Cleaning an oven is a necessary task that often gets neglected until stubborn grease and food residue build up, leaving your oven looking and smelling less than desirable. However, with the right techniques and a little elbow grease, you can clean your oven like a pro. In this blog post, we will share our top tips and tricks to help you achieve a sparkling clean oven that looks and performs its best.
Gather Your Supplies:
Before diving into the cleaning process, gather the necessary supplies. You’ll need rubber gloves, a face mask (if sensitive to cleaning fumes), a sponge or scrub brush, a microfiber cloth, baking soda, vinegar, water, and a plastic or silicone spatula for scraping.
Remove Oven Racks:
Start by removing the oven racks. These can be cleaned separately using a combination of warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Soak them in the mixture for a few minutes, scrub off any residue, rinse thoroughly, and set them aside to dry.
Make a Baking Soda Paste:
In a small bowl, mix about 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until you achieve a spreadable paste-like consistency. Baking soda is an excellent natural cleaner that helps break down grease and grime without harsh chemicals.
Apply the Baking Soda Paste:
Wearing rubber gloves, use your fingers or a sponge to apply the baking soda paste evenly over the interior surfaces of your oven, avoiding the heating elements. Concentrate on areas with heavy buildup, such as the bottom, sides, and door. Let the paste sit overnight or for a minimum of 12 hours to allow it to work its magic.
Clean the Oven Door:
While the baking soda paste sits, tackle the oven door. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz the glass surface. Wipe it down using a microfiber cloth, paying attention to any stubborn stains or residue. For stubborn spots, a plastic or silicone spatula can be used to gently scrape away the grime.
Remove Baking Soda Paste:
After the waiting period, put on your gloves again and dampen a sponge or scrub brush with water. Use it to scrub the oven surfaces, working in circular motions to remove the dried baking soda paste. Rinse and wring out the sponge or brush frequently as you work. Stubborn areas may require a bit more effort, but the baking soda should have loosened the grime, making it easier to remove.
Wipe Down and Rinse:
Once you’ve scrubbed away the baking soda residue, dampen a clean cloth or sponge with warm water and wipe down the interior surfaces of the oven to remove any remaining baking soda. Rinse and wring out the cloth or sponge as needed. You can also use a vinegar and water solution (equal parts) for an extra rinse to remove any lingering residue.
Dry and Reassemble:
Lastly, use a dry cloth to wipe down all surfaces, including the oven door and racks. Make sure the interior of the oven is thoroughly dry before reassembling the oven racks and closing the oven door.
By following these tips, you can clean your oven like a pro, restoring its cleanliness and ensuring optimal performance. Remember to regularly maintain your oven to prevent excessive buildup and make future cleaning easier. With a little time and effort, you can enjoy a sparkling clean oven that not only looks great but also enhances your cooking experience. Happy cleaning!