Maintain your oven’s components and thoroughly clean the entire appliance to allow your range to last for years. The winter holidays are stressful on your oven while you’re entertaining and preparing large family dinners. Ensure that the interior and exterior of the stove and the range top are clean. Following these three steps during the winter holidays will keep your kitchen running smoothly.
1. Clean the Oven Exterior
Use a non-abrasive sponge and mild cleaner on the exterior of your oven. A mild cleanser will remove residue and grease on the door’s interior. Wash and polish the exterior door to remove fingerprints, splashes, and spills. There’s no reason to leave your oven dirty during the winter holidays. Dry the exterior after wiping with a damp cloth to remove streaks.
Clean the knobs or control panels by wiping them down with glass cleaner or dish detergent. A Q-tip with soapy water can help clean behind the knobs. Your oven’s knobs connect to the control system, so don’t remove them. Removing the knobs and spraying the area may cause an electric shock.
2. Clean the Oven Interior
Most newer ovens have a self-cleaning feature. However, many people don’t understand how it works, and there are some risks with using it. The high heat can damage interior components and stop your stove from heating properly. If you do use the self-cleaning, never leave the house while it’s running, and wipe the interior down after the oven cools.
If you don’t use self-cleaning, there are a few things to keep in mind. Soap and water aren’t great for the interior of your oven because the residue may stick to the walls. Instead, apply baking soda and warm water paste to the oven’s interior. Remove the racks from the oven and cover everything except the heating elements. The paste will clean the oven overnight, and you can remove it with vinegar spray in the morning. Don’t forget to clean your racks before putting them back.
3. Clean the Range Top
The three range tops for stoves are gas, electric, and glass induction. Remove and clean the grates and burner caps of gas stovetops individually with soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Wipe down the stovetop surface, but watch the igniter. Dry the grates and burner caps before replacing them. The winter holidays are a busy time for your kitchen, so check your burners regularly.
Unplug electric cooktops before cleaning the surface. Use the baking soda and water paste to coat the cooktop, but avoid the electrical connections. Let the paste sit for about 20 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth. Use a non-abrasive pad and glass cooktop cleaner to clear debris from glass cooktops. A razor blade can help remove baked-on stains.
It’s always a good idea to thoroughly clean your oven before a busy kitchen season. Your stove is an investment and will last longer if you take care of it, which includes keeping your appliance clean and well-maintained. If you need oven repair or installation in the Phoenix, AZ area, call us at The Bargain Busters Appliance Sales and Service today.
