Easy Steps to Green Cleaning: Natural and Eco-Friendly Methods to De-Grease Your Oven
Cleaning the oven is often a task dreaded by many of us, due to the harmful chemicals typically used to remove greasy residue. However, there are several natural and ecological methods that allow you to effectively clean the interior of the oven, the glass door and the grill. Here are 5 main tips for cleaning the interior of the oven and 4 additional solutions specifically for the rack.
1. Baking soda
Baking soda is a versatile ingredient that can be used to degrease the interior of the oven. Mix three tablespoons of baking soda with a little water until you have a thick paste. Apply this paste to the walls and bottom of the oven, avoiding the heating elements. Leave on for at least 30 minutes or overnight if possible, then wipe with a damp cloth or sponge.
2. White vinegar
White vinegar is also very effective in dissolving greasy residue in the oven. Mix equal parts with hot water in a spray bottle and spray it generously on dirty surfaces (except heating elements). Leave on for 30 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth or sponge.
3. Lemon
Lemon is an excellent natural degreaser that can be used to clean the interior of the oven. Cut two lemons in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl. Add the lemon halves and fill the bowl halfway with water. Place the bowl in the center of the oven and heat at 250°C for around 30 minutes. The lemon steam will help soften greasy residue, which you can then easily wipe away with a damp cloth or sponge.
4. The clay stone
Clay stone is an eco-friendly solution for cleaning oven interiors without harmful chemicals. Lightly dampen the clay stone with water, rub it on dirty surfaces (avoiding heating elements) and leave for a few minutes before rinsing with a damp cloth or sponge.
5. Using newspaper
To clean the glass oven door, simply crumple up sheets of newspaper dampened with hot soapy (or vinegar) water. Rub them on the glass until it is clean, then wipe with a dry cloth.
Additional Tips for Regular Oven Maintenance
- Clean up crumbs and spills after each use to prevent the buildup of greasy residue.
- Perform a deep cleaning of the oven every two to three months, depending on frequency of use.
- To minimize clogging, place a sheet of aluminum foil or a baking tray under foods that risk boiling over or splashing fat (pizzas, gratins, etc.).
Natural solutions for cleaning the oven rack
1. Baking soda and white vinegar
Mix three tablespoons of baking soda with a little water until you have a thick paste. Apply this paste to the grill and leave it to act for at least 30 minutes. Then spray the grill generously with white vinegar and wait for the mixture to splutter before wiping with a damp cloth or sponge.
2. Lemon
Cut two lemons in half and rub them directly on the grill to remove greasy residue. Leave on for about 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and wipe with a damp cloth or sponge.
3. The clay stone
As with the interior of the oven, the clay stone can also be used to clean the rack. Lightly moisten the clay stone with water, rub it on the grill bars and leave for a few minutes before rinsing with a damp cloth or sponge.
4. Soaking in a hot bath
To effectively degrease a very dirty grill, fill your bathtub (or a large tub) with hot, soapy water and soak the grill in it for several hours or overnight. Then scrub with a wire brush to remove stubborn greasy residue, then rinse with hot water and dry well before replacing.
By adopting these natural and eco-friendly methods to clean your oven, you will not only help preserve our environment but also improve the indoor air quality of your home while saving on expensive chemicals. So don’t hesitate any longer and go green!