Keeping your oven clean is not only essential for hygiene but also for the performance and longevity of your oven. While getting your oven professionally cleaned is crucial, maintaining it between those cleanings is equally important. In this post, we will share some handy tips and tricks, gathered from years of experience, to help you keep your oven in tip-top shape between professional cleanings. And remember, when it’s time for a deep clean, our professional oven cleaning services are just a click away.
1. Regular Wiping
After Every Use
It might seem obvious, but wiping down your oven after every use can make a huge difference. Spills and splatters are much easier to clean when they are fresh. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the oven after it has cooled down. I remember once, after baking a lasagna, I was too tired to clean up the cheese that had bubbled over and spilled onto the oven floor. I thought, “I’ll clean it tomorrow.” Big mistake. The next day, the cheese had hardened into a cement-like substance that took ages to scrub off. Lesson learned! So, even if you’re knackered after a long day, take a few minutes to wipe down your oven. Your future self will thank you!
Weekly Wipe Down
Even if you haven’t used your oven much, it’s a good idea to give it a quick wipe down once a week. This will help to remove any dust or crumbs that may have accumulated. It’s surprising how quickly dust can gather in an unused oven. I once went on holiday for two weeks, and when I came back, there was a thin layer of dust inside my oven. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth was all it took to clean it up.
2. Use an Oven Liner
One of the best pieces of advice I can give to my clients is to invest in an oven liner. It’s a tool that I personally use and recommend to all my clients. An oven liner is a sheet of non-stick material that can be placed on the bottom of your oven to catch any spills or drips. This simple yet effective tool can help keep the bottom of your oven clean and make it much easier to maintain.
Why I Recommend Using an Oven Liner
I started using an oven liner a few years ago, and it has been a game-changer in my professional cleaning routine. No more scrubbing burnt-on food off the bottom of the oven! Before I discovered oven liners, I used to spend ages scrubbing the oven floor to remove baked-on spills. It was time-consuming and, quite frankly, a pain in the neck. With an oven liner, all I have to do is remove it, wash it, and put it back in the oven. Easy peasy!
Types of Oven Liners
There are different types of oven liners available on the market, but the most common ones are made of non-stick, heat-resistant fabric or silicone. Both types are reusable and can be cut to fit your oven. The fabric ones are usually coated with PTFE (Teflon), which makes them non-stick and easy to clean. The silicone ones are naturally non-stick and can be used in higher temperatures than the fabric ones.
How to Use an Oven Liner
Using an oven liner is incredibly simple. First, make sure your oven is clean and cool. Then, cut the oven liner to fit your oven if necessary. Place it on the bottom of your oven, making sure it doesn’t cover any vents. That’s it! Now, any spills or drips that occur during cooking will land on the oven liner instead of the oven floor.
How to Clean an Oven Liner
Cleaning an oven liner is a breeze. Simply remove it from the oven and wash it in warm soapy water. You can also put it in the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific cleaning guidelines. Once it’s clean and dry, you can put it back in the oven, ready for your next cooking adventure.
A Word of Caution!
While oven liners are incredibly useful, it’s important to use them correctly. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Do not cover any vents in the oven, as this can cause overheating. Also, do not use the oven liner on the oven floor if you have a fan-assisted oven, as it can obstruct the fan. Instead, place it on the lowest rack. But don’t worry, with a bit of care and attention, using an oven liner is a piece of cake!
3. Clean Spills Immediately
If something spills in your oven while you are cooking, it’s best to clean it up as soon as possible. Wait until the oven has cooled down, then wipe up the spill with a damp cloth or sponge. I once spilled some tomato sauce in my oven while making a pizza. I was in a hurry, so I left it to clean later. Bad idea. The sauce baked onto the oven floor and took a lot of elbow grease to remove. So, even if you’re in a rush, take a moment to clean up any spills. It will save you a lot of effort in the long run.
4. Don’t Forget the Racks
Oven racks are often overlooked in the cleaning process, but they can get dirty quickly. If left uncleaned, the grime can bake on and become very difficult to remove. As a professional oven cleaner, I’ve seen my fair share of neglected oven racks, and trust me, it’s not a pretty sight.
Why It’s Important
The racks are where you place your food, so it’s important to keep them clean. Dirty racks can affect the taste of your food and can also be a fire hazard if there is a lot of built-up grease. Additionally, clean racks slide in and out of the oven more easily, making it easier to insert and remove your dishes.
How Often Should You Clean Your Oven Racks?
Ideally, you should wipe down your oven racks after every use to remove any food residue or spills. However, a thorough cleaning should be done at least once a month. If you use your oven very frequently or cook a lot of greasy foods, you may need to clean your racks more often.
How to Clean Your Oven Racks
- Remove the Racks: First, remove the racks from the oven. Make sure the oven is cool before you do this.
- Soak the Racks: Fill your bathtub or a large sink with hot soapy water. Add a cup of vinegar or baking soda to help break down the grease. Submerge the racks in the water and let them soak for a few hours or overnight.
- Scrub the Racks: Use a non-abrasive scrub brush or an old toothbrush to scrub off any grime or burnt-on food. Pay special attention to the corners and crevices.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the racks thoroughly with clean water and then dry them completely before putting them back in the oven.
And there you have it! With a bit of elbow grease, your oven racks will be sparkling clean in no time.
Parting Words from a Pro
Maintaining your oven between professional cleanings is crucial for keeping it in good working order. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your oven stays clean and functions well until your next professional cleaning. Remember, a clean oven is a happy oven! Happy cooking! And when it’s time for a thorough clean, don’t hesitate to reach out to our professional oven cleaning services.
