The oven is one of the most important appliances in your home. If you think about it, the oven is very precious and even life-saving. It cooks your meals, which prevents you from feeling hungry, and it kills all the germs in raw meat and fish. It turns out that our ovens practically save our lives on a daily basis.
But they get dirty with grease, different oils and food particles in the process. If not cleaned, they can become a death trap, full of germs and dangerous bacteria, and that’s why you should try your best to keep your oven clean. Bellow, we give you some keys to gradually maintain a clean oven.
Tricks to Keep Your Oven Clean
First and foremost, it’s important to note that ovens often come with a self-cleaning function to make the cleaning process even easier. But if you prefer not to cook with your oven because you dread cleaning it afterwards, these tricks to keep your oven clean will surely come in handy.
Cover the Food you’re Cooking
Many foods have sauces and juices, and as you know, when your food is heated, it starts to boil, and small splatters get on the oven’s walls. And if you don’t wipe them right after your oven is cooler, it will be challenging to scrub them off later on.
So, in order to prevent the splatters, it’s a good idea to use a lid. For roasts, whenever possible, it’s good to cover them with aluminium foil during part of the cooking process. It will not only prevents splattering but also ensures they cook without drying out excessively or getting overly browned.
Another great way to cover up food is to use roasting bags. If you’re preparing meat or fish, roasting bags will help ensure even baking, and it will reduce cooking time
Use a Drip Pan
This is also an excellent idea, especially if you’re cooking something that will likely boil and bubble over. You just need to put the drip pan on the bottom of the oven, and everything which tries to escape will be caught in time.
After you’re done cooking, you have to get the drip pan out of there and into the sink. It’s best to wash these things right away because otherwise, the grease will stick, and you’ll have to scrub a lot to get it off there.
Use Foil
This is another great way to protect your oven and keep it clean. Some people decide to wrap the walls of their ovens and stoves in aluminium foil. This way, every splatter and food particle will get on the foil instead of your oven. Just make sure to change the foil on a regular basis because otherwise, germs will start to develop, and they can even infest your food, which is not healthy in any way.
Use Oven Liners or Mats
Consider using non-stick oven liners or mats on the bottom of your oven. These protect the oven’s surface from spills and drips, making cleanup much simpler. Remember to remove and clean the liners regularly to prevent any accumulated debris from causing issues.
Regularly Wipe Down the Interior
It’s essential to address spills and oven messes as soon as possible. The longer spills are left unattended, the more difficult they become to clean. So after each use, take a damp cloth or sponge and wipe away any spills or food debris from the interior surfaces of your oven. It is easier to maintain a clean oven over time.
Remove the Baking Tray When Adding Liquids to Roasts
Take the baking tray out of the oven if you add wine or broth midway through cooking, and add the liquid outside. The temperature change can cause the juice to splatter and dirty the oven.
Clean the Oven Door
The oven door can accumulate grease and stains over time. Use a mixture of vinegar and water or a suitable glass cleaner to remove any smudges or marks and clean the glass. Be cautious not to spray or apply liquids directly on the door vents or controls.
Not only will it help maintain a clean oven, but it will also make what’s inside more appetising and provide you with a better view of the cooking process.
Clean Removable Parts Separately
if your oven has removable parts such as racks, trays, or knobs, it’s best to remove them and clean them separately. soak them in warm water with soap and scrub off any stubborn stains or grease. rinse and dry all parts thoroughly before placing them back in the oven.
Use Steam
Another great trick to keep your oven clean is to use steam. Don’t worry; you don’t need to buy any machines that produce steam. The only thing you need is a bowl of boiling water inside the oven for about 20 minutes. It will help the grease and food particles to loosen up, and it will be a lot easier to clean them.
Utilise Natural Cleaning Solutions
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, which can leave residues or damage the oven’s surfaces. Instead, opt for natural cleaning solutions. For example, you can use a mixture of baking soda with water as a gentle scrub for stubborn stains. Vinegar is also effective for removing grease and odours.
If you’ve cooked something with a lot of grease or strong odours, you can take advantage of the residual heat and place lemon juice, along with the peel and a little water, in the tray for half an hour. This mixture will prevent grease from sticking to the oven walls and eliminate cooking odours — a very simple trick to prevent grease from accumulating.
Schedule Periodic Deep Cleans
While regular maintenance helps keep your oven clean, it’s also essential to schedule deeper cleaning sessions. They involve using oven-specific cleaning products or a paste made from baking soda and water to thoroughly clean the interior surfaces, including the sides and back of the oven.
Avoid Using Self-Cleaning Functions Excessively
Self-cleaning functions can be helpful but should be used sparingly. These high-temperature cycles can generate intense heat and produce fumes, so ensure the room is well-ventilated when using them. Excessive use of self-cleaning functions can also lead to damage, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Maintaining a Clean Oven Sometimes is Tricky
Remember, while these tips can help you maintain a clean oven, it’s still a good idea to have your oven professionally cleaned periodically to ensure a thorough and deep cleaning.
Also, you might want to know how to make your kitchen safer.