How do you clean the oven? It’s probably one of the most underrated household cleaning tasks in terms of difficulty, but it doesn’t have to be that way! While scrubbing away with the old steel wool and oven cleaner certainly works, there are a few other options that work just as well (if not better) and are much easier on your hands. Learn how to clean the oven using these simple tips and tricks.
What can you use to clean the oven?
Using some basic household ingredients, you can clean the oven quickly and easily. Lemon juice, vinegar, and bicarbonate of soda are all easy-to-find items that are great for cleaning your oven’s interior. Mix lemon juice with a little bit of water to create a paste that will help remove stains and odors. Make sure you rinse your oven thoroughly once you’re done. Vinegar has acidic properties that make it an excellent choice for removing burned-on food particles; simply leave it in an oven-safe dish overnight so the acidity can work its magic while you sleep!
Cleaning tips for an easy clean
If you’re moving your oven or stove, do it before you start cleaning. It makes a huge difference when trying to get crumbs and gunk out of your crevices!
Unplug any appliances that are heating something up like your microwave or slow cooker. This will keep sparks from flying out of them while you’re doing your deep clean.
Don’t use scouring powders on any parts of your appliance with electronics inside as they could potentially damage what is inside, leaving it unusable or worse-sparking a fire. Instead opt for less abrasive methods such as warm water, soap, and elbow grease.
Cleaning with boiling water
Boiling water is a natural chemical-free cleaner that can be used on many surfaces without harming them. To clean the oven, start by removing any removable components like shelves and racks. Then fill up a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. When it’s boiling, turn off your stove and pour some of the hot water into a bowl or bucket (so you don’t inadvertently burn yourself). Next, use your sponge or rag to soak up some of that steaming hot water (being careful not to burn yourself) and then wipe down all surfaces inside your oven, making sure you get in between cracks. Add more warm water as needed while cleaning until everything looks fresh and clean again.
Try vinegar and baking soda
There’s no way around it, cleaning your oven can be a pain. The good news is that you can clean it without chemicals or extreme scrubbing. All you need is some vinegar and baking soda, two things that are readily available in most kitchens. First, mix up a baking soda paste using 3 tablespoons of baking soda with a splash of water and place in an old rag or paper towel. Next, pour a half cup of vinegar into your hot oven; close the door and let sit for about 10 minutes (longer won’t hurt). After 10 minutes, pull out your rag and wipe down any dirt or gunk left on your walls with your baking soda paste. That’s it!
Tips for cleaning with a steam cleaner
Steam cleaners can be used for a variety of cleaning jobs, including ovens. The thing is that steam can damage stainless steel, so there are some precautions you’ll need to take before cleaning your oven with a steam cleaner. If you follow these tips and use products designed for cleaning ovens with steam, however, you shouldn’t have any problems.