Sentry Page Protection
Tip Store: Cleaning: Ovens, Stoves and Cooktops
Try Nail Polish Remover to Deodorise
Nail polish remover should get rid of the burnt smell in your microwave, make sure you rinse it thoroughly off. It's unlikely anything can cure the discolouration.
Contributed by Lara de Vries, 26th May 2016
Editor's note: Watch the type of nail polish remover you use, some will affect the material that lines your microwave. Test a non-acetone based remover on an inconspicuous area before going ahead and treating the whole cabinet.
Contributed by Lara de Vries, 26th May 2016
Editor's note: Watch the type of nail polish remover you use, some will affect the material that lines your microwave. Test a non-acetone based remover on an inconspicuous area before going ahead and treating the whole cabinet.
Whiten with a Lemon
Cut a lemon in half and rub over the inside of the microwave where it is discoloured yellow. Then get a bowl of warm water, squeeze the juice of the lemon into the water, place the lemon halves into the bowl as well. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat at 1 minute intervals to create a steam effect. After some minutes remove the bowl and wipe the inside of the microwave. The yellow should wipe away and the smell should now be improved. Can be repeated if required.
Contributed by Pauline Day, 26th May 2016
Contributed by Pauline Day, 26th May 2016
The Whole Lemon Deodoriser
Try cutting up a whole lemon. Place in a very large bowl or jug with 2 litres of water and boil in microwave till water starts to reduce in volume. I have used this successfully to remove smells from my microwave when things have been burnt in it. Wipe out the microwave every time or every second time that you check it after the water has started to boil.
Be VERY careful as that BOILING WATER and the STEAM can hurt you badly if spilt on you.
Contributed by Pat Parkin, 26th May 2016
Be VERY careful as that BOILING WATER and the STEAM can hurt you badly if spilt on you.
Contributed by Pat Parkin, 26th May 2016
Easy to Clean May Cost You More
Until recently I use to always have alfoil in the bottom of my oven to help with keeping it clean, well that was until I had an issue with my oven and had to get it replaced. The repair man that installed my new oven was very kind to tell me that if you leave alfoil in the bottom of your oven and it overheats (the alfoil) it will end up etching into the surface of your oven, and of all the things that are covered under a warranty the oven surface is not one of them. Now my new habit is to wipe down the oven with a damp cloth after it has cooled down a bit every time I use it. If I cook something that might spill over I make sure I put a tray under it in order to catch the spills and save on cleaning.
- Contributed by Kellie Van Dongen, 10th April 2012
- Contributed by Kellie Van Dongen, 10th April 2012
Clean Your Oven with Ease
Approximate $ Savings: $8.00
When cleaning your oven it is very time consuming cleaning the shelves. Make it so much easier by soaking your shelves in the laundry tub with some nappy san for approximately 24 hours and then just wash them in hot soapy water. All the grease and baked on grime will come straight off.
- Contributed by Kim Clydesdale, 15th August 2011
When cleaning your oven it is very time consuming cleaning the shelves. Make it so much easier by soaking your shelves in the laundry tub with some nappy san for approximately 24 hours and then just wash them in hot soapy water. All the grease and baked on grime will come straight off.
- Contributed by Kim Clydesdale, 15th August 2011
Sparkling Oven Racks
Approximate $ Savings: $3.00
Use cheap ammonia (1 cup) placed in a black plastic garbage bag and then insert oven racks, tie and leave overnight. They are then easy to clean the next day in soap and water (a normal dishwash). This is my mum's answer to cleaning oven racks and it really works.
- Contributed by Lee-Ann Collier, 25th August 2010
Use cheap ammonia (1 cup) placed in a black plastic garbage bag and then insert oven racks, tie and leave overnight. They are then easy to clean the next day in soap and water (a normal dishwash). This is my mum's answer to cleaning oven racks and it really works.
- Contributed by Lee-Ann Collier, 25th August 2010
Easy Clean Oven Mat
Approximate $ Savings: $65 a year and your time!
