Cleaning your oven might seem like a daunting task that could never be completed. It always looks like it gets dirty the moment it is cleaned, and every time there are more and more burnt stains and grease. Hopefully, with some guidance and by following some simple tips and tricks, this can be a breeze. From the exterior of your oven to the hard-to-remove burnt carbon, you’ll be able to clean it all just like professionals do. Forget about the stressful experience and prepare to learn the top-secret tips that cleaning experts keep.
Let’s start with the oven exterior
The top of your oven is one of the most frequently used areas, not only of the appliance but of the whole kitchen. That is why it accumulates grease and grime quickly. When it is time to clean it, ensure the oven hobs are turned off. Then, apply a quality kitchen degreaser to the top of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. The preferable time is 20 minutes, but check the bottle’s guidelines before use.
Once the time has passed, wipe the detergent off with a damp cloth. Then use a sponge with a bit of dishwashing soap to clean the remaining residue. As a final step, wipe the surface with a clean cloth with warm water. You can rest assured that this method is quick, effective, and can be done as often as needed.
Of course, if you prefer to use more natural solutions when you are cleaning the oven, you can try the help of dish soap, baking soda, and white vinegar. You can clean the outside of your oven with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Be careful not to use any abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the finish of the exterior. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a paste of baking soda and water, or you can simply wipe them with white vinegar. Once you are done, remember to dry the oven and remove any remaining cleaning solution thoroughly.
Move to the inside and shelves
Cleaning the inside and shelves of your oven can be tiring and quite challenging. But do not get discouraged. First, start by taking everything out of the oven. This includes the racks, any pans or bakeware you forgot in there, and anything else that might be in but shouldn’t be. Once you got it all out, take a look at the inside of your oven. If there is any built-up grease or food residue, that is where you need to start. You need to remove these before continuing to clean the rest of the oven with detergents.
From now there are a few different ways you can clean the inside of your oven. One of these options is to use a commercial oven cleaner. You simply need to follow the instructions on the cleaner’s bottle and be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands. Another option is to make your own cleaner using natural ingredients such as baking soda and white vinegar. All you have to do is mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar. Apply the mixture to the inside of the oven with a sponge or cloth and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away. Make sure to use a damp cloth when doing so.
Once you have cleaned the inside of your oven, it’s time to move on to the shelves. If they are removable, take them out and wash them separately. You can use the same methods mentioned above. If they are not removable, you will need to clean them while they are still in place. Pay attention to cracks or crevices where dirt and grime can build up. With the help of a toothbrush or other small instrument, get into these areas and remove them if such has already buildup.
Now you are all done with the inside of the oven. You can finish by turning the oven on for half an hour at the highest temperature. That way, you will remove any remaining residue and harsh chemicals.
Next is the oven door
As you might have thought, cleaning the door of the oven is the most straightforward task of them all. To clean it, first, remove any racks or shelves that are in the way. Then, with the help of a soft cloth or sponge, wipe down the door with soapy water. You can use a mild abrasive cleaner or white vinegar if there are any stubborn stains. Once you have cleaned everything, be sure to rinse the door well. Finish by drying it thoroughly before putting anything back in the oven.
Curious about what to do if there is burnt stuff at the bottom?
Getting rid of charred food from the bottom of your oven is quite simple. Start things off by mixing 3 cups of baking soda and 1 cup of warm water in a small bowl until you have a spreadable paste.
Spread that paste, cover the oven’s bottom, and let it sit for an hour. During that time, the paste will break down all the burnt food stuck to the bottom of the oven. Once the time has passed, use a non-abrasive scouring pad and a plastic spatula to remove the gunk from the oven. Repeat the method if there is still some food left after the scrubbing. This time apply the paste only to the remaining areas.
Things you should never do
Just like everything else in our lives, when it comes to cleaning your oven, there are certain things that you should not do. For example, you should never use any abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals during the cleaning. These can damage the surface of your oven. The list includes steel wool, scouring pads, and oven cleaners that contain caustic chemicals like lye or ammonia. Such can scratch or corrode the interior of your oven, potentially releasing harmful fumes or causing damage to the heating elements.
Additionally, you should never attempt to clean your oven while it is still hot. As simple as it may sound, for some people, this is not a rule they should follow. Keep in mind that this can be dangerous and can cause burns. You should always wait for your oven to cool down before cleaning.
Finally, make sure that you clean your oven regularly. Built-up grease and food residue can pose a fire hazard and lead to unpleasant odours. You can always consult an oven cleaning company for tips and tricks to help you with your particular oven model.
Conclusion
Keeping your oven clean is essential for maintaining its appearance and proper function. Be mindful of what you should and shouldn’t do while cleaning it, and avoid using abrasive tools or harsh chemicals. Follow the tips from this article, and remember that regular clean and maintenance can do miracles for you and your oven.
Article Submitted By Community Writer