Introduction
Cleaning the oven is a task many of us tend to procrastinate. The idea of tackling stubborn grease and burnt residue can be daunting. However, fear not, for here are two simple and environmentally-friendly methods that will save you time and energy. Say goodbye to expensive, chemical-laden oven cleaners and embrace these hassle-free techniques.
Method 1: The Vinegar Steam Clean
Why This Method is Awesome: This technique relies on a few basic ingredients: an ovenproof dish, white vinegar, and some time. You can look forward to waking up to a sparkling oven without harsh chemicals or strenuous scrubbing. Plus, it’s more energy-efficient than using the oven’s self-cleaning feature.
Here’s How to Do It:
What You’ll Need:
- Ovenproof dish
- Saucepan
- White vinegar and dish soap
The Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 80°C (175°F).
- Simultaneously, bring a saucepan of water to a boil.
- Once your oven reaches the desired temperature, turn it off.
- Place the ovenproof dish filled with white vinegar on the top oven rack and position the saucepan with boiling water on a lower rack. Close the oven door.(Tip: You can also boil vinegar water separately and use it directly in the dish!)
- Let this magic concoction work its wonders overnight.
The Next Day:
- Open your oven, allowing the vinegar steam to dissipate. If it’s too pungent, crack open a window.
- Remove the saucepan and vinegar dish. Mix a bit of dish soap into the vinegar and use this solution to clean the oven’s interior. Rinse and wipe.
- For a slightly bubbly cleaning experience, sprinkle baking soda on oven surfaces before scrubbing with your vinegar-soaked sponge. Use them together quickly for optimal scrubbing power!
Why This Works: Vinegar’s cleaning power, combined with the gentle heat of your oven, creates steam that can effectively soften and dissolve even the most stubborn oven grime.
Additional Tips:
- If you’re out of vinegar, lemon juice is an excellent alternative that leaves a fresh scent.
- To give your microwave a quick clean, heat a bowl of vinegar or lemon-infused water inside.
Your oven works tirelessly for you, so why not show it some love with this gentle, eco-friendly cleaning method?
Method 2: The Ammonia Overnight Clean
You’ll Need:
- Ammonia
- Baking dish
- Pot of water
- Dish soap
- Scrubbing pad or sponge
- Cleaning gloves
Directions:
Step 1 – Prepping the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 150 degrees F.
- Place a pot of water on your stovetop and bring it to a boil.
- Once the oven reaches 150°F, turn it off. Place a baking dish filled with 1 cup of ammonia on the top oven rack.
- Put the pot of boiling water on the bottom rack and close the oven door.
Step 2 – Wait and Let It Work:
Give the ammonia and hot water several hours to work their magic inside your oven. An ideal approach is to do this preparation before bedtime and let it sit overnight.
Step 3 – Empty and Ventilate:
In the morning, open the oven and remove both the ammonia dish and the pot of water. (Don’t discard the ammonia; you’ll need it later!)
Also, take out the oven racks and leave the oven door open for about 15 minutes to air it out.
Step 4 – Effortless Scrubbing:
With the ammonia having softened the grime, it’s time to clean.
- Combine 1-2 teaspoons of dish soap with a quart of warm water in the dish containing ammonia.
- Don cleaning gloves, grab a scrubbing pad, dip it into the ammonia mixture, and easily wipe away the softened grease and grime from the oven’s interior.
Cleaning your oven has never been easier. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at the results!
Conclusion: Maintaining a clean oven doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. These two eco-friendly methods, using vinegar or ammonia, offer a straightforward approach to achieving a sparkling oven without the need for harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing. Show your oven some love and enjoy the benefits of a clean and efficient appliance!
image source : onegoodthingbyjillee
