Cleaning the oven is often seen as one of the most dreaded chores to do at home. A recent survey by flat-sharing site SpareRoom revealed that one in ten renters have shockingly never cleaned their oven.
According to Oven Rescue Group, many people only get around to it once every 18 months. Salah Sun, head of product management at Beko UK, has shared some simple and useful hacks for cleaning the oven.
Sun said: “We use our ovens for around 15 hours per week, making them one of the hardest-working appliances in the homes.
“But when it’s time to clean them, most of us just shut the door and hope for the best. Neglecting to clean your oven can cause a number of issues. Letting food residue and grease build-up doesn’t just affect how your food tastes – it can impact the overall performance of your oven.
“Over time, the buildup forces the appliance to work harder, which means higher energy bills. On top of that, trapped grease and food particles can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to potential health risks. A clean oven really does make a difference, both in terms of efficiency and your well-being.”
Cleaning the inside of an oven
First, make sure the oven is disconnected from the mains supply and has cooled down if recently used. Lay something on the floor next to the appliance to catch any grime or debris that might fall during cleaning. Newspaper or an old towel will do.
Remove the oven racks and place them in a large washing-up bowl filled with hot water and dish soap. Let them soak while you move on to cleaning the oven’s interior.
Start by giving the inside of your oven an initial clean with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in warm water and washing up liquid.
For any stubborn spots, apply a paste made from baking soda and water. Let it sit overnight. The next day, spray the paste-covered areas with white vinegar, which will trigger a foaming reaction. Once the foaming reaction stops, gently scrub the areas with a sponge or brush.
After tackling the stubborn grime, thoroughly clean the inside of your oven with a soft cloth or sponge and water. Finally, use a microfibre cloth to dry the interior completely.
Cleaning oven racks
After soaking, scrub the racks with a sponge or brush to wipe away any dirt. If there’s a lot of grime, add a cup of baking soda to the water and continue scrubbing.
Once clean, rinse the racks with fresh water use a microfibre cloth to dry them thoroughly, and place the racks back in the oven.
Cleaning an oven door
A word of caution: only use a microfibre cleaning cloth or sponge to clean the oven door. Abrasive materials and harsh scourers should be avoided, as they can scratch the glass and potentially weaken it.
Using a bowl filled with warm water and dish soap, gently wipe the door with a cloth or sponge until it’s clean.
If the door is particularly dirty, start by applying a mixture of water and baking soda to the glass. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then gently remove the paste with a soft cloth and repeat if necessary.
Cleaning oven handles and knobs
Now that the bulk of the oven cleaning is complete, don’t forget about the handles and knobs – they are the parts that are touched the most often, after all. Simply clean the handles and knobs by dipping a microfibre cloth into a bowl of warm water and dish soap, then wipe these areas until they sparkle.
