The Ultimate Guide to Spring Cleaning
Safety first! In all instances, before you begin cleaning it, ensure your appliance is unplugged from the mains; moreover, that these elements do not get wet in the process.
Our manufacturers build their appliances to last; this is why so many of them offer guarantees of up to 5 years when you purchase a new appliance. However, with a dedicated effort to conduct a little maintenance on them, you can prolong the lifespan of your product even further, keeping it running efficiently, and saving you money.
In all instances, we recommend referring to the manufacturer’s guidelines before spring cleaning any of your home appliances.
How to Spring Clean your Cooking Appliances
If you’ve not opted for a self-cleaning oven with pyrolytic technology, with our handy cleaning guide, and a little bit of elbow grease, we’ll have your cooking appliance gleaming like new in no time.
Cleaning Your Cooker & Oven
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need caustic oven cleaners, or to hire a professional - all you’ll need is baking soda, vinegar and lemons, to naturally lift and remove any dirt or grease. As it’s Spring cleaning, we’re recommending lemons and baking soda for your oven to smell as fresh as Spring itself! Follow our step-by-step guide to have your oven sparkling like new in no time!
If your oven is particularly dirty, with burnt on grease residue and stuff stuck to the bottom, simply sprinkle baking soda on the scorched food and leave to soften overnight. By the time morning comes you should be able to wipe it away with warm water and a sponge.
- Free from debris. Ensure the oven is switched off from the mains and cool. Place a baking tray at the bottom of the oven, then with your trusty marigolds on, using an old washing up sponge, brush down the racks of any visible food remnants. Simply empty the caught debris into the bin and load your tray into the dishwasher when done.
- Remove the racks, shelves and trays. Laying newspapers or old towels on the floor to protect the surface, lay the racks, trays and shelves out and sprinkle generously with baking soda, then spray with undiluted white vinegar. When the vinegar comes into contact with the baking soda it will fizz letting you know it’s doing its job! (Vinegar is a great disinfectant and great for removing water spots too!) When the foaming stops, submerge them in hot soapy water and leave to soak overnight.
- Clean the inside. Before you embark upon this part, lay an old tea towel or newspaper down to protect the floor. Sprinkle baking soda liberally all over the inside of the oven, then using a scrubbing pad and a little water, scrub the entire interior of the oven vigorously. Let this sit for 5-10 minutes, then squeeze the juice from the lemons into a washing up bowl filled with warm water. Start washing off the baking soda with a cloth or old towel, (rinsing your cloth after every wipe). When all of the build up is gone, wipe over with the lemon water again.
- Clean the oven top. We’d recommend using a solution of baking soda and vinegar, as these work just as well on ceramic tops as they do on stainless steel and other metals. Start by giving it a wipe down first. Then sprinkle baking soda over the entire area, allow the solution to sit for up to 30 minutes, then wipe down with a cloth, using an old soft toothbrush to get into any crevices. Spray undiluted white vinegar over the top of the oven, when the fizzing stops, use a cloth to wipe off all residue. Once all residue has been wiped away, wipe over with warm water once more and buff dry with a soft cloth. If you have a special oil recommended for your appliance, buff this in using a dry soft cloth.
- Clean the oven door. The finishing touch! Make sure your floor is protected either with an old towel or newspaper, then using a glass scraper or scourer remove any stuck on food. Now, using a soft cloth and some hot water and washing up liquid, wipe down the door, rinsing your cloth with every wipe to ensure you don’t smear dirt around. Using paper towels wipe dry ensuring all product residue is removed.
- Bravo! You are done. Replace the racks, trays and shelves and close the door. Dispose of any newspaper laid out and pop the towels in the washing machine.
- Looking for a guide to Cookers? Our Buyer’s Guide should help point you in the right direction as to what options are available.
- Need a new cooker for your kitchen? Shop models from your favourite manufacturers online for distribution via our network of independent Euronics Agents.
- Looking for a guide to Ovens? Our Buyer’s Guide should help point you in the right direction as to what options are available.
- Need a new oven for your kitchen? Shop models from your favourite manufacturers online for distribution via our network of independent Euronics Agents.
- Looking for a guide to Hobs? Our Buyer’s Guide should help point you in the right direction as to what options are available.
- Need a new hob for your kitchen? Shop models from your favourite manufacturers online for distribution via our network of independent Euronics Agents.
Spring Cleaning Your Microwave
- Targeting the interior! Fill a large microwavable bowl with 250ml water, slice and and squeeze the juice from 1-2 citrus fruits of your choice. Put on full power for a few minutes and when the mixture boils up and the doors begin to steam up, you’re done. Leave to cool for 5 minutes then wipe the inside down with a sponge. If the turntable has any stuck on residue, remove and wash by hand, or simply pop into the dishwasher.
- Cleaning the doors. Using a sponge dampened with water and dipped in a little baking soda, clean the entire door, edges, both sides, and where it seals the oven. When this operation is complete wipe with a damp cloth to rinse and ensure all residue is removed. If the window is particularly greasy, using a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution, wipe down and then rinse clean.
- Something burning? The smell of burnt popcorn or other strong aromas can come back as soon as you turn your microwave on again. These are best dealt with immediately after the event for superior odour cleaning ability! For light aromas, simply leaving the door ajar to air, or placing a small bowl of bicarbonate of soda inside with the door closed overnight should eradicate the odour. For stronger smells, you can use odour absorbing gels which can be left in overnight or until you need to use it again .
- Looking for a guide to Microwaves? Our Buyer’s Guide should help point you in the right direction as to what options are available.
- Need a new microwave for your kitchen? Shop models from your favourite manufacturers online for distribution via our network of independent Euronics Agents.
- https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-an-oven
- https://www.realhomes.com/advice/how-to-clean-stainless-steel
- https://www.ahs.com/home-matters/quick-tips/how-to-clean-oven-racks/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a17694/spring-cleaning-microwave-grime/
