleaners can be corrosive and cause rust to form over time. If you must use an oven cleaner, rinse the area well and dry it thoroughly.
- Use foil. Doing so will help catch any drips or spills while cooking and may prevent home safety hazards like fires caused by cooking. You can also use an oven liner for this purpose.
- Schedule regular cleanings. The best way to prevent rust from forming in the first place is to clean your oven regularly. At least once a month, wipe down the inside of your oven, including the bottom, with soapy water. Rinse the area well and dry it completely.
Try These Rust-Removing Methods Today
All of the methods we’ve listed effectively remove rust from the bottom of an oven. However, prevention is always better than cure. To prevent rust from forming in your oven in the first place, make sure to clean it regularly and dry it completely after each use. If you do end up with a little bit of rust on your oven floor, don’t worry – any of these methods will take care of it in no time.
