Credit: Getty ImagesBefore Getting StartedWhen cleaning your oven, try to avoid using harsh oven cleaners or using the self-cleaning feature. So, it’s best to avoid the self-cleaning function on your oven and manually clean your appliance using the steps below. Mix the baking soda and vinegar together to make a paste in a small bowl. For harder-to-clean spots, you may need to take a small amount of baking soda on a cloth to work the spot loose. “You should, on average, clean your oven every 2 months or if you notice smoke or a smoke-like smell when using it,” explains Ruenz, “The best practice is to clean spills immediately to ensure it doesn’t get baked on the bottom of the oven and stick.”Tips For Keeping Your Oven Clean