Spring cleaning often focuses on visible spaces, so it’s easy to forget your oven. You must give this appliance the same attention as you do the rest of your home because it accumulates grease and grime. Think about it — baked-on food and spills affect cooking performance. A clean oven heats more evenly. It also eliminates unpleasant odors. Here are some steps you can take for your spring oven cleaning.
Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you start, gather your supplies. You’ll need baking soda, distilled white vinegar, a spray bottle, a sponge, and a scraper. You may also want gloves to protect your hands. Natural cleaners work well, and they will help you avoid harsh chemicals. Baking soda and vinegar create a powerful cleaning solution. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need expensive products or caustic chemicals. Simple supplies get the job done.
The Baking Soda Paste Technique
First, remove the oven racks and soak them in soapy water. Then, make a paste with baking soda and water. Spread the paste inside the oven. Cover all surfaces, especially greasy areas. Let it sit for several hours or even overnight. The baking soda loosens the grime and makes it easier to remove. You’ll see the baked-on food start to lift.
Vinegar and the Final Wipe Down
After the baking soda has worked its magic, spray vinegar over the paste. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda, and it creates a foaming action. This helps loosen any remaining grime. Use a sponge or scraper to remove the paste and residue, and wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth. You’ll see the oven start to sparkle.
Don’t forget the door and glass. Clean glass in the oven door lets you see your food cooking.
Maintaining a Clean Oven
Once your oven is clean, maintain it. Wipe up spills immediately. This prevents them from baking onto the surface. Regularly clean the oven racks. You can also use oven liners to catch drips and spills. These simple steps keep your oven clean longer. What’s more, a clean oven makes cooking more enjoyable. Best of all, you can avoid long cleaning sessions.
A clean oven contributes to a sparkling kitchen, and spring cleaning provides the perfect opportunity to tackle this often-neglected task. By using simple supplies and techniques, you can achieve a gleaming oven. You’ll improve cooking performance and create a more pleasant kitchen environment. Even so, don’t forget to schedule a professional inspection. This allows an appliance repair technician to find and fix small problems before they become something major. For oven repair and maintenance in Knoxville, TN, call our friendly team at Pinpoint Appliance Repair.