Charley Webb discusses her clean-out at her home
Getting the job done is at the top of the agenda when you have a dirty, grime laden oven and harsh chemicals are pretty good at doing the trick. Trying out natural alternatives is a safer way to achieve that deep clean whilst avoiding corrosive chemicals and caustic fumes, but what are the best tried and tested solutions for an oven that looks just like new?
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The dangers of chemical cleaners
Ditching harsh chemical cleaners is a no brainer if you suffer from the likes of asthma or contact dermatitis as the strong fumes can pollute the air in your home and irritate your skin.
Research conducted by Asthma UK and the London Doctor’s Clinic has found that the volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) found in cleaning products can trigger anything from skin reactions to fatal asthma attacks, with symptoms including:
- Irritation of the eyes, nose or throat
- Shortness of breath, cough, wheeze
- Nausea, headaches/migraine, dizziness, skin issues and allergic reactions
Not only are chemicals irritating to the respiratory system and skin but they can also be damaging to the environment and so can their plastic packaging.
Whilst there are several eco-friendly brands on the market which contain significantly reduced levels of VOCs and less plastic, the best way to go green when cleaning is by making your own natural solutions.
1. Steam
Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be a time consuming, dreaded process with this ‘steam and leave’ method.
One of the most natural ways to clean your oven is to place an oven-safe pot or bowl filled with water inside to steam clean the dirt away.
Set your oven to 450 degrees for 20 to 60 minutes to loosen dirt and grease with the steam.
Turn off your oven and leave to cool before wiping away the condensation with a clean cloth or paper towel and watch the dirt lift off with it.