Of all your large kitchen appliances, your oven may need the most care during the winter. The reason for this is simple. Winter is the season for some of the year’s biggest holidays, so your oven gets a real workout. Here are things you can do to make sure it stays in good shape throughout the winter.

Clean the Oven Door

Though a grungy oven can work, a clean oven works more efficiently. The outside of an oven door can get surprisingly dirty if it’s not wiped down after every use, but it’s easy to clean.

Make sure the oven is completely cool. Then use a cloth dipped in a solution of lukewarm water and white vinegar or lukewarm water and dishwashing liquid to clean it. Don’t use a scouring pad that can damage the glass, and be careful not to get the gasket wet. The gasket ensures that the door is tightly closed while something’s cooking in the oven, and it can rot if it gets wet.

Clean the Inside of the Oven

Though store-bought oven cleaners will do the job of cleaning the oven’s interior, they are harsh and somewhat dangerous to use. They’re probably not necessary unless you’ve let a lot of gunk build up inside your oven.

If you must use an oven cleaner, open the windows for ventilation, and protect yourself with goggles and rubber gloves. You’ll also need to cover the heating elements with aluminum foil and protect your floors with newsprint or old rags you can throw out. Some appliance professionals don’t even recommend using the oven’s self-cleaning function, as the high heat can be damaging. You can call in an appliance professional for really tough jobs.

A gentler way to clean the inside of the oven is to use a paste of water and baking soda. Soap and water shouldn’t be used because soap can leave damaging residue. Pull out the racks, rub on the baking soda paste with a soft cloth, and let it sit overnight. Then wipe up the paste and the loosened gunk with a sponge, and spray the area with white vinegar. Come back the next day and wipe up the rest of the gunk.

A Word About Gas Ovens

A gas oven is cleaned the same way as any other oven. However, if you suspect that the gas line is not sound, turn off your gas supply and call for emergency service right away. Signs of trouble are the smell of gas and hissing noises.

Get in Touch With Us for Help With Oven Maintenance

Our professionals know how hard winter can be on an oven, and we’re here to help you make sure it works no matter how many holiday feasts you cook. If your stove or oven in Olathe, KS needs repair, or even a deep cleaning, call us at Hotshot Appliance.