Place a silicone mat (like used to put biscuits on) on the bottom of your oven to catch the mess, then simply place it in the dishwasher (or in the sink to soak first). This not only saves your time in all the dreadful scrubbing and broken fingernails but also $65 in getting a professional out to clean it! It is also environmentally safer than using all the harsh chemicals to clean your oven, so potentially you can save even more! I picked up my silicone mat from the bookclubs that sell books at work for $6, but my father picked one up at a discount store for $2! We also use the mats to cook our food on public BBQ's. It is cleaner and at least you know the last time it was cleaned!
- Contributed by Katherine, Box Hill North, 21st April 2009
Place a silicone mat (like used to put biscuits on) on the bottom of your oven to catch the mess, then simply place it in the dishwasher (or in the sink to soak first). This not only saves your time in all the dreadful scrubbing and broken fingernails but also $65 in getting a professional out to clean it! It is also environmentally safer than using all the harsh chemicals to clean your oven, so potentially you can save even more! I picked up my silicone mat from the bookclubs that sell books at work for $6, but my father picked one up at a discount store for $2! We also use the mats to cook our food on public BBQ's. It is cleaner and at least you know the last time it was cleaned!
- Contributed by Katherine, Box Hill North, 21st April 2009
Dissolve It With DeSolveIt
I discovered a great product to remove plastic during my time as a commercial cleaner. New homes have plastic covering on their windows to protect them from damage but it perishes quickly in the sun and was very difficult to remove. The product is called DeSolveIt - it is an orange based cleaner and just softens the plastic. It is quite oily so you will probably need to use a lot of detergent on your range hood after removing the plastic too.
- Contributed by Sharon, Kilmore, 15th April 2009
- Contributed by Sharon, Kilmore, 15th April 2009
Great Oven Cleaner
Combine 2 parts bicarb soda, 1 part borax and 1 part very hot water to make a thick paste. Apply with gloves on and leave over night.
- Contributed by Dawn Clarke, 15th April 2010
- Contributed by Dawn Clarke, 15th April 2010
Grinding the Gunk Away
Approximate $ Savings: $7 on oven cleaner and $6 on toilet cleaner
I clean my oven weekly with bicarb and white vinegar, because I have a biocycle that throws a hissy fit and stops working if it even remotely smells a chemical cleaner of any kind, but sometimes, even scrubbing away with bicarb, there can be a really stubborn spot, especially last week, when my oven bag decided to burst and spray the entire oven with hot chicken fat. Then I remembered my mum's method of cleaning really stubborn burnt on food from the oven: a simple and cheap pumice stone. Always wet the stone first, it makes a nasty grating sound, but don't worry, it won't hurt the enamel of your oven, but don't use it on metal parts. The stone can remove years of baked on gunk!!! Mum even used one in the loo (a different one of course).Get your gloves on for this one, soak the stone in water for a couple of minutes, then start rubbing, the stone makes a loud scratching noise, but it won't damage your porcelain, as long as you keep the stone wet its great!!Please don't use the stone on metal, fibreglass or aluminium.
- Contributed by Heather, Clagiraba, 2nd October 2009
I clean my oven weekly with bicarb and white vinegar, because I have a biocycle that throws a hissy fit and stops working if it even remotely smells a chemical cleaner of any kind, but sometimes, even scrubbing away with bicarb, there can be a really stubborn spot, especially last week, when my oven bag decided to burst and spray the entire oven with hot chicken fat. Then I remembered my mum's method of cleaning really stubborn burnt on food from the oven: a simple and cheap pumice stone. Always wet the stone first, it makes a nasty grating sound, but don't worry, it won't hurt the enamel of your oven, but don't use it on metal parts. The stone can remove years of baked on gunk!!! Mum even used one in the loo (a different one of course).Get your gloves on for this one, soak the stone in water for a couple of minutes, then start rubbing, the stone makes a loud scratching noise, but it won't damage your porcelain, as long as you keep the stone wet its great!!Please don't use the stone on metal, fibreglass or aluminium.
- Contributed by Heather, Clagiraba, 2nd October 2009
Homemade Oven Cleaner
The cheapest and easiest way to keep your oven clean is to put 4 tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate in a big spray bottle add a little hot water, shake the living daylights out of it to dissolve, then fill to the top with cold water and just spray in the oven. If you keep it wet (spray everyday) it will slowly dissolve the muck and it will all fall to the bottom of the oven as a black powder. Too easy. I know it's hard to believe, but it really is this easy. I didn't believe it until I tried it, but it does work. It will take quite a while to get the oven clean if it is dirty, but once it is clean, this method with keep it that way.
