The Tidy Edit: Stovetop Cleaning Made Simple
Puppies, Kids, and a Sparkling Oven
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This past weekend we went to a brewery we enjoy, it has a huge wide open space for the kids to run around in, it’s located in a shopping center to when we go Sunday’s for lunch it is a relativey quiet are and for me they serve wine since I’m not a big beer drinker.
Well this past weekend they had a dog adoption event and my oldest was in heavy. He was laying on the floor playing with the puppies asking if we could get one or two. And while I love dog, we already have one at home plus two kids - I think our family is full.
While we didn’t go home with a dog, I do think it gave our oldest another appreciation for our dog and us explaining what responsibilities are with dog ownership - there were a lot of questions on the way home.
But while my son dreams of convincing his mom to bring another dog home, this week we’ll tackle our oven and stop top, which we cleaned in week 5 and week 18 earlier this year.
In week 5, you may have used quite a bit of elbow grease to clean the inside of your oven, but this time around, it should hopefully be easier with fewer years of buildup on that oven door.
Now I know what you’re thinking. I cleaned it twice already this year; it can go a little longer. If you don’t use your oven or stove frequently, it is totally doable.
However, if you’re someone like myself who enjoys cooking and experimenting with recipes, keeping these two appliances cleaned regularly will make them easier to clean over time.
Plus, it's important to keep them in good condition so that they can serve you well for years to come.
To keep your oven and stove in good shape, make sure to wipe spills after the surface has cooled to prevent them from becoming tough stains.
Cleaning the Oven
First, let's tackle the oven. Before starting, make sure it's free of any culinary remnants, and remove any trays and racks.
Inspect and Prepare: Start by examining your oven's interior. If you spot any stubborn stains or grime, it's time to roll up your sleeves. Be sure to equip yourself with rubber gloves and a sturdy sponge or microfiber cloth.
Tackle the Grime: Begin by concocting a powerful yet natural cleaning solution. Mix equal parts water and baking soda to form a paste. Apply this paste generously to the interior surfaces of your oven, focusing on areas with built-up grease and residue.
Let it Sit: Allow the baking soda paste to work its magic for at least 12 hours or overnight. This dwell time ensures that even the most stubborn stains loosen their grip on your oven's surfaces.
Scrub Away: Armed with your trusty sponge or cloth, gently scrub the interior of the oven, making sure to pay extra attention to areas where grime tends to accumulate. For stubborn spots, a sprinkle of coarse salt can provide added abrasion without damaging the surface.
Rinse and Repeat: Once you've vanquished the grime, wipe down the oven interior with a damp cloth to remove any residue. For a finishing touch, spritz the interior with white vinegar and wipe it down to neutralize any remaining baking soda residue.
TIP: If this is your first time cleaning your oven after years of build up, I’d recommend making sure you don’t need to use it for at least 24 hours. Once you maintain a consistent quarterly cleaning cycle it will get easer and faster to keep looking brand new.
Cleaning the Stovetop
With the oven sparkling, it's time to turn our attention to the stovetop.
Clear the Decks: Before diving into stovetop cleaning, remove any burner grates, drip pans, and control knobs. These removable components will be cleaned separately to ensure a thorough overhaul.
Soak and Scrub: Fill your sink or a large basin with warm, soapy water and immerse the burner grates and drip pans. Allow them to soak while you focus on cleaning the stovetop surface.
Degrease and Defy Grime: Armed with a multipurpose cleaner or a homemade solution of dish soap and water, spritz the stovetop surface generously. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to scrub away grease and grime, paying extra attention to stubborn spots.
Detail the Details: For those hard-to-reach crevices and burner knobs, enlist the help of a toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in soapy water. These small but mighty tools ensure no crumb or speck of dirt is left behind.
Rinse and Reassemble: Rinse the burner grates and drip pans thoroughly under running water, ensuring all traces of soap and grime are washed away. Once dry, reassemble the stovetop components, and admire your handiwork.
By incorporating these simple cleaning routines into your home maintenance regimen, you'll not only extend the lifespan of your appliances but also create a kitchen space that's a joy to cook in. Here's to many more culinary adventures in your sparkling kitchen!
Happy cleaning!
