Cleaning our homes is a big part of our lives. We regularly perform activities out of habit, such as washing the dishes, doing the laundry and swiping the floors. However, there are some cleaning chores which are a lot harder than others, and we often need some preparation in advance before we do them. One such difficult task is cleaning the oven.
Most of us cook food in the oven almost every day. Because of that, it’s natural that there will be liquid spills and food particles stuck inside it. In addition to that, the high temperature at which this appliance operates makes these substances and residue even stickier and harder to clean. That’s why it’s essential to treat them as soon as they happen so they don’t build up over time and become even tougher, creating an unhealthy cooking environment.
When it comes to cleaning big messes in the oven, we need to take special measures and, in such cases, it’s very helpful to have a guide at hand to give directions on how to perform the task properly and effectively. Fortunately, the steps you’ll need to follow, as described below, aren’t complicated.
Step #1: Tools You’ll Need
For the greatest oven cleaning results, make sure you have and use all the needed tools that will help you get rid of all the grime easily and effectively. The best ones for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences, as everyone finds some tools to be more useful than others.
However, most people commonly use scrubbers and sponges to remove the grease easily. Depending on the cleaning method you choose, you may also need:
- Baking soda;
- White vinegar;
- Salt;
- Heat-proof container;
- Dishwashing liquid;
- Alcohol;
- A rag;
- A spray bottle;
- Chemical cleaner.
Step #2: Cleaning the Racks
When you’re cleaning your oven, the racks will only be getting in your way. That’s why it’s best to take them out of the appliance. They will also need to be cleaned, but that requires a different method.
To clean your oven racks, take them out of the cooking appliance and put them in the sink. If they’re really dirty and can’t be effectively washed right away, soak them in water mixed with a bit of cleaning solution or detergent. You can use both dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner. After the racks have soaked for a while, the grime and food residue should come off easily, and you can scrub and rinse them.
Step #3: Preparing the Cleaning Solution
Because most people tend to neglect and put off oven cleaning, this appliance is usually dirty and covered in grease and burned and stuck on food particles. To help you with cleaning it well so it looks ideal, one of the key factors is figuring out the best cleaning solution.
Baking Soda Paste
One great cleaning solution option is a baking soda paste. It’s one of the most used kitchen staples for eco-friendly and chemical-free cleaning that has the ability to neutralise any unpleasant smell.
To make it, mix the baking soda with a little water until it forms a paste. Use it to rub the affected areas inside your oven, not forgetting the glass door as well. Once everything has been coated, let it sit overnight, and the next morning, it should be completely dry. Fill up a bottle with undiluted white vinegar, spray over the baking soda paste and let it sit for another 1 to 2 hours. Afterwards, scrub it off with a rag or a sponge using circular motions. Make sure that all traces of baking soda are removed from the inside of your oven.
For this cleaning solution to work effectively, keep in mind that you’ll have to store the baking soda properly if it has been opened. The paste will be most effective if the baking soda has been kept in an airtight container in a cool and dry place. Besides that, it should also be noted that if it has been too long since you last cleaned your oven, you may need to repeat the cleaning process a few times.
White Vinegar
Another great and eco-friendly cleaning solution is vinegar. To use it, you’ll need a casserole dish or another type of large heat-proof container, water and distilled white vinegar.
Once you’ve removed the racks and cleaned them separately, put one of them back in the oven. Add 1 cup of the vinegar to your container and enough water to fill it up. Place it inside the oven, close the door and turn it on to 230 degrees C. Leave the dish with the mixture inside for around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how dirty your oven is. Afterwards, use a damp cloth or a sponge to wipe the interior parts. If there are any remaining stubborn spots, use a scrubber pad or baking soda to clean them.
Some alternatives to white vinegar, which can also do a perfect job, are alcohol and liquid dish soap. If you prefer, you can also use store-bought cleaners. However, if you decide to do that, keep in mind that these can be harmful to the environment and your health as they can leave chemical residue behind inside your oven.
Salt
Cleaning an oven with salt is a lesser know but just as an effective way to spot clean an oven. It’s a method that’s most effective if a food spill happens and you can’t clean it immediately because the oven is too hot.
If this happens, sprinkle a bit of salt on the affected area and let it sit for a few hours. Afterwards, use white vinegar to spray over it and a soft cleaning cloth to remove it.
Step #4: Soaking
To clean your oven effectively, you’ll need to let the cleaning solution soak. Once you’ve sprayed it, close the oven door and wait for at least an hour before you start scrubbing. This way, it’ll be a lot easier to get rid of any stubborn food residue and spills, and the scrubbing required will be far less.
Step #5: Wiping and Maintenance
Once you’re rid of the grease and stuck-on food particles inside your oven, make sure to wipe the interior of the appliance well with a clean and dry cloth. Now, your oven is ready to be used again.
Besides a thorough oven cleaning, regular maintenance is also very important so the cleaning will be easier in the future. When you cook, wipe any splashes and spills that happen as soon as possible and spot clean any affected areas. To help you with this, it’s very handy to invest in oven liners which can catch any food particles that fall inside the appliance. This will save you a lot of scrubbing in the long run.
Final Words
Oven cleaning professionals recommend performing a deep oven cleaning every 3 to 6 months or more often if it’s needed. However, if you don’t have the time to do that regularly, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to do it for you. The trained professionals will have the necessary tools and knowledge to perform the task effectively for much less time than it would take you.