Cleaning the oven can be one of the most dreaded chores at home as the stubborn burn stains will not budge no matter how long you scrub at them. When food or grease splatters in the oven, the heat will instantly harden them and turn extrmely sticky.
These stains will then continue to trap food particles every time you cook to create a glue-like grime which will make it very difficult to remove since most cleaners are not strong enough to dissolve the grease However, the cleaning experts at Oven Detailing have shared a natural yet very effective way to quickly remove grease is to use cornstarch.
They said: “Cornstarch is a common kitchen staple that, when combined with other natural cleaners, can effectively help lift and absorb grease from your oven’s surfaces.
“It’s non-toxic, gentle, and safe to use, making it an excellent alternative to harsh chemical degreasers.”
Cornstarch is highly absorbent, and when you sprinkle it onto grease stains it will soak up the oil to help loosen the stain.
However, cornstarch is known to boost other cleaning agents like lemon juice, white vinegar or baking soda, as it helps thicken the solution.
This helps it get into stuck on stains like baked grease which also helps make it much easier to remove.
It works by softening the greasy residue so it stop sticking to the oven and helping other cleaners penetrate the stain so your oven can be cleaned without having to scrub at it.
How to clean an oven using cornstarch
You will need:
- Cornstarch
- White vinegar or lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Soft cloth or sponge
Cornstarch tends to be more effective when mixed with baking soda, a alkaline product with helps dissolve grease. You should also use a acidic product like white vinegar or lemon juice which breaks down the bonds in grease to make it easy to wipe away without scrubbing.
Method:
To begin, combine two tablespoons of cornstarch with warm water to form a thick paste. Then, add one tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar.
Mix everything together and then apply the paste to any greasy stains on your open. Make sure to completely cover greasy spots but do not apply to the heating element as it could damage it.
Then, leave the mixture to sit for 15 to 30 minutes in the oven as it gives the cornstarch more time to absorb the grease.
Once the time is up, use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe the grease stains. They should now be lose and very easy to remove, but if there is any resistance, then let the paste sit for a longer period of time such as overnight.
When the grease is gone, use another wet cloth to remove any leftover paste and then wipe down the oven to dry it.
Your oven should now be completely clean without having to scrub so you do not have to put off cleaning your oven ever again.