_Sparkling Kitchen

1. Sparkling Kitchen Let’s be honest—cleaning the oven isn’t exactly at the top of anyone’s to-do list. It’s one of those chores we all tend to put off until burnt food smells or smoke reminds us it’s long overdue. But learning how to clean an oven properly doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. In fact, with the right steps, tools, and a little bit of patience, you can get your oven looking and smelling fresh without too much hassle. Why It’s Important to Clean Your Oven Over time, food spills, grease splatters, and baked-on grime can build up inside your oven. Not only does this make your oven look dirty, but it can also affect the flavor of your food, reduce efficiency, and even become a fire hazard. Regular cleaning can extend the life of your appliance and make every meal taste just the way it should. What You’ll Need: ● Baking soda ● White vinegar ● Water ● Spray bottle ● Rubber gloves ● Old toothbrush or small scrub brush ● Damp cloth or sponge ● Optional: Oven cleaner (store-bought for extra-tough jobs)

2. Step-by-Step: How to Clean an Oven Step 1: Remove Oven Racks Start by taking out the oven racks. You can clean these separately in the sink or bathtub using warm soapy water and a scrubbing brush. If they're particularly grimy, let them soak for a few hours to loosen the buildup. Step 2: Make a Natural Cleaning Paste In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until you get a spreadable paste. This gentle, natural cleaner is effective at breaking down grease and won’t release harsh fumes like chemical cleaners. Step 3: Apply the Paste Wearing rubber gloves, spread the paste inside the oven, covering the back, sides, bottom, and inside of the door. Avoid getting the paste on the heating elements. Let the mixture sit overnight (or at least 10–12 hours) so it has time to break down the baked-on mess. Step 4: Wipe Away the Paste After the paste has set, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe out as much of it as possible. You might need to use a plastic spatula or scraper for stubborn spots. Step 5: Spray with Vinegar Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz it over the remaining baking soda residue. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and foam slightly, making it easier to clean up any leftovers.

3. Step 6: Final Wipe Down Give the oven one final wipe-down with a clean damp cloth until all residue is gone. Make sure the interior is dry before replacing the racks and turning the oven back on. Bonus Tips for Oven Cleaning ● Self-Cleaning Ovens: Many modern ovens have a self-cleaning function. While convenient, it gets extremely hot and may produce smoke or odor. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and remove any large food debris beforehand. ● Regular Maintenance: Wipe down small spills after each use once the oven cools. Doing this can save you a lot of effort later. ● Avoid Aluminum Foil: Don’t line the bottom of your oven with foil—it can damage the interior and affect heat distribution. Conclusion Knowing how to clean your oven the right way can make a big difference in your kitchen routine. Whether you prefer natural methods or the power of a commercial cleaner, the key is consistency. A clean oven not only looks better but works better, too. So set aside a bit of time this weekend and give your oven the TLC it deserves—you’ll thank yourself the next time you bake!