Cleaning the oven is often a task people dread, conjuring up images of stubborn stains, lingering odors, and hours of scrubbing. But fear not, fellow kitchen enthusiasts, for with a handful of clever hacks, this once daunting chore can be transformed into a manageable and even enjoyable experience. We asked our friends from Optima Cleaners Sydney, expert oven cleaners about some oven cleaning hacks. They have massive experience in the field and they probably seen everything when it comes to kitchen cleaning. Here are some valuable tips they shared with us.
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar: A Dynamic Duo
Harness the power of baking soda and vinegar, two household staples, to create a potent cleaning solution. Combine baking soda and water to form a paste, and spread it generously over the oven’s interior, focusing on areas with stubborn stains. Let the paste work its magic overnight, and in the morning, spray vinegar onto the surface. The resulting fizzing reaction will help lift away grease and grime, leaving your oven sparkling clean.
2. Lemon Freshness: A Natural Degreaser
Enlist the help of lemons, nature’s degreasers and antibacterial agents, to tackle your oven cleaning woes. Squeeze the juice of several lemons into a baking dish filled with water, and place the dish in the oven. Bake at a low temperature for about 30 minutes, allowing the lemon-infused steam to loosen baked-on grease, making it easier to wipe away.
3. Ammonia in a Bag: A Powerful Solution for Tough Grime
For those facing particularly stubborn oven grime, ammonia offers a powerful solution. Place a small bowl of ammonia in an oven-safe dish and leave it in the cold oven overnight. The ammonia fumes will work their magic, softening the grease and grime, making it easier to remove with a sponge or cloth the next day.
4. Dish Soap and Salt Scrub: A Quick and Effective Remedy
For a quick and effective scrub, combine dish soap and salt to create a paste. Apply the mixture to the oven surfaces, letting it sit for at least 20 minutes. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive, while the dish soap helps cut through grease. Scrub with a sponge or brush, and rinse thoroughly for a spotless oven.
5. Steam Cleaner: A Chemical-Free Solution
If you own a steam cleaner, put it to good use for oven cleaning. The hot steam effectively loosens baked-on food particles and grime. Direct the steam nozzle over the dirty areas and wipe away the loosened debris with a cloth or sponge. Steam cleaning not only offers effective cleaning but also eliminates the need for harsh chemicals.
6. Aluminum Foil on the Bottom: Preventative Maintenance
Save yourself from extensive cleaning by placing a layer of aluminum foil on the oven bottom. This simple hack catches drips and spills, preventing them from hardening and requiring scrubbing later. Replace the foil regularly to maintain cleanliness and avoid potential fire hazards.
7. Salt and Cinnamon Stick Trick: Fragrant Oven Freshness
Create a fragrant and effective oven cleaner using salt and cinnamon sticks. Preheat your oven to a low temperature and place a shallow pan filled with salt and a few cinnamon sticks inside. As the mixture warms, the salt absorbs odors, while the cinnamon releases a pleasant scent. This hack is particularly useful for eliminating lingering cooking smells.
8. Rubber Gloves and Dishwasher Tablets: A Scrubbing Duo
Equip yourself with a pair of rubber gloves and grab a couple of dishwasher tablets. Wet the tablets slightly and rub them over the oven surfaces. The abrasive texture of the tablets, combined with their cleaning agents, helps break down grease and grime. Rinse thoroughly with water to reveal a cleaner oven.
9. Vodka and Essential Oil Spray: A Degreasing and Aromatherapeutic Combination
Mix vodka with a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or tea tree oil, in a spray bottle. Vodka acts as a degreaser, while the essential oil provides a pleasant aroma. Spritz the mixture on the oven surfaces and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping away with a damp cloth.
10. Commercial Oven Cleaning Gel: A No-Fuss Solution
For those seeking a convenient and effective solution, commercial oven cleaning gels offer a reliable option. These gels are specifically formulated to tackle tough oven stains. Follow the product instructions, usually involving applying the gel, letting it sit, and wiping away the residue. Ensure proper ventilation and use gloves when working with commercial cleaning products.
By integrating these oven cleaning hacks into your routine, you can economise on time and effort while upholding a clean and hygienic cooking environment.
Whether you lean towards natural solutions, reliable commercial products, or a blend of both, there exists a cleaning hack to align with every preference, rendering oven cleaning a less formidable task. So, embrace these hacks and liberate your oven from the clutches of grease and grime, restoring it to its sparkling, pristine state.
