How to Reduce Oven Grime

A dirty oven gives off a bad smell, creates smoke, spoils food and may catch fire. With time, a dirty oven can escalate into a bigger problem and you may need to replace the appliance. Below are some steps to reduce oven grime before it builds up.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baking tray
• Aluminum foil
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Commercial oven cleaner

1. Place a baking tray on the base of the oven to prevent food drippings from soiling the oven during cooking. Some foods can boil over and stick to the oven floor making it hard to remove afterwards.

2. Use aluminum foil on the oven base to reduce grime build up. Do not cover vents or heating components. Replace the sheet once it gets dirty.

3. Sprinkle salt or baking soda on the food remaining in the oven. Use a clean cloth to remove the residue after a few hours. Another option is to make a solution of vinegar and water and spray it generously on the soiled surface. Top it off with baking soda and leave it overnight. Wipe with a clean cloth or use a sponge to remove the grime.

4. Put your oven in self cleaning mode if it has this feature. Do this after every use to reduece grime build up.

5. Purchase ready made oven cleaners and use them according to the manufacturer directions. Avoid using abrasive products and bleach solutions.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wait for the oven to cool down before cleaning.

[giddygastronome]

on 7/29/2008 Thank you so much for this advice! I do have a self cleaning oven, but to apply your advice in between the self cleaning cycles would be saving all that energy the stove uses to "self clean.' This is five star advice!
giddygastronome.