Clean the oven This can become one of the most tedious tasks around the house. Grease stains, food debris and accumulated dirt can make the appliance look dirty. However, many commercial oven cleaning products contain harsh ingredients that are not only expensive, but can also be harmful to health and the environment. Instead of using these products, there is a vinegar and salt tip very simple to restore the oven to its original appearance.
Vinegar and salt are two ingredients that, when combined, help eliminate harder dirt from the oven. Both ingredients are all-natural, meaning they contain no toxic chemicals which may be harmful to health or the environment. Therefore, you do not have to worry about these risks as they are gentle yet effective ingredients that will not damage your oven or leave harmful residue.
The trick with vinegar and salt to clean the oven
Vinegar is a natural and effective cleanerespecially white vinegar which, thanks to its high acidity, breaks down grease and dirt without damaging surfaces. Additionally, it acts as a disinfectant, eliminating bacteria and germs, making it a great option for cleaning the oven. For its part, salt, known for its abrasive and degreasing properties, perfectly complements vinegar.
When combined, salt acts as a natural exfolianthelping to remove tough stains and built-up residue without damaging surfaces. In addition, salt also fights bad odors, common in ovens after cooking certain foods. Vinegar and salt are natural, safe and effective ingredients, making them an eco-friendly and economical option for cleaning the home, without the need for harsh chemicals.
- The first step is to prepare the vinegar and salt mixture. To do this, you will need: 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of salt. The two ingredients should be mixed well to form a thick paste. If the mixture is too runny, you can add more salt until you reach the desired consistency.
- Once the paste is ready, it’s time to apply it. Using a sponge or clean cloth, spread the mixture over the dirty areas of the oven. Be sure to cover any areas with built-up grease, food stains or residue that has not been removed by regular cleaning. Pay particular attention to surfaces where dirt is most embedded, such as the side walls of the oven, the door and the racks.
- After applying the vinegar and salt paste, it is advisable to let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the vinegar will do its job breaking down grease and grime, while the salt will act as a mild abrasive that will help loosen tougher dirt. If your oven is very dirty, you can let the mixture sit longer.
- After 15 to 20 minutes, begin scrubbing gently with a damp scouring pad. The salt will make it easier to loosen dirt, while the vinegar will remove grease and dirt that gets stuck to surfaces. For more difficult areas, you can use a soft-bristled brush to scrub and remove any stubborn residue.
- Once you have removed all the dirt, rinse the oven with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue from the mixture. Be sure to dry the oven thoroughly to avoid moisture buildup.
In some cases, after cleaning the oven, a slight vinegar smell may persist. If this happens, simply open the oven door and let it air out for a few minutes, or you can heat the oven on low for 10 to 15 minutes to eliminate any remaining odor.
Practical advice
Besides the vinegar and salt trick, there are other useful tips to avoid accumulation of dirt in the oven. First of all, it is advisable to carry out regular cleanings; Not waiting for grease and dirt to build up will make the job easier and prevent stains from sticking permanently.
One of the best tips from experts is to place a baking tray or foil in the bottom of the oven to catch any food or grease spills. This not only makes cleaning easier, but also helps protect the interior of the oven.
Furthermore, it is essential ventilate the oven after each use. Opening the oven door will allow moisture to escape, which will prevent the formation of bad odors and difficult-to-remove stains. For those looking to thoroughly disinfect the oven, spraying vinegar diluted in water and letting it sit for a few minutes can also be effective. This simple habit, combined with the use of vinegar and salt, guarantees ecological and economical cleaning.