Cleaning your oven may not be the most exciting household chore, but it's essential for maintaining a clean and safe kitchen. Over time, grease, food spills, and burnt-on residue accumulate, which can affect your oven's performance and even lead to unpleasant smells during cooking. Regular oven cleaning can help prolong its lifespan, improve cooking efficiency, and keep your kitchen smelling fresh. Here’s a guide to effectively clean your oven using natural products.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
You’ll need:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
- Scrubbing sponge
- Rubber gloves
- A spray bottle
- A putty knife or scraper
- A vacuum cleaner
For tougher cleaning tasks, you can also buy specialised oven cleaners from most supermarkets, but natural methods work well for routine maintenance.
Remove the racks
Working on a completely cool oven, begin by removing the oven racks and any other removable components, like the drip trays. Soak the racks in warm soapy water in your sink or a large container. For a deeper clean, sprinkle some baking soda on the racks, add a bit of water to form a paste, and leave them to soak for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad to remove any grease or grime.
Clean the door
Mix a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it generously to the glass and metal areas of the door and let sit for about 15-20 minutes. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away any dirt or stains. Use a vinegar-water solution to help cut through any grease on the glass.
Clean the interior
Now for the main event: the oven interior. Start by using a vacuum or a damp cloth to remove any crumbs or loose debris. Once the surface is clear, apply a cleaning solution to the oven’s interior. This natural method involves mixing baking soda and water to form a paste and applying it to the walls, floor, and ceiling of the oven. Focus on areas with build-up grease or burnt food. Leave the paste to sit for at least 20 minutes or up to an hour for stubborn stains.
After the paste has had time to work its magic, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe it off. For areas with particularly tough grime, you may need to use a putty knife or plastic scraper to gently loosen any residue. Be cautious not to scratch the interior, especially if it's enamel-coated.
To keep your oven in top condition, try to give it a light clean after every few uses. Wipe up spills as they occur to prevent them from becoming burnt-on stains. Regularly check the oven for any signs of grease build-up and clean them promptly.
Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools, a little time, and some elbow grease, you can easily maintain a clean and efficient oven. If you’re short on time, a professional cleaner can help you.