Say Goodbye to Grime - Ultimate Oven Cleaning Hacks

Why Clean Your Oven?

First things first, why is cleaning your oven so important? A clean oven ensures your food tastes better and prevents the build-up of bacteria. Moreover, a sparkling oven simply makes your kitchen look more inviting. So, if you’ve been avoiding this chore, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cleaning!

When to Clean Your Oven

How often should you clean your oven? Ideally, you should aim for a deep clean every three months. However, if you’re an avid baker or chef, you might need to clean it more frequently. Notice lingering smells or burnt food? That’s your cue to give it a scrub. A quick wipe-down after each use can also go a long way in maintaining cleanliness.

Materials Needed

Before you start, gather these materials:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Liquid dish soap
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber cloth
• Scrubbing sponge or brush
• Rubber gloves
• Paper towels or old newspapers

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How to Clean the Inside of Your Oven

Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are a match made in cleaning heaven. Here’s what to do:

1. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with a bit of water to form a thick paste.
2. Spread this paste all over the inside surfaces, but steer clear of any heating elements.
3. Let it sit for at least 12 hours.
4. Spray white vinegar on the baking soda-covered surfaces; watch it foam up!
5. Gently scrub the interior with a sponge and wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth.

Using a Commercial Cleaner

Prefer commercial cleaning products? Here’s how:

1. Remove the racks and protect the area around your oven.
2. Follow the instructions on your commercial cleaner and spray the interior.
3. Wait for the specified time, then wipe down thoroughly.

Using the Self-Cleaning Feature

Most modern ovens have a self-cleaning feature which makes it super simple:

1. Ensure your oven is empty.
2. Select the self-cleaning setting on your oven.
3. Once the cycle is done and the oven has cooled, simply wipe away any residue with a damp cloth.

How to Clean Oven Racks

Your oven racks can get filthy too. Follow these simple steps:

1. Place the racks in a bathtub or large container filled with hot water and a few drops of dish soap. Adding 1 cup of baking soda will help tackle tough grime.
2. Let them soak for a few hours.
3. Scrub with a sponge or brush and rinse thoroughly.
4. Dry them off with a microfiber cloth before placing them back in the oven.

How to Clean the Oven Door

Don’t forget about the oven door! Here’s how:

1. Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water.
2. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wipe the outside of the door, focusing on grimy areas. For tougher stains, you can also use a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner for an extra boost.
3. For the interior glass, apply a baking soda paste and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Wipe clean with a damp rag.

How to Clean Oven Knobs and Handle

Often overlooked, knobs and handles need cleaning too:

1. Mix dish soap with warm water.
2. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wipe down the knobs and handle.

Tips to Keep Your Oven Clean Longer

Keeping your oven clean doesn’t have to be a constant battle. Here are some tips:

• Use non-stick oven liners to catch drips and spills.
• Regularly wipe down the interior with a damp cloth after each use.
• Cover baking pans with lids or aluminum foil to prevent splatters.
• Sprinkle salt on spills immediately to make cleaning easier once the oven cools.

Cleaning your oven doesn't have to be a nightmare. With the right approach and materials, you can keep this kitchen workhorse sparkling and efficient. For all your cleaning supplies, Flip has you covered! Plus, if you're looking to refresh your kitchen tools, you can also buy kitchen items online for a complete kitchen upgrade!