She Strengthens

Get Your Oven Squeaky Clean with These Simple Tips

Why Clean Your Oven?

Let’s face it, cleaning the oven is not the most exciting task. However, a clean oven is essential for efficient cooking, better-tasting food, and reduced energy consumption. Plus, it’s not as difficult as you think!

Oven Cleaning Methods

There are several ways to clean your oven, and we’ll explore three effective methods: using the self-clean function, store-bought cleaners, and natural supplies.

The Self-Clean Function

Many ovens come equipped with a self-clean button. This feature locks the oven door and increases the temperature to burn off stuck-on residue. However, it’s essential to use this function with caution, as it can cause excessive smoke or even start a fire if your oven is extremely dirty.

Tips for Using the Self-Clean Function:

• Check your owner’s manual for the exact cycle time (usually around 2 hours).
• Plan to stay home during the cycle and let the oven cool completely before opening.
• Remove racks and clean them by hand before using the self-clean function.
• After the cycle, wipe away the white ash at the bottom of the oven with a damp cloth.

Store-Bought Cleaners

Store-bought oven cleaners can effectively remove grease and grime, but they can be caustic. Make sure to use them with caution:

• Ensure good ventilation in the kitchen.
• Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses.
• Follow the instructions on the label carefully.

Steps for Using Store-Bought Cleaners:

1. Remove everything from the oven.
2. Protect the floor beneath the oven with newspapers or paper towels.
3. Spray the cleaner all over the inside of the oven, avoiding heating elements and gas outlets.
4. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes.
5. Wipe away the cleaner with a damp rag, and use a scouring sponge or steel wool for stubborn spots.

Natural Cleaning Supplies

For those who prefer a more natural approach, baking soda and vinegar can do the trick. This method requires some elbow grease and at least 12 hours, but it’s a great alternative to harsh chemicals.

Steps for Natural Cleaning:

1. Remove racks and everything else from the oven.
2. Protect the floor beneath the oven with newspaper or paper towels.
3. Mix baking soda and warm water to form a paste.
4. Spread the paste all over the inside of the oven and door, avoiding heating elements and gas outlets.
5. Let it sit for 10-12 hours or overnight.
6. Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth, and use scouring pads for stubborn spots.
7. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray the oven and door.
8. Wipe away the foam with a clean damp cloth.

How Often to Clean Your Oven

There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule for cleaning your oven. Instead, look for these signs that it’s time to clean:

• Layers of burned-on residue
• Splattered grease on the door
• Unpleasant odors when heating up the oven
• Smoking when turning on the oven

As a general rule, clean your oven every 3 months, or more often if you’re an avid baker or cook.

The Bottom Line

Cleaning your oven may not be the most exciting task, but the results are well worth it. Choose from these simple and effective cleaning methods, and get back to cooking like a pro!