What Can You Do If Aluminum Foil Melts In Your Oven?

Lining an oven with aluminum foil to prevent food from falling to the bottom of the oven and burning may seem like a good idea, but it can lead to some disasters. When aluminum foil comes into contact with the heating element in the base of your oven, it'll melt and stick. This can damage the heating element and the enamel surface. Putting foil in the bottom of your oven can also make it more difficult for the appliance to cook your food correctly, even if it doesn't melt.

If aluminum foil has melted in your oven, there are several methods to clean it up quickly and prevent it from hurting your kitchen appliance further. Using baking soda and vinegar, regular oven cleaner, or naval jelly, which is used for dissolving rust, will help get your oven back into good shape. If you're worried the melted aluminum harmed your oven's heating mechanisms, try using a thermometer to check if it's preheating to the correct temperature after the foil has been removed.

One way to get the melted aluminum foil off your oven is by cleaning the surface with a baking soda-and-vinegar paste, wiping it off, and then steaming the area with a wet towel. Start by mixing several tablespoons of baking soda with a splash of white vinegar. After it's fizzed for a bit, add a little more vinegar at a time until the mixture has the consistency of a thick paste. It's important to mix the paste beforehand rather than combining the ingredients inside the oven since the acidity of vinegar on its own can rust the appliance.

Spread the baking soda paste over the melted foil and allow it to sit for several hours or overnight before wiping it off. This will help loosen the foil, but it will not get rid of all of it. Once your natural cleaner has been removed, place a soaking wet cotton towel on top of the foil, turn the oven on to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and set a timer for 30 minutes. Make sure the towel is cotton and not synthetic fibers since cotton is less likely to pose a fire risk. It's important to watch during this process to ensure the towel doesn't catch fire. After the half hour is up, allow the appliance to cool down. When you take out the towel, the remaining foil should come off with it or easily wipe away.

An oven cleaner made from sodium hydroxide will also help remove melted foil. Spray the cleaner onto the affected area, let it sit for about 20 minutes, and wipe it up. Make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated to prevent the chemicals in the cleaner from being inhaled. If some of the aluminum foil continues to stick, try using a plastic brush or spatula to scrape it off the surface. This process can be repeated if the melted foil is stubborn. Once the foil is gone, make sure to clean your oven with water to remove the chemicals.

Naval jelly is another great way for cleaning up melted foil, but it takes more time than the previous methods. You'll need to apply the jelly and leave it there for a full 24 hours before wiping it away. It's helpful to let the oven door hang open, though it can be shut for part of the time, if necessary. Then, wipe the jelly off with a rag, scrape off any remaining aluminum foil, and wipe your oven down with a wet cloth. With these methods, the melted foil in your oven won't stand a chance.