Banish Baked-On Grime: The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Oven

Tired of staring down a greasy, grimy oven? Let's face it, cleaning the oven is nobody's favourite chore. But with this ultimate guide, tailored specifically for Aussie ovens and cooking habits, you'll be equipped to tackle even the most stubborn baked-on messes. From family roasts to BBQ blowouts, we've got you covered!

Gather Your Arsenal:

• Gloves: Protect those hands from harsh chemicals.
• Microfibre Cloths: For effective cleaning and polishing.
• Non-scratch Scourer: Tackle stubborn bits without damaging your oven.
• Old Toothbrush: Reach those tricky corners and crevices.
• Newspaper/Old Towels: Protect your floor from spills.
• Bucket of Warm Soapy Water: A cleaning essential.
• Baking Soda: A natural cleaning powerhouse.
• White Vinegar: Cuts through grease and grime like a champ.
• Commercial Oven Cleaner: Choose a reputable brand from your local supermarket or Bunnings.
• Heavy-duty Degreaser: Essential for tackling tough, baked-on grease (brands like Selleys, Gumption, or Krud Kutter are good options).
• Spray Bottle: For applying diluted degreaser.
• Optional: Steam cleaner, scraper, oven liners

Safety First!

• Ventilation: Open windows and doors for good airflow.
• Gloves: Always wear gloves when handling cleaning products.
• Cooling: Ensure the oven is completely cool before cleaning.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Action:

1. Prep Work:

   • Remove oven racks and trays.
   • Protect your floor with newspaper or old towels.
   • If using a commercial oven cleaner, read the instructions carefully.

2. Tackling the Racks and Trays:

   • Degreaser Soak: Fill your sink with hot soapy water and add a generous squirt of degreaser. Soak the racks and trays for at least an hour to loosen grime.
   • Scrubbing Power: After soaking, scrub away any remaining grime with a non-scratch scourer. For stubborn bits, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit, then scrub again.

3. Conquering the Oven Interior:

   • Degreaser Pre-treatment: Spray heavily soiled areas with degreaser and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to penetrate the grime.
   • Cleaning Power: Choose your weapon:
     • Commercial Oven Cleaner: Spray generously throughout the oven, focusing on greasy areas. Close the door and let it sit for the recommended time.
     • Natural Cleaning Method: Make a paste of baking soda and water and spread it all over the oven interior (avoiding heating elements). Leave it for several hours or overnight. Then, spray the oven with white vinegar to activate the baking soda.
   • Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the entire oven, removing cleaner and loosened grime. For stubborn spots, use a non-scratch scourer.
   • Rinse: Wipe down the oven again with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.

4. Don't Forget the Door!

   • Glass Door: Clean both sides of the glass with oven cleaner, baking soda paste, or diluted degreaser. For burnt-on food, carefully use a scraper or razor blade.
   • Door Edges: Use an old toothbrush to clean grime from the door edges and corners.

5. Finishing Touches:

   • Rinse and Dry: Give the oven a final wipe down with a clean, damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
   • Replace Racks and Trays: Return the clean racks and trays to the oven.
   • Burn-off: Run the oven on a low heat for 15-20 minutes with the door slightly ajar to remove any lingering cleaning agent smells.

Extra Tips:

• Prevention is Key: Wipe up spills and splatters immediately to prevent them from baking on. Consider using oven liners for easier cleaning.
• Stubborn Grease Buster: For seriously stubborn grease, try a steam cleaner to loosen it up.
• Self-Cleaning Ovens: If you have a self-cleaning oven, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
• Regular Cleaning: Aim to clean your oven every couple of months, or more often if you use it frequently.

With this ultimate guide and a bit of elbow grease, you'll have your oven sparkling like new in no time. Happy cleaning, mates!