- Contributed by Anne, 9th February 2009
- Contributed by Anne, 9th February 2009
Simple Way to Clean Oven Racks
Approximate $ Savings: $5-10
Everyone hates cleaning the oven, especially using those horrible chemicals on the very dirty racks. Before going to bed line the laundry sink with foil (Homebrand is great) a scoop of Nappy San and hot water. Next add the racks from the oven and leave overnight. There is a reaction that occurs with the foil and the racks that cleans them without any hard work on our part. Just wipe with a cloth and dry and put them back in your clean oven. The oven can be cleaned with the water and a cloth. I use Enjo, but others would work just as well. The rangehood has these silver looking guards that collect all the grease and grime when cooking, if you take them out and put them in your dishwasher they will come out sparkling clean.
- Contributed by Kirsty, The Basin, 3rd December 2008
Everyone hates cleaning the oven, especially using those horrible chemicals on the very dirty racks. Before going to bed line the laundry sink with foil (Homebrand is great) a scoop of Nappy San and hot water. Next add the racks from the oven and leave overnight. There is a reaction that occurs with the foil and the racks that cleans them without any hard work on our part. Just wipe with a cloth and dry and put them back in your clean oven. The oven can be cleaned with the water and a cloth. I use Enjo, but others would work just as well. The rangehood has these silver looking guards that collect all the grease and grime when cooking, if you take them out and put them in your dishwasher they will come out sparkling clean.
- Contributed by Kirsty, The Basin, 3rd December 2008
An Overnight Soak With Laundry Powder Keeps Oven Cleaning Easy
Approximate $ Savings: $10
I hate cleaning my oven. The sprays I have bought never really do a good job and the smell is terrible. I have found that soaking my oven racks in hot water with 1 or 2 scoops of laundry powder overnight works wonders. Very little scrubbing for the stubborn stains and the racks come up like new.
- Contributed by Lesley, Noble Park, 30th September 2008
I hate cleaning my oven. The sprays I have bought never really do a good job and the smell is terrible. I have found that soaking my oven racks in hot water with 1 or 2 scoops of laundry powder overnight works wonders. Very little scrubbing for the stubborn stains and the racks come up like new.
- Contributed by Lesley, Noble Park, 30th September 2008
Foiling a Greasy Mess
I have a gas cooktop with heavy cast iron trivets and I hated removing them just to wipe up some spills I would have whilst cooking. Now I clean my stove once a week by just putting foil over the stainless steel cooktop and at the end of the week I take the foil off and replace it with new foil. I also soak the stainless steel burner rings in hot soapy water and then clean them with steel wool. This saves time and elbow grease and a little bit of money by not wiping up the spills nightly and my stainless steel cooktop always looks great.
- Contributed by Cathy, Eastwood, 13th August 2008
- Contributed by Cathy, Eastwood, 13th August 2008
Foiled by the Oven
Approximate $ Savings: $10
I hate cleaning my oven. The fumes are toxic and it is just a hard job which I can never get completely clean. It would take me hours and then I would be worried about cooking in it with vapours still in the oven. Now I put a big sheet of foil on the bottom of the oven and all the mess and drips fall onto that. I just throw it out every couple of months and replace. I am saving myself so much time, money and energy and I'm not putting those toxic fumes into me or the environment.
- Contributed by Esta, Clontarf, 27th June 2008
I hate cleaning my oven. The fumes are toxic and it is just a hard job which I can never get completely clean. It would take me hours and then I would be worried about cooking in it with vapours still in the oven. Now I put a big sheet of foil on the bottom of the oven and all the mess and drips fall onto that. I just throw it out every couple of months and replace. I am saving myself so much time, money and energy and I'm not putting those toxic fumes into me or the environment.
