How to Clean a Vulcan Oven: Convection & Holding Instructions
Vulcan ovens can cook a wide variety of delicious dishes with ease. In order to stay in peak condition, there are specific ways to clean and maintain them. Fortunately, we have an easy guide on how to clean a Vulcan oven. You’ll find everything from tips on maintaining stainless steel to cleaning instructions on popular Vulcan convection and holding models.
Click the Instructions Below to Read More:
- Pre-Cleaning Prep
- Cleaning a Vulcan Convection Oven
- Cleaning a Vulcan Holding Oven
- Stainless Steel Maintenance Tips
Pre-Cleaning Prep
Before you start cleaning, make sure to prepare your unit accordingly.
- Step 1. Shut off and unplug the unit – Before you start applying water and cleaner, make sure the oven is turned off and unplugged from the outlet.
- Step 2. Let the oven cool down – The oven should be cool when you start cleaning. If the unit is still hot, give it at least 30 minutes to cool down.
Try to avoid using a hose or splashing water into the upper areas of the oven. These sections typically house electrical components that can be damaged by excess water. Also, don’t use abrasive pads or harsh chemical cleaners. Both can damage the interior and exterior or the oven.
Vulcan Convection Oven Cleaning
Vulcan’s line of VC and SG Full-Size Convection Ovens have specific cleaning instructions. Once you prepare the unit, follow the steps below.
Daily Cleaning Instructions
The following steps should be done daily after use:
- Step 1. Remove nickel-plated racks – Take out the nickel-plated racks and rack supports in the interior of the oven.
- Step 2. Clean the racks – The racks and supports can be cleaned in a sink or dishwasher. Make sure to use a mild soap or detergent.
- Step 3. Clean the oven’s interior – Clean the porcelain interior using a damp cloth with warm water and a mild detergent or soap. Make sure to rinse the area thoroughly and wipe it with a dry, soft cloth.
- Step 4. Clean the window (if necessary) – If heat tint develops on the glass window, use a damp cloth to clean it. When there is a stubborn buildup, consider using a soft brush and a cleaner or a solution of warm water and baking soda. Do not use a scouring powder because it will damage and fog the glass.
- Step 5. Reassemble the racks – Once the interior is dry, place the clean and dry racks and supports back inside the oven.
- Step 6. Clean the oven’s exterior – Use a damp cloth to clean the exterior of the oven. If there is a significant buildup of grease or burned-on food, use warm water and degreaser or scouring powder mixed into a paste. Scrub the cleaner using a sponge or a special stainless-steel wool pad. Make sure to rub in the direction of polish lines.
- Step 7. Dry off the exterior – Once it’s clean, rinse thoroughly and wipe the unit down with a dry cloth. For ways to handle stainless steel safely, check out the maintenance tips at the bottom of this guide.
- Step 8. Run oven to remove odors – The smell of cleaning materials might linger as you cook. To avoid this, set the oven to 500°F and run unloaded for about 30 to 45 minutes.
Weekly Cleaning Instructions
In addition to daily upkeep, you also should be cleaning the snorkel and fan weekly. Below are steps for proper maintenance.
Snorkel Cleaning
The snorkel is a heat circulation tube found in the rear oven cavity. In order to maintain proper ventilation, it should be clean and unclogged at all times. Once a week, use a cleaning solution and a cloth or soft-bristle brush to clean the snorkel. Rinse off the cleaner thoroughly when finished, and run the oven unloaded at 400°F for 20 minutes. This will help burn off any leftover cleaner that wasn’t rinsed off.
Fan Cleaning
The fan also should be cleaned once a week. Clean off the fan blades using a stiff-bristle brush, warm water and a cleaning solution. Make sure you don’t bend or damage the blades while cleaning. Following the cleanup, pick up any loose debris using a cloth.
Vulcan Holding Oven Cleaning
The Vulcan Cook & Hold Ovens have specific cleaning instructions. Once you prepare the unit, follow the steps below.
Daily Cleaning Instructions
The following steps should be done daily after use:
- Step 1. Remove interior side racks – After the unit is off and cool, remove the side racks inside the unit.
- Step 2. Clean the interior side racks – Place the interior side racks in a sink or dishwasher. Make sure to use a mild soap or detergent, whether you’re washing in a sink or dishwasher. If you’re cleaning in a sink, make sure the water is warm.
- Step 3. Clean the oven’s interior – Check the interior space for any residue and remnants. Clean it off with a damp cloth. When you’re finished, wipe it down with a dry soft cloth.
- Step 4. Clean the window (if necessary) –If heat tint develops on the glass window, use a damp cloth to clean it. When there is a stubborn buildup, consider using a soft brush and a cleaner or a solution of warm water and baking soda. Do not use a scouring powder because it will damage and fog the glass.
- Step 5. Reassemble the interior side racks – Once the interior is dry, place the clean and dry side racks back inside the oven.
- Step 6. Clean the oven’s exterior – Use a damp cloth to wipe off the exterior of the oven. If there is a significant buildup of grease or grime, use warm water and degreaser.
- Step 7. Dry off the exterior – Once it’s clean, rinse thoroughly and wipe the unit down with a dry cloth. For ways to handle stainless steel safely, check out the tips at the bottom of this guide.
Stainless Steel Maintenance Tips
There are certain elements and procedures that can damage the stainless steel surface over time. Here is a list of what to avoid:
- Do not use acidic or chloride cleaning solutions – These cleaning solutions break down the protective film on the oven’s exterior.
- Do not leave food or salt on the surface – Many foods contain acidic properties, and salt contains chloride. Both elements can harm the exterior.
- Do not use abrasive tools – Avoid using wire brushes, scouring pads, scrapers, files or metal tools that can damage the stainless steel finish.
- Do not use steel wool – Steel wool pads or cleaning tools can cause rust on the exterior.
- Do not rub in a circular motion when cleaning – As you clean the surface, make sure you’re rubbing gently in the direction of the stainless steel’s grain.
Hard water deposits are a major cause of rust on stainless steel surfaces. Be sure that the water in your facility is treated with filters or softeners to avoid or remove any deposits. Also, use mild detergents or non-chloride cleaners when cleaning. These contain items that prevent corrosion. To add extra protection and a shinier coat, consider using a stainless steel polish. See the operation manual for recommendations.
Need more assistance cleaning your Vulcan oven? Check out our selection of Vulcan manuals for helpful tips and instructions.