Keeping your oven clean is a piece of cake

I frequently get calls from folks wanting to know how to properly clean their self-cleaning ovens because they have lost or misplaced their instructions.

In this week's article, I thought I would explore with the reading audience the care and cleaning of self-cleaning ovens.

Self-cleaning ovens, when activated, have a cleaning cycle which heats the oven to the point where the material left behind disintegrates. Oven brands and makes vary so it is very important to read all of the instructions before placing it in operation.

To prevent food from being baked on, pre-clean the area not exposed to the high heat during the cleaning cycle; the frame around the oven opening and edges of the door outside the gasket.

Note: Never clean the gasket with anything, even water can corrode it and cause the seal to be broken during cooking or when running the cleaning cycle.

If, after running the cleaning cycle, all of the spillage has not disintegrated, use hot water and liquid dishwashing soap or make a paste out of baking soda and hot water to clean hard-to-clean area. Make sure the area is rinsed well after a manual cleaning.

To avoid etching or discoloration of the oven finish, wipe up spills immediately that are high in acid, like tomato sauce, fruit or milk products. The porcelain enamel inside your oven is acid-resistant but not acid-proof.

Broiler pans and oven racks should be removed before the cleaning cycle.

Soak them first, then wash them by hand using a nylon abrasive scrubber. Add about three to four ounces of ammonia to your soaking water.

When the cleaning cycle has finished, wipe out the ash with a damp cloth. Never use chemical oven cleaners in a self-cleaning oven.

The high heat during the cleaning cycle will cause it to etch the porcelain enamel.

Next week, I will continue the series with continuous-cleaning ovens.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabrics and paints before using any chemical compound. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified executive housekeeper and certified fire, water and mold remediation contractor. Ed is chief executive officer of Northwest Environmental Services, which specializes in commercial, residential construction, and crime scene decontamination and cleanup.