The cleanliness of your oven plays a major role in keeping your food tasty and fresh. As time passes, grease, food stains and grime can form in it, affecting not only the taste of your food but also the safety of your home. A dirty oven consumes more energy and may also cause fire hazards. Oven cleaning is necessary on a regular basis in order to maintain its lifespan and to keep your kitchen hygienic.
Source: Pinterest (Reader’s Digest)
See also: AC Cleaning: How to clean your AC at home?
Cleaning your oven may sound stressful, but with some time and effort, it can be restored to its original form. This article will guide you through some instructions to clean your oven.
Oven cleaning: A step-by-step guide
Gather the supplies needed
- Baking soda
- Gloves
- Dish soap
- Scrub or sponge
- Damp cloth
- An old toothbrush or a brush with fine bristles
Set up the oven
Make sure the oven is off and cooled down before cleaning. Remove oven racks, baking trays and any other removable parts. Set them aside to clean separately.
Apply the cleaner
For the cleaning solution, you can either buy an oven cleaner or make a natural cleaner, according to your preference. You can prepare the DIY cleaning solution by mixing half a cup of baking soda and 4-5 tbsp of water. The consistency of the paste should be thick.
Caution: You should wear gloves to protect your hands.
Apply the cleaner carefully inside the oven. Avoid touching the heating elements or any other sensitive parts. Let the mixture stay for a few hours, the grease and filth that has built up inside the oven come loose.
Clean the oven racks and the removable parts
In the meantime, you can clean the oven racks. Fill your sink or a large tub with warm water and dish soap. Soak the racks for a few minutes. Using a scrub or a sponge, remove any grime, then rinse and dry them thoroughly.
Clean the oven
Once the waiting time is over, gently scrape the oven surfaces with a scrub or a brush. For the tough grease and stains, use a scraper or repeat the above process. For hard-to-reach areas, use an old toothbrush or a small brush with fine bristles. Don’t scrub way too hard; the oven’s surface might get damaged. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the residue. The cloth should be rinsed frequently to remove dirt buildup.
Clean the exterior
The oven door can also accumulate grease and stains. Use the soapy solution and scrub the glass gently and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Follow the same procedure for the knobs and handles. Now, wipe down the interior and the exterior of the oven with a clean, damp cloth to remove any leftover residue. You should leave the oven door open for a few minutes to allow it to dry completely. If any wetness remains, it might lead to rusting. Place the oven racks back in the oven and turn on the heat to complete the cleaning process.
Source: Pinterest (Remodelista)
FAQs
How frequently should I clean my oven?
It is recommended to clean your oven every 3-6 months. Regular cleaning keeps it functioning properly and stops grease and food residue from forming.
How to clean the oven racks?
Scrub the racks with a mixture of dish soap and water. Rinse the racks and then wipe them with a clean cloth.
Are natural cleaning solutions helpful?
Yes, you can use natural/DIY cleaning solutions to clean ovens. However, it may require more effort and time than the commercial ones.
I washed the electrical parts accidentally. What should I do?
Wipe it with a cloth immediately. Make sure it's dried off completely. Call a professional if needed.
Are there any precautions to follow?
Yes, there are.
(a) Ensure you’re wearing gloves all the time.
(b) Avoid touching the electrical parts with the mixture.
(c) Dry the oven and the racks completely before using.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
