If you want your range to last for years, then it’s important to maintain it properly. Many people fail to inspect their oven and stove, causing them to overlook potential issues like a worn gas line or inconsistent temperatures. If you haven’t looked inside your oven in a while or tested the burners to make sure they’re all working, now is the time to do so.
Here are some of our best tips for oven and stove preventive care. By following these suggestions, you can extend the life of your range and keep it looking and functioning like new!
Clean Your Oven Regularly
Experts say that you should clean the inside of your oven every three to six months, or when you notice burnt-on food or smoke when cooking. Most ovens have a self-cleaning feature that is easy to use. Be sure to remove the racks and follow the instructions in your manual.
If you prefer not to use the self-cleaning cycle, you can make your own cleaning solution using baking soda, vinegar and water. There are also store-bought oven cleaners that will save you some elbow grease. Some contain potent chemicals, so be mindful of what you buy. If you do use a product with chemicals, wear gloves and open the windows while you clean.
Soak and Scrub the Grates
Once a month or so, you should soak and scrub the cooking grates on your stove. Doing this on a regular basis prevents food from sticking to the grates. Fill your sink with hot, soapy water and let them soak for about 40 minutes. Once the grates have soaked, use a sponge to remove the cooked-on grit that builds up over time.
While the grates soak, use this time to wipe down the surface of your stove. You’d be amazed by how many spills, crumbs and grease are produced when cooking. You can use a vinegar solution or a mild foaming stove cleaner to get the job done.
Clean the Oven Racks
We’re almost done with the cleaning – but at least your range should be looking great by now! You’ll also want to take out your oven racks and clean them from time to time. Even though most of the food goes onto the bottom of the oven, the racks still get dirty.
The easiest way to clean oven racks is by placing them in the sink and spraying them with vinegar and baking soda. Let the moisture fizz up for several minutes and dissolve the grease. You can then scrub the racks with a bristle brush or sponge.
Inspect Burners and Door Gaskets
Any food, liquid or grease that falls through the cracks can damage the burner receptacle and cause it to stop working. If one of your burners won’t turn on, turn off the appliance and remove the grate and burner cap. Clean out loose food debris and reconnect any wires that may have come loose. That should do the trick. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to schedule a repair.
Also check the door gaskets, the rubber pieces that run along the oven door. They are responsible for sealing in the heat. Over time, the gaskets can deteriorate, allowing heat to escape. As a result, your oven won’t heat properly.
Contact Us to Service Your Oven and Stove!
These are some of the most important things you can do to keep your range looking and working great! Fortunately, oven and stove preventive care is fairly easy and mainly involves cleaning and vigilance. But if you happen to need a repair, count on the professionals from Pacific Appliance Repair Service in Los Angeles.
Our team has experience working on all makes and models of ranges, including luxury brands like Bosch and Thor. We provide quality repairs using name brand parts, along with friendly service and fair prices. With our service and your diligence, we can keep your range running for years! Contact Pacific Appliance Repair Service to schedule an appointment.