Although cleaning the oven is not a task many people look forward to, it’s important to prevent food and grease splashes from building up, which can burn and begin to smoke when they get hot.
It’s best to clean spills when they happen to keep on top of the task, but every so often a deep clean is best to remove stubborn stains and baked-on food.
This week in our appliance cleaning mini-series we’re taking a look at the quickest oven cleaning hacks around…
- Vacuum up dry crumbs
Before you get started, vacuum up any dry food crumbs, dirt, dust and loose debris with your vacuum cleaner – the crevice tool is great for getting into door hinges.
- Remove and soak your oven racks
The easiest place? In the bath! Oven racks are often an awkward shape and can be too large to fit in the sink. Line your bathtub with old towels to prevent scratching, pop in the racks and cover them with hot water. Mix in dishwasher tablets or dishwasher detergent and leave to soak overnight – in the morning, simply wipe over with a non-abrasive sponge, rinse them off and leave to dry.
- DIY detergent or shop-bought?
There are plenty of oven cleaning solutions available for purchase, from foaming sprays to cream cleaners. These should be used as directed.
If you’d rather DIY a chemical-free solution, try mixing baking soda with water to make a paste – spread this inside the oven on the walls, base and glass door, being careful to avoid any heating elements or fans, and leave to work for 2 hours. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water – spray it over the paste and the baking soda will begin to foam, helping to lift food and stains. Gently scrub away with a sponge and finish by wiping with a damp cloth.
- Tackle crevices with a toothbrush
A soft-bristled toothbrush is great for cleaning narrow gaps and hard-to-reach places like hinges. Simply dip it in your cleaning solution and gently brush to remove stuck-on dirt. If you’ll be keeping a spare toothbrush with your cleaning supplies, choose a colour that you wouldn’t usually use and label it for cleaning purposes only!
Remember, always check your manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning.
Did you miss the others in this series? From washing machines to dishwashers, read our quick appliance cleaning tips here.
