Chances are you might be using your oven more than usually with the season at our doorstep. In order to make it work its best, the oven has to be clean. There are a few ways to clean the oven. The right cleaning method for you depends on the type of oven you have and whether you’re looking for environmentally friendly methods. Here are a few different ways you can clean the oven in your kitchen.
Know what your oven requires
The first step is to consider what type of oven you have. Each style has different cleaning requirements, and using the wrong method can lead to serious damage. Self-cleaning ovens, textured models and regular ovens all have different needs. Start by looking at your oven’s manual to determine which is the right choice for you.
Steps for self-cleaning
Self-cleaning ovens work by heating to an incredible temperature and reducing any food to a little pile of ash. After the cleaning cycle finishes and the oven cools down, you just have to wipe the mess out using a damp rag. Try to leave a window open or run a vent to exhaust the smoke that may come out. It’s also important not to scrub at the rubbery seal as that can damage it. All you need to do is use a little dish soap and water to clean the gasket.
Proper treatment for textured ovens
Textured ovens are also called continuous cleaning ovens. Their special surface has a layer of porcelain that burns off old food every time it’s used. All you have to do is wipe off the oven with a damp rag when it’s cooled off. Avoid using any abrasive cleaners or scouring pads to avoid damaging the finish.
Traditional ovens
Regular ovens are the most affordable, and they can be the most difficult to clean. Fresh spills should be wiped up after they cool off but before they have time to harden into a crusted mess. You can line the bottom of the oven with foil, but make sure the foil doesn’t touch the elements to avoid damaging them. Stubborn stains can be removed by spraying the cool oven with cleaner, allowing it to set and then wiping it away.
Environmentally-friendly options
If you have a fresh spill, sprinkle salt over it as soon as you safely can. This prevents odors from forming, and you can easily sweep up the mess once the oven cools. If you ever clean, and of course you do, then you probably heard about almost-magical properties of baking soda. When dealing with baked on stains that are thick and nearly impossible to remove, baking soda is the right answer. Sprinkle a generous layer over the stains in a cool oven. Using a spray bottle, mist water over the baking soda to wet it. Allow this mixture to sit on the stains overnight. When you come back and wipe up the baking soda, the old stain will come with it. You can even make an aging stove that’s been neglected look like new again with this little trick. Not only is it safe for the oven, but you can also use baking soda as a gentle cleaner for the cook top to remove grease and baked on food.
When you’re ready to clean the oven, it’s vital that you start by looking at the type of the oven you have. If you have the manufacturer’s manual, you should always use the directions listed there. In the absence of manufacturer directions, these guidelines will help you keep your oven clean and ready for use. The best way to keep your stove clean is by regularly wiping out the messes and spills, but you can use the self-cleaning feature or baking soda and water to address more serious stains.
Alissa Young is a freelancer-writer who loves sharing her knowledge about home management. If you want to know how to make a great home, she wouldn’t mind you asking her about her opinion.
