The Top 5 Oven Cleaning Mistakes You Might Be Making

Keeping your oven clean isn’t just important for keeping your kitchen welcoming and hygienic, but also for ensuring your meals are cooked to perfection. 

However, many people unknowingly make mistakes when it comes to cleaning their ovens, which can lead to less effective cleaning or even damage the interior of your oven.

 In this blog post, we will explore the top five oven cleaning mistakes to avoid and provide valuable tips to help you achieve a spotless oven.

Mistake #1: Not cleaning your oven frequently enough

One common mistake people make is neglecting to clean their oven regularly. 

Over time, food residue and grease can accumulate, making the cleaning process more challenging. To avoid this, it's recommended to clean your oven every month or as needed, especially if you notice a build up of grime on the oven walls or racks.

Not only does built-up residue look unattractive and prevent your oven from working at its most efficient, but dirty ovens which are left too long also have the potential to be dangerous.

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Greasy ovens are a common reason for house fires, particularly when they are gas ovens, as the leftover food or oil can combust at high temperatures. 

Ovens with burned on debris also release more potentially harmful gases during the cooking process than clean ovens, which may take a toll on your household’s health over time. Extremely dirty ovens might even affect the food you cook in them, causing unpleasant odours, strange tastes, and even food poisoning.

Some are tempted to use the self-cleaning feature on ovens between deep cleans but we generally do not recommend this as the extreme temperature can cause your oven to degrade or even be a cause of fires in itself. We also do not recommend:

Mistake #2: Using toxic cleaning products

Using harsh chemicals and toxic cleaning products in your oven is tempting as many commercial products promise to clean your oven quickly and without the need for too much elbow grease. Unfortunately, they can have some less pleasant effects.

These products may leave behind strong fumes that can be harmful when inhaled and might even damage your oven's interior. When used incorrectly or in a poorly ventilated kitchen, they can cause everything from nausea, to breathing difficulties, to organ failure. 

Even when you follow the safety labels to the T, you also can’t rely on every member of your household doing the same, and there are dangers associated with having these products where children or pets may be able to gain access. Many of these cleaners also aren’t friendly for the environment.

Instead, we recommend using a well-reviewed bio cleaner (such a sour seaweed oven cleaner!) or natural products such as vinegar, baking soda, or salt.

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Mistake #3: Lining your oven with tin foil

Although it may seem convenient to catch spills and overflows, lining your oven with tin foil is a mistake that can lead to several problems. 

The foil can reflect heat and interfere with the oven's heating element, causing uneven cooking. Additionally, any spills or drips that occur beneath the foil can become baked-on and difficult to clean. 

Instead, we recommend that you use oven-safe mats or liners specifically designed for this purpose. They are easier to clean and won't interfere with the oven's performance.

Mistake #4: Avoiding spot cleaning straight after spills occur

Waiting too long to clean spills and stains in your oven can make them more challenging to remove. 

As soon as a spill occurs, allow your oven to cool down, and then wipe away the mess using a sponge or cloth dipped in soapy water. We also find that using a salt solution for immediate spills is extremely effective.

 This simple step can save you time and effort in the long run, preventing stubborn stains from becoming baked-on and requiring extensive scrubbing later.

Mistake #5: Neglecting your oven racks during a deep clean

During a deep cleaning session, many people overlook the importance of cleaning the oven racks. They can seem fiddly to scrub, and that extra step of effort can feel overwhelming when you’re already committed to cleaning a whole oven.

However, neglecting them can hinder the overall cleanliness of your oven and burnt-on food will only become more difficult to remove from your racks over time. 

To clean your oven racks effectively, remove them from the oven and soak them in a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Use a sponge or brush to scrub away any grime or residue, rinse thoroughly, and allow them to dry before placing them back in the oven.

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In Conclusion…

Keeping your oven clean is crucial for maintaining a healthy and functional kitchen. By avoiding these common oven cleaning mistakes and following the tips provided, you can ensure that your oven remains in top condition. 

On the other hand… we know that some months oven cleaning can seem like a lot of time and effort you simply can’t make room for in your busy life. If this is the case, why not call in a trusted expert to take on this important task for you?

The A Cleaning Service team work across the wider Bristol area, as well as South Wales, delivering a sparklingly clean oven every time. We only use natural products which are friendly to your family, pets, and the environment. We’re proud of our many 5 star reviews from happy clients who love our friendly experts and the quality of our service. Contact us today

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