Is your oven not heating up anymore? Don't worry, you're not alone. 

One of the most common reasons behind an oven that won't ignite is a dirty igniter.

I have some good news - you might be able to fix this yourself without calling in a repair service or purchasing replacement parts. You just need a toothbrush and a screwdriver.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to clean oven igniters step by step.

Step 1: Turn Off The Power And Gas Supply

Before you begin any work on your oven, you need to disconnect your oven from its power source.

If you have an electric oven, unplug it from the wall outlet or go to your circuit breaker box and turn off the oven's circuit.

If you have a gas oven, find the gas shut-off valve - it's usually behind the oven or in your basement. Turn it clockwise until it stops to cut off the gas supply.

We definitely don't want any nasty surprises while we're working, right?

Also Read: Residue In Oven After Cleaning

Step 2: Access The Igniter

Now that we're all safe and sound, let's get to the igniter. 

Take out any racks or trays in your oven that might be in the way. Depending on what kind of oven you have, you might need to take off the bottom panel to see the igniter. It's usually just a few screws - no big deal. 

Once you've removed the panel, you should be able to see the igniter. It's usually near the back or side of the oven, close to the heating element. It looks like a small, white ceramic rectangle or a round bulb.

If you can't find it, check your oven's manual or look up your oven model online for a diagram.

Just be careful as you're taking things apart and maybe snap a quick pic with your phone so you remember where everything goes later.

Step 3: Inspect The Igniter

Now that we can see the igniter, let's take a good look at it. 

Check for any obvious damage like cracks, chips, or melted spots. If you see these, you might need to replace the igniter instead of just cleaning it. 

And check the color too. A healthy igniter should be white or light gray. If it's much darker or has black spots, that means it's wearing out. 

Next, look for any buildup of grease, food bits, or other dirt. This stuff can stop the igniter from heating up properly. If everything looks okay and it's just a bit dirty, we can move on to cleaning!

Also Read: will scotch brite pads scratch glass?

Step 4: Clean The Oven Igniter With A Toothbrush

Get a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush. Before you start brushing, gently blow on the igniter to get rid of any loose bits. Now, very gently brush the surface of the igniter.

These igniters can be pretty fragile, so use light, short strokes and don't press hard. 

Pay attention to any little spaces where dirt might be hiding. If you see any stubborn spots, don't scrub harder - we don't want to damage the igniter. Instead, try using a can of compressed air to blow out the dirt. 

Hold the can straight up and spray in short bursts from a few inches away.

Whatever you do - DON’T touch the igniter (more on this later)

Step 5: Clean The Pilot Hole

While you're cleaning the igniter, it's a good idea to also check the surrounding areas. 

Pay particular attention to the pilot hole where gas comes out. Sometimes it can get clogged up with grease, dust, and stop the gas flow. 

To clean it, you need something small and pointed. A wooden toothpick works well because it's strong enough to clear out dirt but soft enough that it won't scratch anything. 

Gently put the toothpick into the hole and turn it around. You might feel some resistance if there's buildup inside.

Work slowly and carefully!

Step 6: Reassemble And Test

Now it's time to put everything back together. Reattach any panels you took off and put the oven racks back in. Double-check that everything's nice and secure. 

Then, plug your oven back in or turn the circuit breaker back on. If you've got a gas oven, don't forget to turn the gas back on too. 

Now for the moment of truth - turn on your oven and watch that igniter. 

If it glows and lights up like it should, give yourself a pat on the back! You've done it!

Also Read: Can you use steel wool on porcelain?

Step 7: Replace The Igniter If Oven Still Doesn’t Ignite

Now, if you've done all this and your oven still isn't lighting up properly, it might be time to think about replacing the igniter instead of cleaning it again. 

These things don't last forever, and sometimes they just need to be swapped out, especially if they're looking discolored or just not working right even after a good clean. 

Replacement igniters aren’t that expensive - you should be able to get one for around $40.

You can find them on most hardware retailers and many online stores like Amazon.

Warning - Do NOT Touch The Igniter

Super important thing to remember throughout all of this - don't touch the igniter with your bare hands.

The heating element is really sensitive, and the oils from your skin can actually damage them.

Stick to using tools like your toothbrush or that canned air. If you absolutely have to handle it, maybe grab some clean gloves that won't leave any lint behind.

Wrapping Up

Cleaning your oven igniter isn't so bad, right? It just takes a bit of care and patience. 

Follow all these steps,and your oven should ignite again if dirt was the cause. Remember, safety comes first when you're messing with appliances. 

If you ever feel like you're in over your head or run into any problems, don't be afraid to call in a pro.