When was the last time you thoroughly cleaned your oven, not just wiped away that one area of spilled grease?
If it has been more than three months since a thorough cleaning, cleaning experts agree that it is time. But don’t panic; you can catch up without using harsh chemicals or the strong heat of the self-cleaning function. While self-cleaning has advantages and disadvantages, let’s focus on two powerful cleaning agents: baking soda and white vinegar.
Those simple ingredients can transform even the grimiest ovens into dazzling gadgets. Baking soda is a fantastic oven cleaning, according to experts, because it is effective, safe for food, and gentle on surfaces. Now, let’s go over a complete oven cleaning procedure focusing on baking soda. But before we get into the details,
Why is it important to clean the oven?
Maintaining a clean oven is crucial for health, hygiene, and the taste of your food. A dirty oven can affect food flavor and may harbor harmful bacteria and odors, according to Marla Mock from Molly Maid.
What is the best way to clean the inside of an oven?
Apart from occasional deep cleaning, wiping down the oven with a damp cloth and hot water after each use is recommended. This simple step can prevent the need for deep cleans and save time in the long run.
Is using oven self-cleaning safe?
Using the self-cleaning feature is generally safe if the oven is in good condition. However, it involves high temperatures and can produce strong odors and potentially harmful fumes, so proper ventilation is crucial.
How long does it take to clean an oven?
Cleaning an oven thoroughly can take between 13 and 14 hours, considering the time needed for cleaning solutions to work effectively. For instance, the baking soda paste method requires about 12 hours to break down grime.
Now, let’s proceed with a step-by-step guide to achieve a sparkling clean oven:
Step 1: Gather cleaning materials
You’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Rubber gloves
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Cleaning rag
Step 2: Remove the oven racks
Take out the oven racks and set them aside on old newspaper or towels to avoid transferring grime to your kitchen floor. Remove any other items from the oven.
Step 3: Make the baking soda paste
Mix equal parts baking soda and water to create a spreadable paste. Start with half a cup of each ingredient, adjusting as needed.
Step 4: Apply the cleaning paste
Wearing rubber gloves, spread the baking soda paste evenly over the interior of the oven, avoiding the heating elements. Focus on greasy areas; the paste will turn brown as it absorbs grease.
Step 5: Wait at least 12 hours
Let the baking soda paste sit for at least 12 hours to break down grime effectively.
Step 6: Clean oven racks
Soak oven racks in hot water for at least two hours, adding a quarter cup of unscented castile soap if heavily soiled. Use a scrub brush to remove residue.
Step 7: Wipe off baking soda paste
After 12 hours, use a damp cloth to wipe away the baking soda paste and oven residue. Use a spatula or scraper for stubborn spots, avoiding scouring pads.
Step 8: Spray vinegar inside the oven
Spritz white vinegar inside the oven using a spray bottle. The vinegar will foam up and help loosen any remaining grime.
Step 9: Clean interior oven glass
Apply a fresh batch of baking soda paste to the oven window, let sit for 30 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Step 10: Wipe down oven doors and knobs
Use a mixture of water and white vinegar to clean the exterior of the oven door, avoiding direct contact with controls.
Following these steps will leave you with an oven that’s not only clean but also safe and efficient for cooking.