Cooking for our family is always a pleasure. Seeing their happy faces after enjoying a meal brings joy to our hearts. However, if we don’t take precautions during food preparation, their smiles could quickly turn into frowns due to stomach problems caused by tainted food. Let’s make sure to avoid that, shall we?
Therefore, it is important to maintain cleanliness in our kitchens. This is because there are countless microorganisms present on kitchen surfaces and appliances, as stated in a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, this can be a challenging task, particularly when it comes to cleaning greasy ovens and their difficult-to-reach areas. In fact, it is possible that you may even discover remnants of raw meat from last week still lingering inside the oven.
Are you fed up with the hassle of dealing with a dirty and greasy oven? Well, fret no more! In this article, we will share with you 8 expert tips to help you get the most out of your oven cleaning routine. Whether you are dealing with burnt-on food, stubborn grease, or unpleasant odors, these tips will ensure that your oven shines like new.
Maintaining a clean oven not only enhances the visual appeal of your kitchen but also improves the efficiency and safety of your appliance. From using natural ingredients to leveraging the right tools and techniques, we have you covered. Our tips will save you time and effort, allowing you to enjoy hassle-free cooking and baking.
At Cleanrific, we are fully aware of this challenge, which is why we have compiled 8 effective tips for cleaning your oven to maximize its performance.
Oven Cleaning Hacks
1. Oven Cleaning, Quick fix with salt
When using an oven for baking or roasting, it is likely that there will be some spillage. However, there is a simple solution to make cleaning up food stains easier: sprinkle salt directly onto the spills or leaks. As a natural absorbent, salt can effectively soak up grease. Once it comes into contact with water, the salt will dissolve and create a saline solution that can effectively break down stains made from proteins. This tip is recommended by The Active Times for using salt as a cleaning agent in the kitchen, including on pots and cutting boards.
2. Use a heat-resistant water container
Once you have finished using your oven, place a heat-resistant container filled with water inside immediately, without turning off the oven. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes to help loosen any stubborn grease and dirt. Then, turn off the oven and let it cool down for a short period of time. Once the temperature has become safe to handle, use a microfibre cloth or paper towel to wipe the inside of the oven.
3. Clean naturally with vinegar and baking soda
Feeling concerned about the potency of your commercial degreaser? Why not opt for a more natural approach and create your own degreaser at home?
Vinegar and baking soda have multiple purposes, one of which is cooking. However, their properties as non-toxic antimicrobial agents are also well-known. As a result, they are commonly employed in the cleaning of household surfaces and appliances, such as ovens.
For degreasing purposes, apply a mixture of ½ cup baking soda and water onto the inside of the oven, avoiding the heating elements. Allow the paste to sit for a minimum of 2 hours. Afterward, use a spray bottle with equal amounts of water and vinegar to create a foaming reaction with the baking soda, effectively eliminating any stains.
Whenever you have spills or drips in your oven, wipe them up as soon as possible. This prevents them from hardening and becoming more difficult to clean later on.
Consider using oven liners or aluminum foil to catch any drips or spills. These liners can be easily removed and cleaned, preventing them from sticking to the oven surfaces.
Clean your oven racks regularly using warm soapy water or a suitable cleaning solution. This prevents the buildup of grease and grime that can affect the cleanliness of your oven.
4. Loosen grimes with lemons
Similar to vinegar, lemons possess a mildly acidic property which is beneficial in eliminating stains. However, it is not recommended to directly apply lemon juice onto the oven surface as it can potentially cause damage. A safer method is to place a pan of lemon juice and a small amount of water inside a preheated oven. As the oven heats up, the liquid will boil and produce steam that can effectively loosen the accumulation of oil and grime. This will make it simpler for you to clean the stains.
Lemon juice is a natural acid that can help dissolve grease and remove stubborn stains. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the oven surfaces and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Scrub gently and rinse thoroughly.
5. Give it a good brushing
Given the complex construction of ovens, certain parts are incredibly difficult to access manually. Luckily, our toothbrushes have a slender design that allows them to fit into tight oven compartments and tricky corners. Just dip the toothbrush into a cleaning solution, reach into the interior, and presto! You can bid farewell to persistent, hard-to-remove stains.
6. Use a trimmed microfibre brush
For those who are not at ease with using a toothbrush to clean the nooks and crannies of the oven, including the spaces between the glass panels on the door, a simple solution is to make a brush out of a trimmed microfibre cloth. This method is equally as efficient.
7. Cover your oven with an easy-clean sheet
In order to avoid staining problems with your oven, it is recommended to utilize a convenient and easy-to-clean oven sheet. Simply cover the base of the oven with the sheet, which will effectively catch any splatters or spills before they reach the surface. After washing the sheet thoroughly, it can even be reused.
8. Clean every three months
It’s recommended to regularly clean your oven as a preventive measure, such as deep cleaning every three months and sanitizing the exterior each time. This will make it easier to remove stubborn stains and bacteria, as leaving dirt and grease for a long time can make the cleaning process more difficult. Therefore, it’s important to keep your oven clean on a frequent basis.
Final Thoughts
Implementing these tips may require some extra effort, but it will also ensure that your oven remains in excellent condition for a considerable period. Considering the benefits of this, following these suggestions is a small sacrifice for the tasty and safe meals we can prepare for our family and ourselves. Need assistance? The team at Cleanrific is always available to offer professional house cleaning services. Easily book our services online in just a minute and we will connect you with a dependable and skilled house cleaner.
Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the 8 expert tips shared in this article, you can achieve a sparkling clean oven that not only enhances the visual appeal of your kitchen but also improves its efficiency and safety.
Whether you choose to use natural cleaning solutions, hire professional oven cleaning services, or a combination of both, maintaining a clean oven is essential for optimal cooking performance and longevity of your appliance. With a clean oven, you can enjoy hassle-free cooking and baking, as well as a healthier and safer environment for you and your family.
