5 Unexpected Ways To Use Oven Cleaners Around The House
Oven cleaners work wonders to break down the most stubborn food and grease stains. While they are known for how effective they are at cleaning, you should be careful when using oven any cleaning products, as many are caustic – Maggie's Oven Services explains that these products use concentrated lye as the active ingredient, which is highly corrosive. However, as long as you rinse the area you used the cleaner on, it will be safe. The water will dilute the lye, making it harmless.
The key to staying safe is ensuring there is proper ventilation. Doing this means opening nearby windows and doors or working outside if possible. You can also wear a face mask for extra protection. Easy-Off also stresses that you must wear long gloves and keep the can pointed away from your face. If you don't handle these cleansers properly, they can burn your eyes or skin and give you a painful cough or sore throat.
Pots and pans
Just like with baked-on grease and food splatters in an oven, the bottom of pots and pans can be almost impossible to clean. Instead of tossing them in the garbage, you can make them look as good as new with spray-on oven cleaner. It works the same way as if you used the cleanser for its intended purpose. The only precaution you need to take, other than ensuring you have good ventilation, is that your pots and pans aren't stainless steel. According to In The Know, you shouldn't use oven cleaner on this type of cookware because it contains aluminum which could become discolored or pitted.
There are two ways you can do this. The first way is by taking the oven cleaner and spraying it on your cookware. Then let it sit for 30 seconds before wiping it clean. If that wasn't enough to remove the baked-on grease and food stains, you could start by heating the pan or pot on the stove. Then spray the oven cleaner and leave it on for 30 minutes, and use the abrasive side of a sponge to scrub it clean. Before using your cookware with food again, it's important to rinse them with a solution of 50% vinegar and 50% water, which will ensure that any chemicals from the cleanser are removed.
Glass fireplace doors
Glass fireplace doors are often covered in soot, especially if you don't regularly clean them. Depending on the type of fuel you use in your fireplace, it will need cleaning according to a different schedule. Gas needs the least amount of cleaning, so you can wait about every six months. However, if you use it frequently with wood or pellets, it should be cleaned about once a month. The most effective spray-on oven cleaner for fireplace doors is the Easy-Off Professional Oven and Grill Cleaner, according to Essential Home and Garden.
Before you start cleaning, if possible, you want to remove the doors to your fireplace, which will prevent any of the soot from falling onto your floors or carpet. If you can't, lay out tarps or garbage bags for protection. Ensure your fireplace is off and cool to the touch before spraying the cleaner on the glass. Let it sit for at least 30 seconds, then you can use a damp cloth to wipe it down.
Bathtub rings
The bathroom is another place you can use oven cleaner. Although, be careful which one you use because bathrooms don't have as much ventilation as other areas of a home. You should always open windows and doors, so the chemical smell is not as potent, and you can purchase Fume-Free Easy-Off. Organizing.TV explains that it will make removing mold, mildew, and stains from your bathtub a breeze, and it's safe to use on fiberglass, porcelain, and other types of ceramic.
To use oven cleaner on your bathtub, you should first prepare by removing any soap, bottles, or toys from the area — using this spray on children's toys is very dangerous and should be avoided. Cover the entire bathtub with the cleaner and leave it for about an hour. Then use a sponge to scrub any extra tough spots. Finish by filling a bucket with equal parts vinegar and water. Use this to rinse the bathtub before putting all your toiletries back in place.
Cast iron pans
Cast iron skillets are heavy-duty pans that can last for generations. Whether you inherit yours from your family or find one at a thrift store, you must thoroughly clean them. As long as there are no holes or cracks, you can keep cooking with it, notes Taste of Home. Oven cleaners can make the difficult task of removing years of grease and gunk from these pans. The Cast Iron Collector explains that Easy-Off Heavy Duty is the best product for this use. It has a thicker consistency than the original Easy-Off formula, which makes it better at stripping a skillet.
Before starting, ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area. Put your cast iron pan into a plastic bag and cover it with the oven cleaner. The plastic will prevent the cleaner from evaporating, so it will work until you check back on your skillet the next day. Repeat the process if there is still a brown-black colored goo stuck to the pan after you wipe away the cleaner. Otherwise, you can finish by rinsing it with a one-to-one ratio of water and distilled white vinegar. After your pan is completely dry, season it, and it's ready to use again.
Hair styling tools
Hair styling tools are tricky to clean because you don't want to get them wet. Over time hair straighteners and curling irons will get covered with product buildup that needs to get wiped away. IMBB explains that you need to clean your styling tools to maintain healthy hair, and an oven cleaner will make the job easier. The key to this method is not using a lot of the product at once.
You will need cotton balls, q-tips, or paper towels — you don't want to spray the product directly on your straightener, or moisture may get into the electrical section. For them to be completely clean, you may need to go over them multiple times, or you can let the oven cleaner soak in for a couple of minutes. Then you should dip a cotton ball into a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. Use this to rinse the oven cleaner off of your tools. Once dry, it's safe to style your hair with them again.