Have you ever opened your oven and wondered how to clean all the mess inside without using harsh chemicals? Or maybe you’ve tried cleaning it, but the stubborn grease and food spills won’t go away?
Not only have you heard it before! Though it can seem complicated, maintaining the cleanliness of your oven is not impossible. Following these suggestions will help you to clean your oven without damaging it with a little effort.
This guide will walk you through simple, safe oven-cleaning techniques you can use at home. Let’s start immediately.
Why is Cleaning Your Oven Important?
A dirty oven is more than just an eyesore. Meal spills and baked-on oil can ultimately cause bad smells, change the taste of your food, and even provide a fire hazard. Keeping your oven clean can help it last longer and run more efficiently. Besides, a clean oven enhances the look and atmosphere of your kitchen!
So, how do you clean your oven safely for you, your family, and the environment? Let’s look into it!
Start with Safety
Before you start cleaning, do these essential steps:
- Turn off the oven: Your oven should be cold before cleaning.
- Wear gloves: Some cleaning agents, even natural ones, can be harsh on the skin. Protect your hands with rubber gloves.
- Ventilate the area: If you use cleaning products—even natural ones—open windows or use fans to maintain fresh air.
Now that you’re prepared, let’s get into the cleaning!
The Power of Baking Soda and Vinegar
Vinegar and baking soda are excellent chemical-free alternatives for cleaning ovens. This combination is gentle and efficient, so it is safe to use around dogs and children.
Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the oven racks: Remove them so you can individually clean them.
- Mix your cleaning paste: Combine half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to create a paste. You want it not too thin but thick enough to spread.
- Apply the paste: Concentrate areas of stained or baked-on oil, and apply the baking soda paste inside your oven, avoiding any heating elements.
- Let it sit: Let the paste rest for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight. This lets the baking soda break down dirt and oil.
- Wipe it clean: After the mixture has hardened, use a moist towel to wipe up as much of the baking soda as you can.
- Spray with vinegar: Fill vinegar in a spray bottle and mist your oven’s interior. The fizz produced when vinegar and baking soda combine helps to clear the grime.
- Wipe down again: Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Your oven is fresh and clean; you hardly need to apply anything abrasive.
Cleaning the Oven Racks
Don’t forget about the oven racks! They eventually start to become greasy from burnt food. Clean them in this manner easily:
- Soak in soapy water: Fill the sink or tub with hot water and dish soap. Put the oven racks in the water and let them soak for two hours.
- Scrub gently: After submerging, gently remove any remaining grime with a non-abrasive scrubber.
- Rinse and dry: Once cleaned, rinse the racks with warm water and stain dry with a towel before re-entering the oven.
Use Steam for a Quick Clean
Steam cleaning is a fantastic choice if your oven only needs a fast clean and isn’t too dirty. Here’s how you steam clean your oven:
- Fill a heat-resistant dish: Add water to a large, oven-safe dish. You can also use lemon juice for extra cleaning strength and a pleasant scent.
- Heat it: Set the oven to 250°F and slide the water dish inside.
- Let it steam: Give the water an hour or so to steam through. Steam will help remove any oil or dirt.
- Wipe it down: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the dish and turn off the oven. After the oven has cooled somewhat, use a wet cloth to clear the loose dirt.
Avoid These Common Oven Cleaning Mistakes
Avoiding these common cleaning mistakes can help you protect your oven and ensure your safety:
- Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners: Many store-bought oven cleaners contain strong chemicals that might be hazardous to handle or breathe in. If you choose to use one, take great care to ventilate the area and follow all safety guidelines.
- Avoid scrubbing with metal scouring pads: These can scratch your oven’s surface and damage the finish.
- Please don’t ignore the heating elements. When cleaning, avoid scraping or spraying the hot components of the oven with any liquid, and keep your hands away from them.
Conclusion
Cleaning your oven doesn’t call for difficulty. Easy, natural products like baking soda, vinegar, and steam will help you maintain a clean oven free of strong chemicals. Regular oven cleaning helps your house remain fresh and safe and maintains the excellent form of your oven.
If you would like to avoid the hassle of thoroughly cleaning your oven, call AmeriStar Maids. We can assist you in getting kitchen utensils back in form and cleaning them nicely. From a thorough clean once to weekly maintenance, AmeriStar Maids can handle any cleaning.
Call AmeriStar Maids at (570) 310-1057 or contact us at info@ameristarmaids.com. We can handle your cleaning requirements so you can live in a pristine house.