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No one tells themselves that today they have to make the cooker gleam and thinks it’s fun. Actually, this task is among the most neglected, mainly because it invokes feelings of endless scrubbing and lost time.
However, your oven does need a bit of TLC from time to time, and that’s unavoidable. But what if you could get it in pristine condition without too much elbow grease or wasting an entire Saturday?
Here are some simple yet effective tricks to help you with that and keep your oven looking good and running smoothly.
Use Natural Cleaning Agents
Chemicals are not only bad for the environment, but also for your health, so it’s much better (and sometimes faster) to clean with eco-friendly cleaners instead. It’s also much cheaper, as you might already have two of these ingredients in your kitchen: baking soda and vinegar.
Sodium bicarbonate is great at cleaning surfaces without scratching. Not to mention that it’s extremely cheap, which makes it a great option. You can use some water and make a thick paste, which can tackle even the grimiest oven and help you clean it without endless scrubbing.
Vinegar is another simple and effective cleaner, which can cut through grease and other gunk with ease. It’s because of its natural acidity, which is powerful enough to tackle the grime, but also sparing on your surfaces.
Compared to chemicals, these two common kitchen staples are both nature-friendly cleaning powerhouses, which you can use to make the cooker gleam in no time.
Prepare Your Oven for Cleaning
First, take out the racks and put them to the side. This way, you can reach every nook and cranny inside. Scoop up any crumbs or bits of food in there so you have an easier time cleaning. Using a handheld vacuum or a small brush works great for this.
To make things easier later, lay down some paper towels or an old sheet on the oven floor. It’ll catch any drips and spills, making the final clean-up a breeze.
Now, your oven’s all set, and you’re ready to tackle it like a pro.
How to Create and Apply a Baking Soda Paste
To make it, just mix half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until it’s thick, like cake icing. This paste sticks well to the oven walls and makes it easy to remove tough stains.
All you have to do is let it sit for at least 30-60 minutes so it does its thing. This gives it ample time to break down the dirt. However, if it’s been a long while since you last tackled the cooker’s interior, it’s best to leave it overnight, just to be sure.
Afterwards, making your oven look spotless will be effortless.
When to Use Vinegar in Oven Cleaning
If baking soda alone isn’t sufficient to tackle the cooker, it’s time to bring in the heavy artillery. Yes, you’re going to mix equal parts of water and vinegar to create a powerful follow-up cleaner. Add the mixture to a spraying bottle and spritz the problematic areas.
Once again, give it at least 30-60 minutes, so vinegar can work its magic. Afterwards, grab your trusty microfibre cloth, and you’ll see even the tough gunk is not so hard to remove.
So, next time your oven’s looking a bit worse for wear, just give this a try. And after you see how well it works, you just might. That’s it, say goodbye to endless scrubbing.
Clean The Oven Racks, Too
Don’t worry, that’s the last thing you need to clean before you can say you’ve done a thorough job. After all, racks get pretty grimy too, especially if you cook regularly. Luckily, you can get them looking nearly new with the same old common household items.
First, grab a big sink or tub and fill it with hot water. Mix in either half a cup of baking soda or a cup of vinegar. They will help break down the grime, so it comes off effortlessly afterwards. Just leave the racks to soak for a couple of hours.
After they’ve had a good soak, give them a gentle scrub with a soft sponge. Pay extra attention to the tough spots–a soft toothbrush can work wonders here, too. After that, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to wash away any lingering vinegar smell.
Once you’re done, the racks will gleam, ready for your next roast dinner. Just make sure they’re thoroughly dry before you insert them back.
Steam Cleaning As An Efficient Alternative
That’s pretty much the other best answer to how to clean the oven without scrubbing. All you need is a ceramic or glass bowl filled with water, covered snugly with foil to prevent any spills. Pop it into your oven and set the temperature to a nice and toasty 120°C.
Now, sit back with a cuppa while the oven works its magic for about half an hour. The heat will turn the water into steam, loosening all those stuck-on bits and bobs.
Once the timer is over, carefully check the side of the bowl to make sure it’s safe to handle—it’s hot, after all. Use oven mitts just to be on the safe side. Then, with a soft microfiber cloth, give your oven a gentle wipe.
The grime will come off as easily as a biscuit breaks in your tea. For a lovely fresh scent, add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of orange zest to the water before you start.
This method is not only a breeze but also keeps nasty chemicals at bay. Just remember to keep the little ones away while the oven’s hot. Give this a whirl once a month or after a big baking session to keep your oven looking spiffy.
Conclusion
That’s it, you’ve done it, and without endless hours of scrubbing, too! Congratulations!
Now all that’s left is to make your favourite dish, put the oven on, and enjoy yourself when it’s ready. You’ve more than earned it, and your cooker will soon repay you generously for the care and effort you’ve put into it.
Bon apetit!
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