- Contributed by Esta, Clontarf, 27th June 2008
Homebrand Nappy Soaker for Oven Cleaning
Approximate $ Savings: $10.00
Have a sparkling CLEAN oven overnight.... while you sleep. This really works.. Into your laundry tub add your dirty oven shelves. Fill tub with hot water and 1 cup nappy soaker. Soak overnight!!! Voila... Wipe over and back into your oven sparkly and clean. If you need to clean the door etc make a paste out of nappy soaker and water and leave for a while then rinse!! This really works without scrubbing, harsh fumes etc... try it now! PS also works for cleaning dirty baking trays.
- Contributed by Cath, Rochedale, 11th May 2008
Have a sparkling CLEAN oven overnight.... while you sleep. This really works.. Into your laundry tub add your dirty oven shelves. Fill tub with hot water and 1 cup nappy soaker. Soak overnight!!! Voila... Wipe over and back into your oven sparkly and clean. If you need to clean the door etc make a paste out of nappy soaker and water and leave for a while then rinse!! This really works without scrubbing, harsh fumes etc... try it now! PS also works for cleaning dirty baking trays.
- Contributed by Cath, Rochedale, 11th May 2008
Gran's Tip Makes a Horrid Job Easy
Approximate $ Savings: $8
Cleaning the oven is a horrid job, made even worse by the cost of oven cleaners. This is my Gran's tip, and she is a professional cook so has used it a lot. When you have finished using the oven, take a piece of textured cotton cloth (an old tea towel is perfect, or even a bit cut from old jeans) and soak it in cloudy ammonia. Fold the cloth into a pad and place it on a rack in the warm, not hot, oven. Leave it for a day. Then you put on your gloves and wipe the oven with the cloth. All the grease and burnt offerings will come away with the rough cloth, which can then be binned. The ammonia does smell but it's better than the chemicals in the oven cleaners. With a large bottle of cloudy ammonia less than $2, and oven cleaner anything up to $10 or so, I know how I'm cleaning my oven from now on.
- Contributed by Georgia, Keilor Park, 7th February 2008
Cleaning the oven is a horrid job, made even worse by the cost of oven cleaners. This is my Gran's tip, and she is a professional cook so has used it a lot. When you have finished using the oven, take a piece of textured cotton cloth (an old tea towel is perfect, or even a bit cut from old jeans) and soak it in cloudy ammonia. Fold the cloth into a pad and place it on a rack in the warm, not hot, oven. Leave it for a day. Then you put on your gloves and wipe the oven with the cloth. All the grease and burnt offerings will come away with the rough cloth, which can then be binned. The ammonia does smell but it's better than the chemicals in the oven cleaners. With a large bottle of cloudy ammonia less than $2, and oven cleaner anything up to $10 or so, I know how I'm cleaning my oven from now on.
- Contributed by Georgia, Keilor Park, 7th February 2008
To Clean Your Rangehood Filters
Fill your laundry trough up half way with hot water, add half a bag of Lectric Soda (generally found on the bottom shelf with the cleaning products, in all good supermarkets). Immerse your filters and watch the grease dissolve before your eyes. Rinse in hot water to remove any residue. If the filter is very dirty you may need to soak it a couple of times. This tip saves time and money as Lectric Soda is under $2.00 per bag and there is no hard scrubbing.
- Contributed by Jo, Ringwood, 18th August, 2007
- Contributed by Jo, Ringwood, 18th August, 2007
Stainless Steel Polish
A easy way to get my stainless steel stove looking new after I wash it with dishwashing water, is to rub it over with white vinegar on a tea towel and it gives it new life and gets any left over grease off. I even do it on the tiles on the back of the stove.
- Contributed by Maria, Hervey Bay, May 2nd 2005
- Contributed by Maria, Hervey Bay, May 2nd 2005
Strange Oven Cleaner
We all know what a hassle it is to clean the oven. While this suggestion may seem a little strange, it really works. Instead of spending money on toxic oven cleaners, give your oven and oven racks a spray with degreaser. Let it sit for 5 minutes then wipe out thoroughly with a damp cloth. You'll be amazed at how easily the built up grime wipes off.
- Contributed by Ros, Queanbeyan, April 6th 2005
- Contributed by Ros, Queanbeyan, April 6th 2005
A Cheap and Quick Way to Clean Your Oven
Into a warm oven place a small bowl of Cloudy Ammonia leave overnight and next day wipe out the oven and all the grease will be removed I use hot soapy water then I line the bottom of my oven with foil.
