Directions for Cleaning the Oven On a 2009 GE Range

Preparation

• To prepare the range for cleaning, turn the oven off and allow the interior to cool. Take out the oven racks and set them in a washtub. Fill the tub with just enough water to cover the racks. Add 1/4-cup liquid detergent, 1/4-cup lemon juice and 1/4-cup chlorine bleach to the water then leave the racks to soak. While the racks are soaking, wipe down the interior surfaces of the oven with a damp steel wool pad or a moist sponge. Open the windows in the kitchen and turn on the exhaust fan to help reduce the presence of smoke and fumes during the self-cleaning cycle.

The Self-Clean Cycle

• Close the oven door and select “Self-Clean” on the control panel. Adjust the cleaning time by pressing the "+" or "-" buttons. The cycle takes a minimum of three hours; additional cleaning time is appropriate for heavily-soiled ovens or those that have not been cleaned for several months. Depress the “Start” button. This will activate the door's auto-lock, and the cleaning cycle will begin. After the cycle has run its course, the ashy residue still has to be removed. Rather than wasting paper towels on this task, wait for the oven to cool down then wipe the interior walls with damp sheets of old newspaper. When the ash is gone, wash down the walls with a cloth soaked in white vinegar to remove any stubborn residue. Scrub the oven racks with a nylon brush, rinse them off then return them to the oven.

Oven Exterior

• Clean the exterior of the oven with liquid dish soap and water or a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply the cleaning agent with a damp sponge, scrub gently then rinse thoroughly and wipe with a clean towel. Use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe down the oven exterior; soiled materials tend to leave a film which can cause discoloration when heated.

Conventional Cleaning

• The 2009 GE range does come with a self-cleaning feature; however, some homeowners prefer cleaning the oven the old-fashioned way. To do this with a minimum of effort, preheat the oven to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it heat for 20 minutes then turn it off. Pour 1 cup of household ammonia into a glass bowl and place it inside the oven. Shut the door and wait eight hours. Remove the ammonia then stir 1/4-teaspoon of liquid dish soap into the remaining solution and use this soapy mixture to wipe out the inside of the oven. One word of warning: Before attempting to clean a gas oven with ammonia, turn the main gas lines off and extinguish the pilot lights.