How to Clean an Oven– Making various kinds of cakes is a pleasure for mothers. However, there is an important thing that is often not noticed after using the oven, namely ignoring the remaining dough or stains that stick after using the oven.
If not cleaned immediately, this will leave a crust and can lead to corrosion or rust quickly in the oven. Not only does it look dirty and uncomfortable, but it can also be a breeding ground for germs.
An oven that is full of stains or scale can also affect its performance, the oven will heat up harder and be less efficient. That is why cleaning the oven must be done immediately so that any stains or dirt can be lifted immediately.
There are several ways to clean an electric oven, either by using cleaning products made from chemicals or with natural ingredients.
Cleaning the oven using natural ingredients is actually better, so that your oven avoids the side effects of the chemical content in cleaning products such as unpleasant odors or rust that arises on the iron plate.
How to Clean an Oven Easily
1. Remove the Baking Rack and All Items in the Oven
To clean an oven, make sure the oven is cold and is not plugged into the mains. First remove all objects such as racks or roasting pans until the oven is completely empty.
Soak the oven rack in warm water that has been mixed with dish soap. Wait a few moments for the stain or crust to lift on its own.
Then, scrub the stains or scales that are still attached with an old toothbrush or soft sponge until they are completely clean.
Wash the rack with clean water and dry. Put the rack back in after the oven cleaning process is complete. Removing this oven rack is very important in cleaning the oven so it doesn’t interfere with the cleaning process and the results are more optimal.
2. Clean an Oven Using Baking Soda
The next way is to use baking soda. Take about 4 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with a glass of water and then pour into a spray bottle or spray bottle. Shake the bottle until the contents are evenly mixed and spray into every corner of the crusty oven.
Wait about 12 hours or overnight for the dirt to wear off or the crust to soften.
After it feels soft enough, use a cloth or cloth dampened in warm water to clean the oven and then spray special vinegar on the crust that is still difficult to lift.
Mixing the vinegar with the baking soda solution will help clean an oven thoroughly. Then wipe again with a damp or damp cloth until completely clean.
If necessary, wipe with a dry microfiber cloth until the oven is completely dry, especially on the surface of the oven cover.
Do not allow the baking soda solution to remain on the oven lid as this can cause the baking soda to become trapped in the glass and be dangerous when the oven is heated. You can also use glass cleaner to clean the oven cover.
There are other alternative ways that you can do the same. However, this method is only for cleaning the crust that is difficult to lift (not for the entire oven).
First, mix baking soda, a little water and a pinch of salt so that it becomes a mixture with a thick, creamy texture. Then clean the oven until there is no more solution left in the oven. Baking soda is believed to be safe because it is effective, non-toxic, non-abrasive and easy to use.
Read Also : 5 Easy Ways to Remove Ink Stains on Clothes
3.Clean an Oven Using Lemons
You would not think that the sour juice from lemons not only makes drinks or food fresher, but is also able to clean ovens that have stubborn stains such as rust.
How to clean an oven with lemon is very easy and you can try at home.
Simply mix the lemon juice and a glass of water and stir until blended. Place in the oven and heat on high for 5 minutes.
Leave the lemon juice in it for 10 minutes first. The steam from the lemon juice will help break down the scale and make it easier for you to clean the rust.
Once the oven has cooled, wipe it clean with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
4. Clean an Oven Using Vinegar and Salt
The next way to clean an oven is to use one tablespoon of salt and two tablespoons of vinegar.
To do this, mix it in a small bowl and spread it all over the crusty side of the oven. Then scrub with a brush or an old toothbrush to reach hard-to-reach areas until the scale is gone.
Finally, wipe with a microfiber cloth that has been slightly moistened with warm water for maximum cleaning.
If you still want to use chemical-based cleaning products, don’t forget to use rubber gloves to protect the skin of your hands and if necessary, wear protective glasses to make it safer. Follow the instructions for each oven cleaning product, to get the most out of the oven cleaning process.
5. Eliminate the unpleasant odor in the oven
After you clean the oven with vinegar, baking soda and others, you will leave a strong odor in the oven.
Well, cleaning the oven from this pungent smell you can do easily.
The trick, prepare a bowl filled with water and a few drops of vanilla essence, then put it in the oven and heat it for a few moments or a maximum of 1 hour.
In addition, to get rid of the pungent odor due to corrosion, you can roast a few pandan leaves for a while.
Bad odors also usually appear when the oven is rarely used. You can work around this with coffee grounds or coffee beans. Leave the coffee beans overnight in the oven, then the oven aroma will return to neutral.
6. When is the Best Time to Clean an Oven
The best time to clean an oven depends on how often the oven is used.
Generally, clean the oven thoroughly at least every 3 to 6 months. However, the more it is used, the more often it must be cleaned. Try setting a regular schedule every month specifically for cleaning the oven.
Not only that, it is recommended to clean the inside of the oven with a cloth or brush to simply lift the remaining dry baked dough so it doesn’t become crusty.
If the oven is rarely or not used for a long time, take early precautions to avoid corrosion or rust by smearing vegetable oil on each side of the oven.
Then if you want to reuse it, first clean the part that is covered with oil with a microfiber cloth to avoid the spicy smell when the oven is heated.
Those are some tips for simple oven cleaning so that the oven stays durable and lasts a long time. Not only shiny, food hygiene is also getting better and better quality. Try to take the time to care for and clean the oven so it doesn’t get damaged quickly.
