The importance of a clean oven is one of longevity and efficiency. Baked-on dirt makes the oven heat up more slowly, making it less efficient. Here are proper tips for cleaning your oven:
Materials Needed for Cleaning Your Oven
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Dishwashing detergent
- A soft bristled brush or toothbrush
- Sponge
- A dry cloth or paper towels
How Often You Should Clean Your Oven
If your oven is used on a regular basis, you should make it a part of your monthly cleaning routine, in addition to wiping it down weekly. Of course, the best thing to do when you have spills in the oven is to wipe them up immediately.
The Best Way to Clean Oven Racks
Most oven racks slide out of the oven. A good place to clean oven racks is in the bathtub. Simply put a towel in the bottom of the tub so the racks don’t scratch the tub finish. Then, place the racks on the towel, fill the tub with hot water until the racks are covered and dissolve a half cup of dishwashing detergent in the water. Let the racks soak for at least four hours or overnight. Loosen any stuck-on particles with a soft brush or sponge, rinse them to remove the soap and dry them off.
Cleaning an Electric Oven
Simply make a paste with one-half cup of baking soda, mixing it with three tablespoons of water. (Use a cup of baking soda with one-third a cup of water if the oven is really dirty.) With the racks removed, use a paper towel or sponge to remove any loose particles from the bottom, sides, top and door. Then, use a soft bristled brush to scrub the inside surfaces with the baking soda paste, being careful not to scrub the heating element. Let the paste soak for one to three hours, or overnight for a really dirty oven. To remove the paste, you can spray it down with vinegar or use a paper towel or sponge soaked with vinegar. Replace the racks.
Cleaning a Gas Oven
For gas oven cleaning, use the same method as above, with the following addition:
The gas burner is under a panel in the bottom of the oven. There are vent slots in the panel. Be careful not to let any liquid run down through the slots and onto the burner.
Source: American Home Shield
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