Oven Cleaner: 6 Things You Should Never Do
Oven cleaner is one of the most potent cleaning products you can find in your cleaning cabinet and you must use it with caution. But besides cleaning an oven, experts warn against using oven cleaner for other tasks around your home. Here are six things you should never do with oven cleaner to protect your home and your health.
1. Never bring it onto oven doors
Despite being an oven cleaner, this product is only suitable for the inside of your oven. The chemicals in oven cleaner can etch the glass of your oven door, leaving it foggy and damaged. Stick to natural cleaners like baking soda, vinegar, or water when cleaning a glass oven door for a gentle but effective removal of grease and grime.
2. Don’t use it on fans and broilers
Oven cleaner should be kept away from fans and broilers as well. These areas are often made of more sensitive materials that could be damaged by the harsh chemicals in oven cleaners. Instead, use a damp cloth with dish soap to gently wipe away grease from fans and broilers.
3. Always make sure it’s rinsed thoroughly
No matter how you clean your oven, it is essential to thoroughly rinse away any residue before using your oven to cook with. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing the cleaner and use warm water and plain soap to remove any remaining residue. Rinse with water again and allow the oven to dry fully before using.
4. Don’t use it to unclog a sink
Oven cleaner is not safe for unclogging greasy kitchen drains. It can damage plumbing and is harmful to the environment. Use a dedicated sink unblocker instead.
5. Don’t forget to ventilate the space
When using oven cleaner, make sure to keep the area well-ventilated. Open doors and windows, and use an extractor fan if possible. It’s also a good idea to wear a mask to protect your airways.
6. Never use it outside of an oven
Avoid using oven cleaner on countertops, kitchen appliances, and flooring surfaces. Oven cleaner can cause damage to laminates, natural countertops, finishes of appliances, and discoloration of flooring surfaces.
FAQs
What should you not do when cleaning an oven?
Avoid using harsh abrasives that can damage the protective interior coating of your oven. Always use a dedicated oven cleaner or a steam cleaner as a non-toxic alternative.
Is it safe to cook food after using an oven cleaner?
After using a chemical oven cleaner, allow your oven to air out for a few hours and heat it without any food to dry out the oven. Make sure the oven is thoroughly cleaned before cooking food in it.
Oven cleaner is a powerful cleaning product that should be used sparingly and with caution. Follow these guidelines to protect your home and your health, and remember that not everything in your home needs to have a dual purpose.