How to Clean Oven Mitts

Oven Mitts: Grease, Burns, and Food Splatter

Oven mitts are used constantly and accumulate grease, food splatter, and burn marks over time. The cleaning method depends on the material — silicone, cotton, or quilted fabric all need different approaches. Here's how to clean every type effectively.

What You'll Need

Non-scratch scrub sponge
Baking soda
Mild dish soap or laundry detergent
Warm water
White vinegar

Silicone Oven Mitts

Silicone oven mitts like the BPA-Free silicone oven mitts are the easiest to clean:

Wash with warm soapy water and a non-scratch sponge after every use
For grease buildup, apply a baking soda paste, scrub, and rinse
Most silicone oven mitts are dishwasher safe — place on the top rack
For odors, soak in white vinegar and water (1:3) for 15 minutes, then rinse

Cotton or Quilted Fabric Oven Mitts

Fabric oven mitts require more care:

Check the care label — most are machine washable
Machine wash in warm water with regular laundry detergent
For grease stains, pre-treat with dish soap or a grease-cutting stain remover before washing
Air dry or tumble dry on low — high heat can shrink or damage the insulation
Never use bleach on colored mitts

Removing Grease Stains from Fabric Mitts

Apply a drop of grease-cutting dish soap directly to the stain
Work in with your fingers
Let sit 10–15 minutes
Machine wash as normal

Removing Burn Marks

Light scorch marks on fabric mitts can be treated with a baking soda paste — apply, let sit 30 minutes, scrub gently, then machine wash. Deep burn marks that compromise the insulation mean it's time to replace the mitts.

When to Replace Oven Mitts

Insulation is compressed or thin — reduced heat protection
Fabric is worn through or has holes
Silicone is cracked or torn
Persistent odors that don't wash out

Final Thoughts

Silicone oven mitts are the easiest to clean — dishwasher safe and grease-resistant. Fabric mitts need machine washing with grease pre-treatment for stains. Replace when insulation is compromised — heat protection is the primary function.

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