Why you need to clean your oven before (not after) Christmas

Oven in need of a spruce up before the big day? Premium appliance brand AEG reveals some expert tricks to a sparring shine — as well as the benefits of ticking off this task before the festive season gets properly underway.

Clean your trays with a 2p coin

When your baking trays turn brown, this trick is sure to get them shining. Rub the tray with a 2p coin, scraping the surface to remove stains, and rinse in warm water with washing-up liquid. Not only is it a great way to keep baking trays clean, but it also saves you from spending money on new bakeware.

The 30p dishwasher tablet hack

When stubborn grease refuses to budge, soak a dishwasher tablet in warm water and use it to rub away the stains. This will require just one tablet, which can cost as little as 30p, or for bigger ovens with tougher dirt, you may need two tablets.

Mix bicarbonate of soda and washing-up liquid

To avoid spending money on expensive cleaning products, create a paste by mixing two tablespoons of water with six tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda and a small squirt of washing-up liquid. Apply to the inside of the oven, leave to sit overnight, and wipe away with a damp cloth. 

Steam clean with citrus fruits

Place a bowl of warm water inside a warm oven — not hot, using an ovenproof bowl. Orange slices are a great addition, as the smell removes odours. Close the door and leave the bowl for 10 to 20 minutes. Wipe away residue with a damp cloth, and your oven will stay mess-free this December.

Ventilate the oven after cleaning

Remember to always ventilate the oven after it has been cleaned by opening the door and turning on the exhaust fans. To do this, run the oven at its maximum temperature for around 15 to 30 minutes after it has been thoroughly cleaned.

Use a good quality glass scraper

A clean oven door is essential for the festive period so you can check on the turkey and trimmings. A spray of cleaning detergent and cloth, however, may not be enough to cut through dirt. A glass scraper, on the other hand, is tough enough to remove traces of food without weakening the door.

Invest in an oven liner

Oven liners are a simple way to ensure your oven stays cleaner for longer. They are reusable, heat-resistant mats that catch any debris at the base of your oven. For the best results, place the oven liner on the bottom rack and clean with a damp cloth after every use.

Remove harsh chemicals with a spray bottle

Oven cleaners can contain harsh chemicals which can contaminate food — so it’s important to wipe away all products after use with a scrubber or damp cloth. For a thorough clean, use a spray bottle filled with warm water to reach the far corners of the oven and wipe away lingering chemicals.

Why else should you clean your oven before Christmas?

Save money on your bills: according to the Energy Saving Trust, a dirty oven can use up to 10% more energy than a clean one. It also needs less time to preheat, reducing preparation and cooking times.  

It can ruin the taste of future dishes: if you forget to clean an oven after cooking an overflowing lasagne, for example, it’s likely your next meal will taste faintly of burnt cheese — not ideal when cooking your turkey!

A clean oven improves distribution: according to Fast Oven Cleaning, residue in dirty ovens causes heat pockets that affect temperature. Cleaning before 25 Dec will ensure your feast is cooked evenly.