Vinegar and baking soda are great staples to always have. Not to mention, they are a fantastic all-natural method of cleaning, and Clean Heart Maids shares our top baking soda cleaning hacks here. When you use natural products like vinegar and baking soda in place of toxic cleaners, you can say goodbye to VOCs in your home which have the potential to cause health issues. Baking soda and vinegar are non-toxic and as well as safe to use on any food surface. These two ingredients work great together to help loosen stubborn grime, stains, and grease. If the smell of vinegar is not one that you tolerate well, consider adding your essential oils to provide a clean fresh scent. A few favorites to use in the kitchen are orange, tea tree oil, or lemon.
How Often Should I Clean My Oven?
Cleaning your oven every few weeks is a great way to ensure you are keeping a clean oven; however, you may only need to clean your oven once every few months. It really will depend on how frequently you use your oven. And, while the self-cleaning feature might be helpful, it is essential to deep clean your oven on a regular schedule. Consider it less of a hassle and more of an investment in the longevity of your appliances.
Ovens are expensive, and while it can be a bit of a hassle to clean the oven, you could potentially be saving thousands of dollars in the long run.
How to Deep Clean Your Oven
No one loves to clean the oven, but let’s face it, it has to be done. Putting it off just adds to the already dirty appliance. Clean Heart Maids is here to tell you cleaning your oven can be super simple. Check out the steps below for a simple way to deep clean your oven.
Create a Paste
Combine 3/4 of a cup of baking soda and 1/4 of a cup of warm water in a mixing bowl. Depending on the size of your oven you may need to double the recipe. For a more pleasant scent, add a few drops of essential oils (two to three drops should suffice, but you may add more if desired).
Clean Oven Racks
If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, remove the racks. The high heat during the self cleaning cycle may warp the oven racks during the cycle. Instead, allow the racks to soak in a dishwashing solution that includes a, for a few hours, before scrubbing with a scouring pad and then thoroughly rinsing and drying. Next, apply the paste to the areas on racks that require heavier cleaning.
It is important to note that baking soda can tarnish metal, so do not use this paste on your oven racks unless they are stainless steel.
Paste Application to Clean Oven
Cover any gaps in the oven with foil. Spread the paste over the interior of the oven using a paintbrush. As you apply the paste, be sure to avoid any surfaces that are bare metal, including the oven door. You may use an old toothbrush to get into areas that are difficult to reach. Once the interior surface has been coated, close the door and leave the paste on overnight.
The Clean Up Process
Using a plastic scraper, remove the paste. If necessary, apply water to any areas that you have difficulty removing the paste. Also, be sure to wipe away streaks with a moist towel and repeat as needed.
Wipe Down the Door
Clean the oven door with a soft cloth and a solution of white vinegar and warm water. The solution should be equal parts of each. Spray the oven door with the solution, being careful to keep it off of the gasket.
Preventative Measures and in Between Cleaning
Cleaning your oven regularly will help reduce odors and make your house feel more clean and even smell cleaner. But, in addition to cleaning your oven, there are some things you can do to help prevent a nasty mess! Below are a few tips for preventative cleaning.
1. Cover Your Food
Taking preventive measures is the simplest method to keep your oven clean. While it won’t prohibit you from cleaning your oven, it will help you avoid spills and minimize odors in the kitchen. Cover your food to minimize spills, splatters, and other food messes when cooking in the oven.
2. Use of a Spill Tray
Some ovens include an additional roasting tray at the bottom of the oven. If you don’t already have one, consider purchasing an extra spill tray that fits your oven size.
If you don’t want to use a spill tray, a silicone baking sheet can work just as well. Any food that bubbles over will be caught on these baking sheets before solidifying onto the bottom surface. It will also make it easy to remove burnt-on meals because you can just wash off the sheet or replace it.
3. Make use of Baking Soda
When it comes time to clean an oven thoroughly, make a simple baking soda and water paste. Before combining, use around 1/2 cup baking soda and a few tablespoons of water.
You may cover the entire oven with the mixture and let it for 12 hours. After that, wipe everything down with a non-abrasive cloth.
4. Water and Vinegar
You may always use a short spray of white vinegar after your baking soda combination to make things sparkle again. However, if you want a steam clean, you might use a vinegar solution.
To achieve this, first, bring the water to a boil, then add the vinegar. Once both are at a boil, place the saucepan in the oven and let it work its magic. After that, wipe the surface with a towel.
5. Make Use of the Self-Cleaning Option
If your oven has it, you may utilize the self-clean option to clean it thoroughly. It may appear easy, but it works. The self-clean cycle takes a few hours and reaches incredibly high temperatures, so make sure you won’t use your oven for the following few days before proceeding. When you’re through, you should be able to wipe it clean with a cloth, and it’ll be ready to use!
6. Cleaning the Oven Racks
Cleaning your oven racks is essential for keeping your kitchen and oven clean. For example, you may use vinegar and baking soda in the oven and let the solution sit in hot water overnight. After it has soaked, use a scrubber to remove all of the filth. The simplest method is to place your oven racks in your bathtub over a towel.
Dish soap and warm water might be substituted for baking soda and vinegar. But, again, you’ll let it sit overnight before scrubbing it down.
7. Spill Cleanup
Baking soda is also an excellent technique to remove burnt-on food, as are natural cleaning items such as lemons. Combine lemon juice and peels in a bowl if you decide to try this method. After that, slightly fill the bowl with water and bake the mixture for about 30 minutes at 250 degrees. The lemon aids in the removal of any stains or hardened food from the oven’s bottom or sides.
8. Call in the Experts
Lastly, hire a cleaning service to help! Clean Heart Maids services include top-to-bottom deluxe cleaning, commercial cleaning, apartment cleaning, and so much more. Whether you’re in need of a clean oven or a clean business, we are the team to call. Cleaning can be overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Call Clean Heart Maids today, and visit our website to learn more.