As springtime rolls around, cleaning out closets and scrubbing floors might be at the top of your to-do list. But there is another task that can make a significant difference in your home: giving your oven a thorough spring cleaning. This can improve the appliance’s performance, make it more energy efficient and even help your food taste better. Let’s explore the benefits of a spotless oven and how to clean yours properly.
Why Clean Your Oven?
Over time, ovens can collect a lot of grease, food spills and burnt residues. This buildup can affect how well your oven heats and maintains temperature. When there is a lot of grime, your oven must work harder to reach the right temperature, which means it uses more energy. This not only increases your energy bills, but it can also lead to uneven cooking or longer cooking times.
Benefits of a Clean Oven
Cleaning your oven regularly, especially during spring cleaning, has several benefits. A clean oven heats up more quickly and uses energy more efficiently. This can help lower your energy bills. Without all that buildup, your oven can distribute heat more evenly. This lets your food cook and taste better. Keeping your oven clean can also prevent wear and tear on its components to help it last longer. Reducing grease and food debris can decrease the risk of oven fires, too.
How to Clean Your Oven
Cleaning your oven is easy. Here are the steps to take.
Remove Oven Racks
Take out the racks and soak them in warm, soapy water. This helps loosen the grime and makes them easier to clean.
Make a Cleaning Solution
You can make a natural cleaning paste with baking soda and water. Spread this paste inside the oven, avoiding the heating elements. Let it sit overnight to break down the grease and burnt food.
Clean the Interior
The next day, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the baking soda paste and the grime it has loosened. For tough spots, a plastic scraper can be useful to gently remove residue without scratching the surface.
Wipe Down the Exterior
Don’t forget the outside of your oven. Use a mild cleaner to wipe down the control panel, handle and glass door.
Rinse and Dry
Once you have removed all the cleaner and grime, go over the interior and racks with a damp cloth to remove any leftover cleaning solution. Then dry them with a towel.
Replace Oven Racks
Put the racks back in the oven once they are dry. Now your oven is ready to use.
In addition to cleaning your oven, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a professional who specializes in appliance repair. This way, you can find and fix small problems that are lurking beneath the surface before they grow into big ones. Contact Brian’s Appliance Repair in Forked River, NJ for oven maintenance right now.
