Cleaning an oven is probably the least gratifying kitchen chore. Baked-on grease and grime make it tedious at best. But keeping your oven clean reduces the chance of fire and minimizes unwanted taste imparted by charred foods, so it is a job that must be done. Fortunately, there are ways to simplify the task. If you do not have a self-cleaning oven, then you will need a few basic supplies to get started. Here are three methods that make oven day more bearable.
Self-cleaning ovens use heat to strip away oven build-up. A cold-cleaning oven, by contrast, requires chemical solvents and elbow grease. Because these products can emit a very strong smell, any cleanser engineered to reduce odor is a great starting point. Avoid cleaners with lye, ether, or other harsh chemicals.
Glass cooktops can be incredibly difficult to maintain. The secret is to use a combination of weapons, including a good degreaser, a scouring pad, and a razor blade. Razor edges dull quickly, so be sure to keep a supply of replacement blades on hand.
Steam is very effective at cleaning food-tarnished oven components like grates and roasting pans. A residential steam cleaner that gets above about 250 degrees Fahrenheit loosens grease and food baked onto irregular surfaces where scouring pads can’t reach. Steam cleaners with attachments are also great for lifting stains out of household fabrics, cleaning floors or tile, and killing mold, bacteria, and other germs.
