How to Keep Your Maytag Double Oven Clean and Running Well

What makes a Maytag double oven different to maintain

Maytag double ovens are built with two separate cooking chambers, which means you have twice the interior surfaces to keep clean and twice the heating elements that need attention. The main difference in maintenance is that each oven has its own temperature control, racks, and interior walls—so a spill in the upper oven won't affect the lower one, but you'll need to clean both independently. Maytag's self-cleaning feature (if your model has it) typically works on one oven at a time, not both simultaneously, so plan your cleaning schedule around that.

Because the ovens are stacked, heat from the lower oven can affect how quickly the upper one preheats, and steam or moisture from cooking in one can sometimes drift toward the other. Understanding this layout helps you troubleshoot problems faster and store items more strategically on your shelves and countertops nearby.

Key Takeaways

• Clean the glass doors and interior walls of each oven separately every month or after heavy use, using a damp cloth and mild dish soap to avoid scratching.
• Remove and wash oven racks by hand in your bathtub or large sink with hot water and baking soda, then dry completely before replacing them.
• Check the door seals on both ovens for cracks or gaps, because a loose seal makes the oven work harder and wastes energy.
• If your Maytag has a self-cleaning cycle, run it on one oven at a time and make sure the kitchen is well-ventilated because the process produces smoke and odor.
• Keep the exterior clean by wiping the stainless steel with a microfiber cloth and stainless steel cleaner, moving with the grain to avoid streaks.

Cleaning the interior of each oven safely

Start by removing the racks from both ovens so you can access the full interior surface. Wipe down the walls, floor, and ceiling of each oven with a damp microfiber cloth or soft sponge. For baked-on food, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the spots, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe it away. Never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers on the oven interior, because Maytag ovens have a special interior coating that scratches easily and loses its non-stick properties.

If your model has a self-cleaning function, you can use that instead of manual cleaning. Close the door, lock it if the model requires it, and select the self-clean cycle on the control panel. The oven will heat to a very high temperature and burn off food residue, turning it to ash. This takes 2 to 4 hours depending on your model, and the oven will be too hot to touch during and for several hours after. Open windows and turn on your range hood, because the process creates smoke and a strong smell. Once the oven cools completely (usually overnight), wipe out the ash with a damp cloth.

Washing and replacing oven racks

Oven racks collect grease and food splatters that are hard to reach with a cloth. Remove them from both ovens and soak them in your bathtub or a large utility sink filled with hot water and half a cup of baking soda for 1 to 2 hours. The baking soda softens the buildup without scratching the rack coating. After soaking, scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and dry completely with a towel before sliding them back into the oven.

If your racks have a non-stick coating, avoid steel wool and harsh chemicals—stick to baking soda and soft brushes. When you replace the racks, make sure they sit level and slide smoothly. If a rack binds or feels stuck, remove it and check the guides (the metal slots on the oven walls) for debris or damage. A stuck rack can warp over time and damage the oven interior.

Checking and maintaining door seals

The rubber or silicone gasket around each oven door keeps heat inside and prevents energy waste. Open each oven door fully and run your finger along the entire seal, feeling for cracks, hardening, or gaps. A damaged seal lets heat escape, which means your oven has to work longer to reach temperature and your energy bills climb. If the seal looks intact but the door doesn't close with a solid click, the hinges may need adjustment—consult your Maytag manual for the hinge adjustment procedure specific to your model.

If the gasket is cracked or permanently compressed, it will need to be replaced. Maytag sells replacement gaskets for most double oven models, and they typically cost between $50 and $150 depending on the model. Installation usually involves removing the old gasket by unclipping it from the door frame and pressing the new one into place. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, a Maytag service technician can replace it for you.

Cleaning the exterior and control panel

Wipe the stainless steel exterior with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water, always moving in the direction of the grain. This prevents streaks and keeps the finish looking polished. For fingerprints or smudges, use a stainless steel cleaner designed for appliances—spray it on the cloth, not directly on the oven, and wipe in the grain direction. Avoid glass or window cleaners, which can leave residue on stainless steel.

The control panel and buttons collect dust and spills. Dampen a soft cloth with water and gently wipe around the buttons and display. If liquid has spilled into the control area, turn off the oven at the circuit breaker and let it dry for at least 24 hours before turning it back on. Never spray cleaner directly onto the control panel, because liquid can damage the electronics underneath.

Managing odors and steam between the two ovens

Because your two ovens are stacked close together, cooking smells and steam from the lower oven can linger in the upper one, especially if you're baking something with a strong aroma. To minimize this, turn on your range hood or kitchen exhaust fan before you start cooking, and keep it running for 10 to 15 minutes after you finish. This pulls steam and odor out of the kitchen instead of letting them settle in the upper oven.

If the upper oven smells stale between uses, crack open the door for a few minutes to let air circulate, or wipe the interior with a cloth dampened in white vinegar. The vinegar smell will fade as it dries, taking the stale odor with it. Store nothing inside either oven—not pans, not foil, not anything—because items left inside can block air circulation and create odor traps.

When to call a Maytag service technician

If one oven heats unevenly, takes much longer than usual to reach temperature, or won't heat at all, the heating element or thermostat may need replacement. If the door won't close properly or the hinges are bent, a technician should assess the damage. If you notice smoke coming from inside the oven during normal cooking (not during self-clean), turn off the oven immediately and have it inspected before using it again.

Maytag offers service through authorized repair centers in most areas. You can find a technician near you through the Maytag website or by calling the customer service number on your oven's manual. Keep your model number and serial number (usually on a sticker inside the oven or on the back of the unit) handy when you call, because the technician will need it to order parts and confirm compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use commercial oven cleaner on my Maytag double oven?

Commercial oven cleaners are very harsh and can damage the special interior coating on Maytag ovens. Stick to baking soda and water paste, or use the self-cleaning cycle if your model has one. If you must use a commercial product, test it on a small hidden area first and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

How often should I clean the oven racks?

Clean the racks every month if you cook frequently, or every 2 to 3 months if you cook less often. Heavy use—roasting meats, baking with spills—means you'll need to clean them more frequently. Soaking them in baking soda and water makes the job much easier than scrubbing dry buildup.

What should I do if one oven heats but the other doesn't?

Check that both ovens are turned on at the control panel—it's easy to accidentally leave one off. Make sure the oven door is fully closed and latched. If both are on and the door is closed, the heating element in the non-heating oven may have failed and will need to be replaced by a service technician.

Is it normal for the upper oven to take longer to preheat?

Yes, the upper oven often preheats slightly slower because heat from the lower oven can affect air circulation. This is normal and not a sign of a problem. If the upper oven is taking significantly longer than it used to, or if it's not reaching the set temperature, have the thermostat checked.

Can I leave the oven racks in during the self-cleaning cycle?

Check your Maytag manual—some models allow racks to stay in during self-clean, while others require you to remove them. Leaving racks in can discolor them or damage the non-stick coating. When in doubt, remove them and clean them separately by soaking in baking soda and water.