Which? urges caution as your oven door could shatter over simple error

Cleaning the oven is perhaps one of the most overlooked tasks there is when it comes to the kitchen.

However, when we do clean it, some of us are probably doing it wrong. And it could cause our oven door to shatter at the most unexpected time.

According to Which?, while you can clean your oven with bicarbonate of soda, it’s not about what you clean it with, but how. It explains: “No matter what you use, you’ll need decent scrubbing brushes or sponges with scourers. An old toothbrush can help you get grease out of any nooks and crannies.

“Don’t use scourers on a glass oven door, though. These can introduce tiny scratches on the surface of the glass, which could leave it vulnerable to shattering in the future.”

If you want to clean your oven with bicarbonate of soda safely, try the following steps.

1. For a natural cleaning option, use everyday bicarbonate of soda
2. Make a paste by mixing equal parts of bicarbonate of soda and water
3. Apply to greasy or burnt-on spots and leave for a few hours
4. Scrub off to reveal a clean surface

To make the job more manageable, the consumer champions say that you should “clean little and often”. It advises: “Wipe down your oven at least once a month. If you’ve cooked something that you know has splattered everywhere (such as a roast or a bubbling casserole), you should wipe your oven down once it has cooled.”

It notes that if you smell something burning while your oven preheats, it’s often leftover food from a previous spill slowly burning away. Once the oven is cool, wipe it clean to prevent stubborn residue from sticking.

Other ways to stop the mess include using a lid or foil to prevent bubbling and splattering. You should also place dishes on a baking tray instead of directly on the oven rack to catch any drips.

If all else fails, you could get a professional cleaning. Which? says: “Prices vary, but expect to pay from £50 upwards depending on whether you have a single or double oven, and whether the service also includes cleaning the hob and cooker hood.”