A dirty oven is more than just a nuisance; over weeks and months of use, it can become a real fire hazard. But many tenants put off cleaning the oven in their Chowchilla rental home because it seems like such a messy, time-consuming job. Stoves need to be cleaned every six months or so, more if used a lot. In reality, keeping your oven clean isn’t as hard as you might think. That is especially true if you know a few of the best tips and tricks for getting the job done quickly and easily.
The first tip to a clean oven is to check whether your oven has a self-cleaning cycle – and use it. Have you ever wished your appliances would clean themselves? Believe it or not, many modern ovens do! If the appliances in your rental home are fairly new, your oven might have a self-cleaning feature. As you can imagine, this feature is a real time-saver. During the self-cleaning cycle, the oven heats up to over 800 degrees Fahrenheit. This will burn away all the drips and grime inside the oven, leaving behind a small amount of ash. Once the oven has cooled down, all you need to do is wipe the ash away with a damp cloth.
Perhaps the biggest drawback to using this method is that your oven will lock for up to 5 hours while it cleans. It will also put out some serious heat, and might smell bad. If you have concerns about the heat or fumes, you could plan to stay out of the kitchen during the cleaning cycle and keep windows open for good ventilation. Also, be sure to check carefully whether oven racks, pans, or other elements should be removed before self-cleaning. If you don’t have an instruction manual for the oven, you could find information on your particular model online.
If self-cleaning isn’t an option, an alternative is to use a store-bought oven cleaner. Depending on the brand you choose, you can find a powerful cleaner that is fume-free. Even if the product says it doesn’t have fumes, however, it’s still a good idea to wear gloves and a face mask and open windows during use. Oven cleaners are effective because they use strong chemicals to dissolve baked-on foods and grease. Most require you to spray the cleaner on and then let it sit for some time. Doing so should allow you to wipe away the grime. When using the oven cleaner, it’s important to check the product container carefully and follow the recommendations. Some products will damage oven racks and exterior surfaces of your oven, so you’ll need an alternative method to clean these areas.
Another alternative to store-bought cleaners is to make an oven cleaner yourself. In most cases, a paste of baking soda and water will be enough to scrub your oven clean. Apply the paste to the interior surfaces of the oven and allow to sit for at least 20 minutes. You could also add vinegar to the baking soda using a spray bottle. This will help lift the burned food off your oven just a bit more easily. Still, you’ll need a good scrubbing pad and a lot more elbow grease with this method. The major plus is that you won’t need to worry about fumes or harsh chemicals.
You can also use baking soda and water to get your oven racks, knobs, and oven door sparkling. Just be sure to use a soft microfiber cloth instead of an abrasive scrubbing pad to wipe the paste off. To clean knobs, avoid spraying cleaner or water directly onto them. Instead, wet a cloth and wipe them clean. If your oven racks need a deep clean, one of the best ways to get them grime-free is to soak them in boiling water mixed with a little dishwasher detergent. To use this method, you’ll need a bathtub or other large tub and some time; racks should be soaked for several hours. But after soaking the racks, they can be easily scrubbed clean with a stiff brush.
By using your preferred method and a few cleaning tips, you can quickly and easily keep your oven in great shape! If you would like help maintaining your Chowchilla rental property, contact RPM Valley Wide online or at (209) 722-7761 for more information.
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