Maids typically do not clean inside ovens as part of standard, recurring cleaning services. However, most major maid services (like Merry Maids and Molly Maid) offer interior oven cleaning as an add-on service for an extra fee.
Inhaling the oven cleaner chemical can also cause a sore throat that lasts for days, and can cause severe damage to the nostrils and lungs. If the oven cleaning product you're using is labelled 'corrosive' then it is highly likely that the product contains caustic soda.
To clean an oven quickly, spray a commercial heavy-duty degreaser (like Easy-Off) and let it sit for 30–60 minutes to break down grease. While it dwells, soak the wire racks in your bathtub with hot water and a dishwasher pod. Wipe away the dissolved grime, then rinse thoroughly.
Tip 3: Some cleaning experts recommend avoiding chemical oven cleaners. These products often contain harsh ingredients and can leave behind fumes that linger in your oven even after cleaning.
Cleaning an oven takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the method and how heavily soiled it is. Active scrubbing time usually only takes 15 to 30 minutes, while the rest of the time is spent letting cleaners or heat break down the grime.
Oven cleaner poisoning—often caused by corrosive sodium or potassium hydroxide—leads to severe chemical burns, tissue damage, and respiratory distress. Symptoms vary based on how the body was exposed:
A sore throat at home is most commonly caused by dry indoor air, indoor allergies (like dust mites or pet dander), mold, or postnasal drip. It can also be a sign of a spreading viral illness (like a cold) or acid reflux acting up while lying down.
Run the oven empty at a moderate temperature (around 250°F) for 30 minutes to help burn off remaining fumes. Ensure proper ventilation during this process. If white spots persist, gently scrub with a nonabrasive pad and rinse again to eliminate leftover cleaner.
With our attention to detail and commitment to our 5-Star Promise, Merry Maids is your trusted partner for expert oven cleaning. You're not just getting a clean oven - you're reclaiming your time and creating a welcoming space, ready for your next meal!
Oven cleaning is sometimes included as part of a move-out cleaning package, but it's generally not part of a standard recurring cleaning service. Still, most house cleaners will clean the oven if the client requests, though you should expect an additional charge for this service.
Professional oven cleaning costs in the US vary by location, ranging from $134 to $167 per project. Areas like New York City may have higher prices than less populated ones. Reliable oven cleaners are likely part of recognized organizations.
Dishwasher tablets contain concentrated dishwasher detergent formulated to dissolve oven grease, baked-on food, and grime effectively. The abrasive powder in these tablets helps scrub away tough residues without scratching the oven's interior surfaces or oven glass.
To quickly remove stubborn black burnt-on grease from the bottom of your oven, apply a heavy-duty commercial oven cleaner, or a homemade paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for several hours to break down the grime, then scrub it gently with a scouring pad.
Often referred to as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) or environmental illness, "house sickness" causes non-specific physical and cognitive discomfort. The hallmark sign is that symptoms flare up shortly after entering your home and noticeably improve or disappear completely within hours of leaving the building.
Waking Up With a Sore Throat
This is probably due to simple dry heat blowing in your home. Sore throats are very common and yes, could be the sign of a cold coming on or a virus. However, more than likely it is the dry heat in your home and your car.
"Silent strep throat," also known as asymptomatic strep, occurs when a person carries the Group A Streptococcus bacteria in their throat without showing any typical symptoms. They will not have a sore throat, fever, or swollen tonsils, but can still test positive.
Baking soda is non-toxic, inexpensive, easy-to-use, and remarkably effective on cleaning oven grease. Baking soda is alkaline, and oven grease made of food particles is typically acidic.
After cleaning your oven with oven cleaner, it's generally safe to cook in it once the cleaner has been thoroughly rinsed and any residual chemicals have been removed.
Oven and grill cleaners are usually highly caustic. Upon contact with any tissue, they can cause damage ranging from irritation to severe burns.
Deep cleaning your oven is easiest with the baking soda and vinegar method. Remove the grates, coat the inside with a paste of baking soda and water, and let it sit overnight. Wipe it out the next day, spray with vinegar to dissolve the residue, and wipe completely clean.
The wait time depends on how you cleaned your oven. After using commercial chemical cleaners, wait 24 hours to let fumes dissipate, or wipe thoroughly and run the oven at 300° F (150° C) for 15 minutes. For natural methods, wait at least 1–2 hours after wiping it out.
The self-cleaning cycle that you choose depends on the level of soil. On average, high heat self-cleaning ovens require anywhere from 1.5 hours to 3 hours, and even 6 hours on some models. For ovens that use a steam-cleaning feature, cycle times are generally shorter, under an hour for cleaning and cooldown.