The holidays are fast approaching and most ovens are going to get a lot of use cooking turkeys, roasts, pies
and cookies. You’ll want to keep your oven clean and in its best working condition in the coming months, so here are some safety tips for cleaning your oven.
and cookies. You’ll want to keep your oven clean and in its best working condition in the coming months, so here are some safety tips for cleaning your oven.
If you don’t have a self-cleaning oven, you’ll need to use a cleaning product specially designed for ovens. Be sure to have protective gloves and eyewear on hand before you start your project as well. If you have your oven’s operating manual, it’s a good idea to refer to it for any cleaning specifics. Disconnect your oven from the power supply before you begin, and open windows for adequate ventilation.
The best way to apply your oven cleaner is with a brush (like a dish washing brush), so that you can control which surfaces come in contact with the chemical cleaner. Certain oven cleaners can damage aluminum parts and Teflon coatings in your oven. You can apply a small amount of cleaner to a small area as a test before covering the whole interior.
Remember not to apply the oven cleaner to the wiring or thermostat. Don’t use wire brushes or steel wool on the porcelain finish of your oven, and don’t scrub the rubber oven door seal – just wipe it down with a damp cloth to prevent damage. Follow the instructions for timing and removal of the oven cleaner, and safely dispose of all waste.
If you clean your oven on a regular basis and don’t allow too much buildup of drips and splatters, this is an easy maintenance project that will keep your oven looking like new.
