DIY Network

Kitchen Cleanup II: Cleaning the Oven From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-141

	Figure A
	Figure B

It's time to tackle the hard stuff; the baked on spills and stains that happen in the oven and on the cook top. And, on occasion, even a self cleaning oven needs a helping hand (figure A).

Cleaning the Oven

• To clean any oven, preheat to 200 degrees, leave it on for 15 minutes, then turn off the heat. Fill a shallow glass pan with ammonia and place it on the top rack of the oven; on the lower rack, place a shallow pan filled with 2 cups of boiling water (figure B). Close the door and leave the pans in the oven for at least 2 hours, overnight if possible. Remove the pans and make a cleaning paste of ammonia mixed with 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar. Spread the paste over the oven surfaces and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub with a sponge and repeat if necessary. Rinse thoroughly.

• If something boils over while you're cooking, sprinkle a heavy layer of salt on the spill and continue cooking; the smoke and odor will disappear immediately. Leave the salt on the spill overnight and the next day if will easily lift up with a spatula.

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	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

• To clean ceramic stovetops make a paste of dish washing liquid, water and baking soda. Apply with a clean scrubbing sponge to a cool cook top. Let the mixture sit on tough spots before wiping off and rinsing thoroughly.

• A razor blade can be used to remove stubborn residue; run the razor gently over the surface to lift off the food, then clean the surface with the cleaning paste and a soft sponge or cloth (figure C). You can also pat on ammonia and let it sit on the stain or apply non-gel toothpaste with a damp cloth, let it sit, them wipe away the residue. Rinse thoroughly.

• To clean chrome burner rings and guards, remove them from the stove and place each one in a separate plastic bag. Place a paper towel over each piece and spray the towel with ammonia. Close the bag and leave for several hours up to overnight. Open the bag away from the face to avoid the ammonia fumes, wipe off residue, wash and rinse (figure D).

• Non-abrasive disinfecting, scouring powder -- Combine 1 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of borax (figure E). Mix and keep in a labeled shaker jar. Use for basic cleaning.

• Non-toxic grease cutting, scouring powder -- Combine 1 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of washing soda. Mix and keep in a labeled shaker jar. Use for greasy spills.