A convection oven contains fans for even heat distribution. So, it is very important to clean the fan so that it performs effectively during operation.
A fan-assisted oven is very easy to clean. Let’s see how.
Preparing to Clean
There are some things that you need to prepare prior to starting to clean your fan-assisted oven.
Gathering Supplies
These are the essential things that you need to clean your fan-assisted oven.
- Oven cleaner or a natural alternative
- Microfiber cloths or sponges
- Oven gloves or mitts
- Scrubbing brush or toothbrush
- Baking soda and vinegar (optional)
- Dish soap
Safety Precautions
You must take The following safety precautions while cleaning your fan-assisted oven.
- You need to ensure that your oven is completely cool before you start the cleaning process.
- The next thing you need to do is always unplug your oven to avoid electrical hazards. Also, always wear protective gloves. They will protect your hands from damage from hot surfaces or cleaning chemicals.
Cleaning the Interior
First, let us start with the interior portion of your fan-assisted oven:
- Removing Removable Parts
To clean your fan-assisted oven, you need to empty it completely, so remove all removable parts like trays and racks.
- Cleaning Oven Racks
The oven racks contain a lot of residue. You will need soapy water and a sponge. Now, gently scrub all the oven racks with the soapy sponge. Once washed, rinse them thoroughly with water.
- Wiping Down Interior Surfaces
Now that you have washed the oven racks, you need to wipe down all the interior surfaces of your oven. As they will contain many stubborn stains, I would advise using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or an oven cleaner to remove them.
- Addressing Stubborn Stains
You can use baking soda and water to remove stubborn stains. They will be gone in no time.
Cleaning the Fan and Ventilation System
After cleaning the interior portion, we will move to the fan and ventilation system for cleaning purposes.
- Accessing the Fan
Firstly, you will need to locate the fan in your oven. Usually, you will find it at the back of your oven cavity.
- Removing Accumulated Dust and Debris
As your oven fan is used frequently, it will surely accumulate debris and dirt. You can use a soft brush or a damp cloth to remove all accumulated debris.
- Cleaning Ventilation Openings
Yes, the ventilation openings will also contain dirt and debris, so you can. You need to clean these ventilation openings so that no blockages exist in the future.
Cleaning the Exterior
Now, let’s clean the external portion of your oven.
- Wiping Down the Control Panel and Exterior Surfaces
You need to take a damp cloth or sponge and wipe down the control panel and all the other exterior surfaces of your oven to remove debris such as food splatters, fingerprints, and grits.
- Cleaning Oven Door and Handle
Yes, your door needs to remain clean so that you can have a watch through it while your food is being cooked. So clean it effectively.
- Polishing Stainless Steel Surfaces
The ovens are made of stainless material, so you need to use a cleaner specially designed for cleaning them. It will help you regain the shine of your oven by removing all kinds of streaks and smudges from it,
Deodorizing the Oven
Now that you have cleaned your open, it’s time to add a small amount of fragrance.
Natural Deodorizing Methods
Instead of heating some sprays, why not use a natural deodorizing method? To do this, all you need to do is take a bowl, pour vinegar into it, and place it inside your oven.
You can even use lemon slices instead of vinegar for this. Heat your oven to considerably low temperatures, and in no time, the fragrance of this deodorant will be utilized throughout the oven.
Using Commercial Oven Cleaners
Yes, some commercial oven cleaners are available in the market that removes all kinds of foul odors and places light fragrances inside the oven. You can also use them.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Here are a few maintenance steps that you should always follow regularly to keep your oven healthy for a long time.
- Establishing a Cleaning Schedule
Always clean your fan-assisted oven weekly or monthly, depending on how frequently you use it. This will help your oven stay healthy and clean for a long time.
- Spot Cleaning After Each Use
Your oven will surely get some spills and splatters while cooking the food. So, once your food is cooked, I recommend that you clean your oven racks to prevent those spills from turning into stubborn stains.
- Preventing Spills and Buildup
To prevent spills from building up, you can line the bottom of your oven with an aluminum phonon-stick foil-stick pan. This will catch all these spills and prevent your oven from getting dirty.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yes, if you are doing it for the first time, it is guaranteed that you will face some issues. Let’s see what are the common issues:
Dealing with Lingering Odors
If there is a chance that your oven will emit foul odors after cleaning, I recommend you do the deodorizing process twice to eliminate such foul orders. Secondly, you can even replace the oven gasket if worn out.
Addressing Excessive Smoke During Cooking
If your oven spreads a lot of smoke while cooking, it is because of the buildup of food residue. So, always try to clean your oven thoroughly every time you use it for cooking.
Handling Malfunctioning Components
If any component malfunctions, you need to consult an expert technician immediately, or you can refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to get a better idea of the solution.
Safety Considerations
While performing such a cleaning process, it is always good to prioritize your safety by considering the following.
Disconnecting Power Source
It would help if you never forgot to unplug your oven before cleaning, as doing so can lead to a hazardous situation.
Using Protective Gear
Always wear protective gloves and eyewear when cleaning your fan-assisted oven to protect your hands and eyes from getting damaged.
Seeking Professional Assistance When Needed
If you encounter any issues during the cleaning process, it is best to get help from a professional expert immediately.