ADVERTISEMENT
Keeping your oven clean can be a challenge, especially when it tends to accumulate dirt and grease after each use. But there’s an easy and cost-effective method to maintain a clean oven without spending money on expensive cleaning products. This method will leave your oven spotless for over a month, using ingredients you likely already have at home.
Why Ovens Get Dirty So Easily
The oven is a central appliance in most kitchens. It’s used to cook a variety of foods, from roasting meats to baking pastries, making it a versatile and essential tool. However, with frequent use, ovens tend to accumulate food splatters, grease, and other residues, particularly on the glass door, which can make them look unsightly and unhygienic.
Many modern ovens come equipped with self-cleaning features, but even these don’t always get rid of all the grime. Plus, not everyone has a self-cleaning oven, and it’s always a good idea to perform a more thorough cleaning periodically. Whether your oven has an automatic cleaning system or not, this simple homemade cleaning solution can help keep it in tip-top shape.
The Simple Trick to Clean Your Oven
One of the easiest ways to maintain a clean oven is by using everyday household items like baking soda, hot water, and aluminum foil. This method is particularly effective for cleaning the oven glass, where grease and food particles tend to accumulate the most.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your oven with this simple trick:
What You’ll Need:
Baking soda: A natural and powerful cleaning agent.
Hot water: To activate the cleaning properties of the baking soda.
Aluminum foil: To scrub away the grime.
Vinegar: To give the glass a final shine.
How to Clean Your Oven:
Sprinkle Baking Soda: Open your oven and generously sprinkle baking soda across the inside of the oven glass. Baking soda is an excellent natural cleaner that breaks down grease and grime effectively without damaging the surface.
Add Hot Water: Boil some water in a kettle, then carefully pour a small amount of the hot water directly onto the baking soda-covered glass. This will cause a reaction that helps lift the dirt from the surface.
Scrub with Aluminum Foil: Take a piece of aluminum foil and crumple it into a small ball. Use the foil to gently scrub the glass in circular motions. The combination of baking soda, hot water, and aluminum foil works wonders to remove stubborn stains and grease from the glass.
Let It Sit: After scrubbing, let the mixture sit on the glass for a few minutes. This allows the baking soda to further penetrate any remaining grime.
Wipe Away with a Sponge: After letting the mixture sit, use a sponge to wipe away the baking soda and dirt. You’ll notice that all the grime comes off easily, leaving the glass clean and clear.
Final Shine with Vinegar: To add extra shine to the oven glass, take a cloth soaked in vinegar and wipe the surface. Vinegar is a great natural cleaner that removes any remaining residue and adds a streak-free shine to the glass.
Why This Method Works
Baking soda is widely known for its cleaning and deodorizing properties. It’s a gentle abrasive that effectively scrubs away tough stains without scratching surfaces, making it ideal for cleaning delicate areas like oven glass.
The combination of baking soda and hot water creates a chemical reaction that loosens grease and grime, making it easier to wipe away. Using crumpled aluminum foil instead of a traditional scrubber adds extra scrubbing power without damaging the glass. Finally, the vinegar adds a finishing touch by ensuring the glass is left sparkling clean and free of streaks.
Continued on next page
ADVERTISEMENT
