Cleaning the Oven: Top Tips and Household Remedies
Grease and encrusted food residues in the oven, on the stovetop, and on the exhaust hood can quickly spoil the pleasure of cooking and baking. The dirt is often stubborn and difficult to remove. These tips and devices will guarantee excellent cleaning.
Steam Cleaning the Oven
Don’t put off cleaning your oven for too long. The longer burnt-on food and grease stay in the oven, the harder they are to remove.
Initial Cleaning Steps
First, wipe away any loose and easy-to-remove food residue using a damp cloth. For more stubborn residue, use a steam cleaner to prevent surface damage. Attach a round brush or hand nozzle to the steam cleaner and clean the entire oven, including the door. The steam’s heat liquefies encrusted dirt, making it easy to wipe off with a clean cloth. For particularly tough burnt-on food, use a stainless steel scouring pad over the round brush, rubbing the affected area while steaming continuously until the dirt liquefies. After using the hand nozzle or round brush, go over the area with a microfiber cloth to wipe off the loosened dirt directly. Soaking with washing-up liquid before using the steam cleaner also makes the dirt easier to remove.
Pyrolytic Self-Cleaning Ovens
If you have a pyrolytic self-cleaning oven, scrubbing is unnecessary. These ovens reach temperatures of over 500°C, reducing grease and food residue to ash, which can be easily wiped out.
Household Remedies for Oven Cleaning
If you prefer to avoid chemical cleaners, several household remedies can be just as effective:
Bicarbonate of Soda
Bicarbonate of soda is versatile and excellent for removing significant dirt on the hob or in the oven. Mix bicarbonate of soda powder with water in a 1:1 ratio to form a paste, then apply it to the burnt-on areas. Leave it for about 30 minutes. The bicarbonate of soda will foam and then dry out, making it easy to remove. If you don’t have bicarbonate of soda, baking powder works similarly.
Vinegar
Vinegar or vinegar essence can tackle both light and stubborn dirt. For light dirt, mix kitchen vinegar with washing-up liquid and apply it with a sponge, then wipe off with a damp cloth. For more stubborn dirt, fill a heatproof dish with water, add 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar essence, and leave it in the oven at 150°C for about 45 minutes. The steam will loosen the dirt, which can then be wiped off after the oven cools.
Salt
Salt is another effective remedy for burnt-on spots. Dampen the bottom of the oven or baking tray, sprinkle salt over the spots to cover them, heat the oven to 50°C, and switch it off when the salt turns brown. After it cools, sweep out the salt.
Cleaning the Exhaust Hood
An exhaust hood is essential in the kitchen, extracting vapors and absorbing grease particles. However, it can accumulate a sticky film of grease over time.
Steam Cleaning
For stainless steel exhaust hoods, use a steam cleaner with a microfiber cleaning cloth over the hand nozzle. Apply steam and rub the surface until the heat dissolves the grease. For grained stainless steel, follow the grain when cleaning. Change the cloth midway through if it becomes saturated with grease. Polish the cleaned area with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
Household Remedies for Exhaust Hoods
An alkaline surface cleaner or a mixture of water and washing-up liquid can also clean exhaust hoods. For tougher dirt, a bicarbonate of soda paste can be applied and then wiped off after a short time.
Grease Filter Maintenance
Clean the grease filter every 6-8 weeks. Metal filters can be put in the dishwasher or cleaned in soapy water. Replace active carbon filters in recirculated-air exhaust hoods regularly to maintain efficiency.
Cleaning the Stovetop
Burnt-on food residue on the stovetop can be a common problem. Use a steam cleaner to remove these residues quickly.
Steam Cleaning
Place a stainless steel scouring pad on the steam cleaner’s round brush and clean the stovetop area while steaming continuously. The steam forms a lubricating layer of air under the scouring pad to prevent scratches on the glass surface. For joints and edges, use the detail nozzle with a round brush, but avoid direct steam on silicone joints—just wipe them carefully. Dry the surface with a cloth afterward.
Household Remedies for Stovetops
For a household remedy, mix 2 teaspoons of baking powder with 100 ml of lukewarm water and apply the solution to the stovetop. Allow it to sit for a while, then polish with a clean microfiber cloth. A cloth dipped in vinegar essence can also be effective.
Prevent hard residues by cleaning the stovetop after each use. Wipe it down with a damp cloth, and for grease, use washing-up liquid. Ensure the stovetop has cooled completely before cleaning.
By following these tips and using these remedies, you can keep your oven, stovetop, and exhaust hood clean and functional, ensuring a pleasant cooking experience.
