Kick Off 2023 with These Essential Oven and Range Maintenance Tips

Now that the holidays and New Year’s celebrations are over, it’s time to get serious about taking care of your home appliances. One essential area that often gets overlooked—or at least underemphasized—is oven and range maintenance. Don’t wait for broken heating elements or strange smells to prompt action. Start off 2023 by following these tips to ensure your appliances provide plenty of trouble-free meals in the months ahead.

Verify That Your Oven and Range Are Clean

Your oven and range are important components in your kitchen. They help you provide delicious and nutritious meals for your family, so cleaning these appliances regularly will help with operational efficiency.

Ways to clean your oven and range include the following:

• Self-cleaning cycle – One way to clean your oven is to use a self-cleaning cycle. This will heat the oven to a very high temperature and clean the inside with a powerful cleaning agent.
• Manual cleaners – A manual cleaner is another way to clean your oven. There are many different types of these, so be sure to choose one compatible with your oven. Apply the cleaner and let it sit for the amount of time recommended, and then rinse it off. You can also use a manual cleaner on your range.

Regardless of the cleaning method you use, be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as ovens and ranges are complex appliances that can be easily damaged if you’re not careful.

Inspect Your Oven Heating Element

The heating element in your oven is the component that helps heat your appliance so that you can safely cook food. There are typically two of them, one on the top and one on the bottom of the oven. They work by heating up and then radiating heat to the food. This helps to cook the food evenly and quickly.

If one of your oven heating elements isn’t working properly, it can cause inadequately cooked meals, resulting in bacteria growth and health issues. The food may not cook evenly or take longer to cook than usual. If you think there’s something wrong with your heating element, contact one of our appliance repair technicians in Memphis to help.

Check Your Stovetop Burners

For homeowners with gas stovetops, it’s important to ensure the burners are clean before using them. Otherwise, you could end up with a nasty burn.

The best way to clean a burner is with a wire brush. Use the brush to scrape away any dirt or debris build-up on the surface of the burner. You can also use a little bit of detergent or soap to help loosen any stuck-on food or grease. Then rinse the burner off with water and let it air dry.

If your burners are extremely dirty, you may need to do more than just brush them clean. In some cases, you may need to use a cleaning agent like ammonia or a natural stove cleaner like baking soda and vinegar. Before using any cleaners, always test the solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won't damage your stovetop.

Maintain your stove’s cleanliness by regularly wiping them down with a damp cloth. This will help prevent dirt and grime from building up and causing appliance problems down the road.

Keep Your Oven Door Closed

Inside your oven is a hot, dry environment; opening the door allows heat to escape. Not only will your food not cook as evenly or quickly, but your oven will also have to work harder to heat back up to the correct temperature, which can significantly increase your energy bill. So, next time you’re baking something, resist the temptation to keep peeking and just let the oven do its job.

Use Caution with Kitchen Cleaners

Many people assume that all appliance cleaners are safe to use around children and pets, but this isn’t always the case. Certain appliance cleaning solutions can contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful if ingested. Always read the labels before using and keep any cleaners stored safely so that children and pets aren’t exposed.

Suppose you happen to spill a store-bought appliance cleaner. In that case, clean it up immediately, as some cleaners can cause skin irritation or even burns if they come into contact with your skin. You should also wear gloves when cleaning with a chemical appliance cleaner to avoid potential skin irritation.

Mr. Appliance of Memphis Can Help Repair Your Oven and Range for the New Year

By following the tips above, you can ensure that your oven and range are properly maintained. Still, if your appliance appears past the point of no return, contact one of our Memphis appliance repair technicians. We can help extend your appliances’ life and prevent serious future issues. We use years of knowledge and state-of-the-art tools to get your refrigerator, oven, stovetop, range, and more back up and running in no time.

Call us to schedule a repair appointment with Mr. Appliance of Memphis today!