Ovens are an important part of any kitchen. But with regular use, ovens get dirty, and dirty ovens have to be cleaned.
However, ovens are highly sensitive appliances prone to damage if harsh chemicals are used. Thus, you need to think of the ingredients in the products you use.
But what types of chemicals should you look for in an oven cleaner and more importantly,
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Is Oven Cleaner An Acid, Base, Or Neutral?
Most modern oven cleaners available in the market are made from a base.
Ovens are full of dirt, grime, oily sludge, and baked-on crud. These deposits accumulate in your oven over time and can contribute to rust. Since bases neutralize acids, oven cleaners have the power to cut through grease and grime stains.
You need to take extreme care when using commercial oven cleaners, and knowing the pH of the product can help you make the right decision when buying a new one.
What is the pH of Oven Cleaners?
Oven cleaners fall between 9 and 14 on the pH scale. Most oven cleaners are alkaline, and their pH level is around 7. Mild oven cleaners have a pH between 9-10. Some strong oven cleaners available in the market have a pH between 11-14.
For an extremely dirty oven, it is best to use an oven cleaner with a pH of more than 12. For light cleaning, oven cleaners of pH levels 9-10 should be safe.
Why Do We Use Bases In Ovens Cleaners?
Accumulated food particles and stubborn grease in ovens are often tough to remove. Thus, using oven cleaners with a base is used. The solution helps break down organic chemicals such as grease or oil without damaging the metal surfaces that they are attached to. Acids, on the other hand, can react with the metal the oven is made of and cause damage to it.
How to Clean Your Oven Using An Oven Cleaner
- Remove everything from your oven – pizza stone, racks, thermometer, etc.
- Place paper towels or newspapers on the floor below the oven.
- Wear safety gloves and goggles before proceeding with the cleaning.
- Spray the oven cleaner inside of the oven in different areas such as the back, sides, top, bottom, corners, and door. It is critical to avoid the heating elements in case you have an electric oven. Instead, just lift them and spray them underneath them. If you have a gas oven, do not spray over the area where the gas comes through.
- Allow the spray to sit for some time, as listed on the label. Most oven cleaners need to be left for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- In the meantime, take all the oven racks, clean them using the oven cleaner, rinse them with water, and put them out to dry.
- Once suitable time has passed, use a damp cloth to wipe the oven’s inside carefully. If you find sticky spots, use a sponge to remove the grime.
- Place the dry racks back in the oven, and you are done!
Are Oven Cleaners Toxic?
Yes. Oven cleaners are very toxic. Oven cleaners contain several harmful chemicals, such as caustic soda, dichloromethane, and ethylene glycol. When these hazardous chemicals come in touch with your skin or, if consumed, they can cause skin irritation, chemical burns, and poisoning.
Can Oven Cleaners Damage Your Oven?
When oven cleaners are used improperly, they can completely ruin your oven. For example, if you have just used oven cleaner to clean your oven and have not wiped it completely, turning it on can cause damage. Thus, you need to ensure that the oven is completely wiped off before using it again.
