Oven Cleaning . . . Gone Green!
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Safer and More Eco-Friendly Oven Cleaning
Oven cleaning can be a real battle. That's why most oven cleaners on the market today contain caustic chemicals that easily combat baked-on (or burned-on) oven build-up.
But before you bask in the victory of a sparkling clean oven as a result of using a chemical-laden cleanser, weigh the risks to you, your family and the environment?
Get this . . . according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, oven cleaners containing dangerous chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (commonly known as caustic soda or lye), can cause burns if they come in contact with skin, and respiratory irritation, if inhaled. Also, most commercial oven cleaners come n aerosol cans. So, anytime such a cleaner is used, sodium hydroxide and other dangerous chemicals get released into the environment. Not good.
Fortunately, there are a couple of simple, safe, eco-friendly oven cleaning solutions that work quite nicely:
1: Baking Soda
Using "sodium bicarbonate" for oven cleaning
- . . . Spray the inside of your oven with water.
. . . Sprinkle baking soda onto the wet surfaces. Leave it overnight.
. . . In the morning, wipe away the grime.
You may have to do some scrubbing (steel wool can be effective), but most of the dirt will cling to the baking soda.
Important Note: if you have one of those self-cleaning ovens, but still have some build-up to remove, using abrasive materials like steel wool is not an option . . . it will damage your oven's surface.
Have A Dried Mess From A Chili Explosion In Your Microwave Oven?
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Not to worry . . . a paste made from just baking soda and water has been known to do the trick.
Simply mix baking soda with enough water to make a paste and apply to the inside of your microwave.
Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then wipe out with a dampened clean, soft cloth (do not use an abrasive scrubber).
A Ton More Uses. . . for Using Baking Soda
Baking Soda is Great For A Host of Household Cleaning Projects
Baking Soda: Over 500 Fabulous, Fun, and Frugal Uses You've Probably Never Thought Of (Lansky, Vicki)
This is not simply a useful and informative book about the innumerable uses for good old baking soda, saving tons of money, and in the process not harming the environment. It is also entertaining and sometimes downright funny . . .
Oven Cleaning Helps
2: Washing Soda
Using "sodium carbonate" for oven cleaning
Washing soda should not to be confused with baking soda. Washing soda can be found in most stores that sell laundry detergent.- . . . Mix one part washing soda with four parts baking soda.
. . . Add enough water to make a paste.
. . . Spread it inside your oven. Leave it overnight.
. . . Wipe your oven down the next day. Be sure to rinse.
Yep . . . Arm & Hammer brand makes washing soda, too.
3: Borax Powder
Using "Borax" powder for oven cleaning
Mix the following in a spray bottle:
- 2 tablespoons liquid soap
2 teaspoons borax
1 to 2 cups warm water
Spray this on the inside of your oven, then leave it for a few hours before wiping off.
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Are There Eco-Friendly Commercial Oven Cleaners?
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You Bet!
There is a small but growing number of store-bought "green" oven cleaners that do not have unhealthy chemicals and give off fumes.
They may cost a bit more, but with your health and the planet to protect, it is well-worth the investment.
Super, Natural Clean Living
Super Natural Home: Improve Your Health, Home, and Planet--One Room at a Time
In Super Natural Home, Beth Greer shows the alarming extent of the dangerous chemicals we unwittingly expose ourselves to every day. As she did in her own life, she invites readers to put their lives under a microscope-to scrutinize what (we) put in and on our bodies and bring into our homes-and to make personal choices that will enable us to "live clean" in a toxic world.
Share What You Use To "Green" Clean Your Oven
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WellnessWiseGuy
Dec 6, 2009 @ 12:03 am | delete
- Thanks for these tips!
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