Many people don’t know how they’d get on without their oven. Since an oven is a pricey appliance, it’s a good idea to keep yours in good shape for its working life. For most ovens, that’s about 16 years, but it can be even longer. Here are some care tips for this needful appliance.
Read and Keep the Instruction Manual
Read your oven’s instruction manual even before you have it installed. Then, keep it in a safe place for whenever you may need to refer to it.
Give Your Oven a Regular Cleaning
Modern ovens come with a self-clean mode, and though it’s useful, there’s no substitute for a thorough cleaning of the oven. Some experts say this job should be done at least twice a year, but it’s probably a better idea to do it every two months or so. Here are the first steps when it comes to cleaning your oven.
- Put on rubber gloves.
- Spread newspapers over the floor.
- Open the windows.
- Protect your skin and your eyes if you’re using chemical cleaners.
- Make sure to use disposable cleaning cloths or paper towels.
- Unplug the oven.
- Take out the racks and let them soak in warm soapy water.
- Check the rubber gasket around your oven door, and if it’s cracked or worn, replace it. A worn gasket leaks heat and makes your oven less efficient.
- Don’t pull off the knobs, even if you’ve unplugged the oven. Naked knobs are an electrical shock hazard.
Vacuum or use a wet sponge to pick up any crumbs from inside the oven. Apply oven cleaner or a paste of water and baking soda to the inside of the oven, and let it sit overnight. Then, use a sponge dipped in warm water to clean off the cleaner and any residual debris. Use a fresh, damp sponge to get rid of any lingering dirt until the oven sparkles.
Have Your Gas Line Inspected
If you have a gas-powered oven, it’s crucial that the gas line be in good shape. Indeed, if you buy a new oven, you should have a new gas line installed along with it. If you ever smell gas, get out of your house immediately, stand at least 300 feet away from your home, and call 911.
Clean the Space Beneath and Behind Your Oven
This may seem daunting, but debris that invariably finds its way beneath and behind your oven can make it less efficient. If the buildup is bad enough, it can become a fire hazard.
Contact Us to Help You Take Care of Your Oven
Your oven is such an important part of your home that you want it to last as long as possible. If you need your oven or its gas line inspected or need any sort of troubleshooting, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Sierra Appliance Services of Porterville, CA.
