Clean As A Whistle - Methods For Eliminating Grime From Your Oven

Oven grime. No one likes it, but anyone who has ever owned an oven has probably dealt with it at some point in their life. The methods for eliminating oven grime vary in difficulty according to oven type. If you own an oven with some sort of cleaning feature, you will probably have an easier time eliminating the grime than if you don’t.

Older ovens rarely offer any sort of cleaning features, whereas newer ones are either self-cleaning or continuous cleaning. While self-cleaning ovens burn off oven grime at very high temperatures, continuous cleaning ovens generally burn off grime as they cook at normal temperatures. No matter which type of oven you own, you will want to clean up any spills as they occur. This will make overall cleanings easier later.

When preparing to clean your oven, you must find out first if it offers any sort of cleaning features. If not, you will need to purchase some sort of oven cleaner and apply it according to the manufacturer’s directions. Usually this will entail spraying the interior with the cleaner, letting it sit overnight or heating it up, and then wiping out the residue with a damp cloth. For stubborn spots, you may need to get out a scrub brush. Whenever working with oven cleaner, it is best to open the windows for ventilation and use gloves to prevent contact with the chemicals.

If you own a self-cleaning oven, you can disband with the cleaner and let the oven do the work for you. In order to use this feature, you need to get out your owner’s manual and follow the instructions provided. With most ovens, you simply select the self-cleaning option and the oven will lock its door, heat up to 900 or 1,000 degrees, and burn off all debris. When complete, the oven will turn off and unlock its door when cool.

All you will have to do then is wipe out any remaining ash with a damp cloth. When using this feature, make sure you open the windows for ventilation and remove any pet birds from the premises, as the fumes could kill them.

If you own a continuous cleaning oven, you probably won’t have to do much to clean it. This type of oven contains a chemically treated, textured finish that will spread out most spills as they happen and oxidize them quickly at normal cooking temperatures. All you’ll have to do then is wipe out any ash that remains. For spills involving milk, cheese or sugary substances, you may need to set the oven at 475 degrees or higher in order for the oven to burn them off.

With cleaners and cleaning features, ovens are a lot easier to clean today. For those who own self-cleaning or continuous cleaning ovens, there may be little scrubbing involved. If you don’t own one of these types of ovens, keep them in mind for your next purchase.

Spring is a time of year when change is in the air. Trees are budding, plants are flowering, and homes laden with dark or heavy fabrics and clutter could use some lightening up.

Spring cleaning projects are popular this time of year as residents take inventory of their living spaces and aim to declutter, clean and increase efficiency. Some people find the prospect of getting organized overwhelming. Here are some tips that can help anyone master spring cleaning.

• Create a plan. Make a checklist and establish a cleaning plan of attack. Focus on areas that are not regularly cleaned, as they probably need a little attention.

• Assemble your cleaning kit. Spring cleaning can be slowed down considerably if you don’t have all of your equipment at the ready. Items to have on hand include an all-purpose cleaner, concentrated clean- er, microfiber cloths, paper towels, mop, vacuum, dusters, and a squeegee. Adjust your equipment based on the task at hand.

• Curate your cleaning playlist. Create a playlist with songs that will get you moving and motivated to clean.

• Work from top to bottom. Work efficiently by cleaning shelves, ceiling fans and other elevated items first, as dust and debris will trickle down and need to be cleaned next.

• Purchase or rent a carpet cleaner. According to the experts at Clean That Up, carpets help filter indoor air by trapping debris and allergens. By deep cleaning carpets, homeowners can improve the indoor air quality of their homes. Use a carpet cleaner on a warm, dry day so that windows can be opened and cross breezes will help dry the damp rug.

• Clean windows. Wash windows inside and out and utilize their screens to help brighten indoors spaces.

• Deep clean the kitchen. Clean out and disinfect the refrigerator by wiping it down with warm water and baking soda or a vinegarand-water solution. While in the kitchen, set the oven to the self-clean function so it becomes cleaner as well.

Homeowners also can focus on cleaning curtains (including shower curtains), steam-cleaning upholstery, removing clutter from closets, cleaning out the dryer vent and duct tubing, wiping inside kitchen drawers, and vacuuming under beds and other furniture.

Spring cleaning can bring the revitalizing nature of this beloved time of year into your home.

Outdoor living is wildly popular, as more and more homeowners are bringing elements once reserved for home interiors into their backyards. When designing outdoor living spaces, homeowners may learn about biophilic design, an architectural concept that aims to incorporate natural elements into outdoor living spaces. Proponents of biophilic design say it satisfies an innate human need to affiliate with nature, thereby helping to reduce stress that people may experience after being stuck indoors for much of their days.

Biophilic design is often part of a home interior design, but many homeowners also embrace it when designing their outdoor living spaces. For example, surrounding outdoor living areas with noninvasive plants, flowers and trees and using natural materials like wood and stone when building such spaces are great ways to embrace biophilic design and create a tension-free ambiance in outdoor living spaces.

& trim your landscaping

• Change air filters

• Have your system inspected and serviced

WE’RE JUST AS TRUSTY, WITHOUT THE WET NOSE. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. Call or go online to schedule your summer maintenance or to ask for a free estimate to replace your air conditioning