It’s the job we all hate, but hey, if you have time on your hands, cleaning your oven will help it to run more efficiently.
And you’ll feel good when it’s done.
So yes, it’s tedious and boring, but check out these tips that will make it a little easier – and without having to buy any expensive miracle cleaning products.
Bring out the Vacuum
It might seem unusual to vacuum your oven, but it’s a really good way to start – give it a brush down with a stiff-bristled brush before vacuuming and now you have all those charred leftovers removed and can get down to business.
Remember to clean out your vacuum straight after to remove any dirt and grease.
Create a vinegar or lemon steam bath
Now your oven is free from food particles, it’s a great idea to steam-clean your oven before getting to work on it manually.
You can do this by boiling a large pot of water, adding white vinegar (about the same amount as the water) and bringing back to the boil. or Alternatively add the juice of two large lemons to the water in place of the vinegar. The boiling mixture can then be placed inside your cold oven for around 45 minutes, which will create steam that will loosen all that tricky baked on grease.
Either vinegar or lemon will work just as well – it’s just personal preference.
Lemon has the benefit of leaving you with a more fresh and fragrant oven.
Mix up your magic paste
Create a natural cleaning solution of Bicarbonate of Soda, white vinegar and water – your oven-cleaning dream team.
Mix half around 65g of bicarb with water to make a thick paste. Find an old paintbrush and generously coat the inside of the oven, including the door.
Remember to avoid the heating element as you might do some damage.
Leave your paste to work its magic overnight.
The next morning, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray onto the paste, which will create a fizzing and foaming frenzy that will lift away the dirt, grease and grime.
Rinse with a cloth and warm water before wiping dry with a clean cloth.
If there are any stubborn areas, mix up a little more paste and work with a stiff brush before repeating the spray/fizz/foam action.
For any fiddly little places you can use your paste mixture with a toothbrush, before rinsing.
If the inside of your glass door needs a little extra help, try using a dishwasher tablet and a little water to rub away any discolouration.
Give your racks a bath
While your oven is soaking overnight, treat your racks to a soak in the bathtub. You might want to place an old towel in the bottom to avoid scratching the tub, but this is great way to tackle all the removable parts of your oven in one go. You can either use a vinegar, bicarb, and water solution again, or use some dishwashing detergent if you prefer.
Make sure the water is very hot.
In the morning, once the burnt-on grime is softened, you can remove it with a scouring pad and simply shower to rinse, then dry with a clean cloth.
Now your oven and racks are beautifully clean, give them both a final once-over with your favourite cleaner to leave them fresh and shiny.
Just add salt
You might be reluctant to use your sparkling oven now, but here’s a great maintenance tip. Every time food spills inside the oven during cooking, just sprinkle salt onto the spill and you’ll be amazed how much easier it is to remove once your oven has cooled.
We hope you find this info helpful. And if you’re read it thinking that it all sound’s great, but it’s never going to happen, you can always add an oven clean to your service once we’re back to business.