A professional chef has shared a chemical-free oven cleaning method using just three kitchen staples most people already have at home, which could leave the appliance looking "new" all over again.
Reema Dutta Gupta, a professional chef and recipe developer at meal-kit company HelloFresh Ireland, explained: "You don't need a specialist product to get your oven looking brand new, you just need three ingredients you probably already have at home."
Homemade Oven Cleaner With Just 3 Ingredients
Reema advises using 180g of baking soda, then gradually adding water to it until it creates a paste. The third and final ingredient, and the secret to tackling particularly stubborn grime, is a splash of vinegar, which helps produce a more foamy mixture.
Reema said: "Once you have removed the racks, spread the mixture all over the interior of your oven, avoiding the heating elements. Leave it for a couple of hours, or if you have the time, overnight works best. Then simply wipe away with a damp cloth, and your oven should look brand new."
How Often Should Ovens Be Cleaned?
Reema recommends carrying out a thorough clean every six months to keep ovens in excellent condition and ensure they continue to perform well. Naturally, if you use your oven on a daily basis, you might need to deep clean it more regularly than every six months.
She said: "Every six months or so, your oven will likely benefit from a deep clean, though this can vary depending on how often you use it and the type of cooking you do. Fortunately, it's usually pretty obvious when your oven is due a clean."
Instead of sticking to a rigid timetable, it's relatively easy to just watch out for the telltale signs indicating it needs a proper clean.
Signs It's Time to Clean and Health Risks
Reema added: "Check to see if the racks are blackened with burnt-on food. Can you barely see through the door anymore, and has it been that way for months? If you answered yes to either of those, it's time to get cleaning."
Those who tend to allow dirt and grime to accumulate in their ovens may be putting themselves at risk. Reema warned burnt-on food can emit carbon-based fumes which might alter the flavour of your meals and, in kitchens with inadequate ventilation, could potentially harm your health.
