Encrustations in the oven: get the degreaser from the kitchen

Step 3: Apply the Degreaser

• For Stubborn Grease: Apply the baking soda paste directly to the encrustations, covering all the areas with the buildup. Allow it to sit for at least 15-20 minutes (you can even leave it overnight for particularly tough grease).
• For Regular Cleaning: Spray the vinegar solution generously onto the inside of your oven, focusing on the encrustations. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes so it can break down the grease.

Step 4: Scrub Away the Grease

Once the degreaser has had time to work its magic, take your scrub brush or sponge and begin scrubbing. Use circular motions to lift the grease, applying more paste or spray as necessary. Be sure to get into the corners and crevices where grease tends to accumulate.

Step 5: Wipe and Rinse

After scrubbing, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the residue and grease. You may need to rinse the sponge or cloth a few times to remove all the paste or cleaning solution. For stubborn spots, you can reapply the degreaser and repeat the scrubbing process.

Step 6: Clean the Oven Racks

Don’t forget to clean the oven racks! Soak them in warm, soapy water or use the same degreaser to clean them. Once they’re clean, dry them thoroughly before putting them back in the oven.

Step 7: Final Touch

Once the inside of your oven is clean and free of encrustations, you can give it a final wipe-down with a dry cloth to remove any moisture. Leave the oven door open for a while to let it air dry completely.

Additional Tips:

• Oven Self-Cleaning Feature: If your oven has a self-cleaning function, use it for a deeper clean. However, be sure to remove all racks and items before activating the self-cleaning cycle.
• Regular Maintenance: To prevent heavy encrustations from forming, try wiping down your oven after each use, especially after baking greasy dishes.
• Use of Baking Sheets: When roasting or baking, line your oven trays with aluminum foil or parchment paper to catch spills and reduce the mess.

Conclusion

Encrustations in the oven can feel like a tough challenge, but with a good degreaser (either store-bought or homemade), some elbow grease, and a bit of patience, you can easily restore your oven to its clean, sparkling state. Regular maintenance will not only make deep cleans easier but will also ensure that your oven works efficiently, free from the dangers of grease buildup. So, the next time you find yourself staring down a dirty oven, you’ll know just what to do to get it back in shape!