- Contributed by Teresa, Beverley Hills, March 14th 2005
- Contributed by Teresa, Beverley Hills, March 14th 2005
Save Time and Money on Cleaning Your Stove
How to save time and money on cleaning your stove. Make sure your stove is clean before you start. To keep your stove clean without EVER having to scrub for hours or use ANY nasty chemicals, lift the top elements of the stove and cover the base with alfoil making sure to overlap. I repeat this with the grill and the bottom of the oven. Ta da you never need to scrub your oven again. If you have any spills while cooking just replace the alfoil and wipe up any spillage straight away.
- Contributed by Toni, Tierie, November 20th 2006
- Contributed by Toni, Tierie, November 20th 2006
Clean, Fresh Oven
To clean your oven place an ovenproof bowl of hot water in the oven, cut one lemon into quarters and add to water. Set microwave for one minute. Remember to use a microwave proof dish, dispose of water and lemon. With other oven types, set your oven temperature to 150 degrees Celsius and leave in oven for approximately 15-20 minutes. You will have a nice clean and fresh smelling oven
- Contributed by Rosemary, North Rockhampton, February 3rd 2005
- Contributed by Rosemary, North Rockhampton, February 3rd 2005
Cleaning Oven Racks With Ease
Instead of scrubbing and scrubbing your oven racks trying to get them clean and using harsh chemicals try soaking them in your laundry tub in hot water and Lectric Soda, after an hour or so, depending on how dirty they are, take them out and give them a wipe with a cloth. They come up shiny and brand new much easier than scrubbing and scrubbing and they are still not clean.
- Contributed by Sal, Numurkah, October 4th 2006
- Contributed by Sal, Numurkah, October 4th 2006
Oven Cleaning
This hint is a real time, money and environment saver. I have discovered the best way to remove unsightly baked on stains from the glass on my oven door is to scrape it away gently with a decorators razor blade once the glass is completely cold. (You buy the blades in packs for next to nothing at any hardware store and some supermarkets and they last almost forever!) Just be careful to skim across the glass and not cut into it. Of course they can also be used for their traditional purpose of scraping dried over-painting from windows too! Not only will your finances thank you but the environment will too with less use of chemicals around the house.
- Contributed by Suzie, Beaumaris, September 15th 2006
- Contributed by Suzie, Beaumaris, September 15th 2006
Cheap Crème Cleanser Works Well
I have the same heavy hotplates and I use a creme cleanser on mine , cheap brand is just as good, I am using Coles brand Reliance Creme Cleanser. I just pour it on to the hotplates and use some elbow grease to rub it in and leave it on while I do the dishes. Then I just wipe clean after I have finished the dishes. If they get too bad I leave it on overnight. Hope this works for you too.
- Contributed by Joan, Plainland, April 19th 2006
- Contributed by Joan, Plainland, April 19th 2006
How to Clean Hotplates
You can purchase a proper hotplate cleaner from most stores that sell electrical products. It is sold in a tube. It is a black paste that you wipe onto the hotplate then turn them on to burn it off. They come up looking really good.
- Contributed by Tania, Morphett Vale, April 20th 2006
- Contributed by Tania, Morphett Vale, April 20th 2006
Easy Clean Grill
Napisan is a great soaker for the griller. Use very hot water, leave it overnight, and that thing will shine!
Contributed by Jennifer Rowston
Editor's note: A generic soaker or washing soda or dishwasher powder will also clean up your grill, stovetop trivets and oven racks, even the barbecue plates! Just fill the laundry sink with hot water, add the soaker and then the items (make sure they are fully submerged) and let them soak overnight. Next morning pull the plug, rinse under hot water and dry. As Jennifer said, they will shine! Cath
Contributed by Jennifer Rowston
Editor's note: A generic soaker or washing soda or dishwasher powder will also clean up your grill, stovetop trivets and oven racks, even the barbecue plates! Just fill the laundry sink with hot water, add the soaker and then the items (make sure they are fully submerged) and let them soak overnight. Next morning pull the plug, rinse under hot water and dry. As Jennifer said, they will shine! Cath