Eco-Friendly Ways to Clean Your Oven
Typical oven cleaners contain multiple chemicals, some quite dangerous, such as sodium hydroxide (commonly known as caustic soda or lye). According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, oven cleaners containing this dangerous chemical can cause burns if they come in contact with skin, and inhalation of them can cause respiratory irritation. And anytime such a cleaner is used, sodium hydroxide and other chemicals get into the environment.
Also, most commercial oven cleaners come in aerosol cans. Environmentalists have been concerned for some time about the ozone depletion caused by pressurized spray cans. Thankfully, there are more eco-friendly ways to clean the tough grease and build-up that ovens can accumulate.
1. Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Always a favorite for natural cleaning, baking soda can be used for oven cleaning as well. Simply spray the inside of your oven with water, then sprinkle baking soda onto the wet surfaces. Leave it overnight, and in the morning, wipe away the grime. You may have to do some scrubbing (steel wool is effective), but most of the dirt will cling to the baking soda.
2. Washing Soda (sodium carbonate)
Not to be confused with baking soda, washing soda can be found in most stores that sell laundry detergent. Mix one part washing soda with four parts baking soda; add enough water to make a paste, and spread it inside your oven. Leave it overnight, then wipe your oven down the next day. Be sure to rinse.
3. Commercial cleaners that are environmentally friendly
More and more cleaners are becoming available for purchase that do not have the unhealthy chemicals and fumes of traditional oven cleaners. Look for ones that are not packaged in aerosol cans. They may cost a bit more, but with your family’s health and the planet to protect, it is a worthy investment.
4. Borax
This is another product found in the laundry detergent aisle. It is typically used in addition to detergent as a “boost” for laundry. But it can also be used in oven cleaning. Mix the following into a spray bottle: two tablespoons liquid soap, 2 teaspoons borax, and 1-2 cups warm water. Spray this on the inside of your oven, then leave it for a few hours and wipe off.
Don’t forget the microwave. A paste made from just baking soda and water has been known to clean dried-on mess from a chili explosion! Simply mix baking soda with water and apply to the inside of your microwave. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight; then wipe out with a soft cloth. You don’t want to use scrubbers like steel wool in the microwave.
There are a lot of elaborate substances available to clean your oven effectively. But simple, household items can work nicely, and be eco-friendly.
Related posts:
- Cleaning Green Tips
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
- 7 Tips to Creating an Eco-Friendly Environment
- Eco Laundry Balls – Product Review
Tags: aerosol cans, Don, Laundry Detergent, oven, soda, sodium bicarbonate, U.S. Department, water
