Get your oven ready for Christmas

Most ovens need a thorough clean every six months to a year. Even though the in-laws might not be able to notice the difference, the turkey will taste even better to you if you give the oven a good clean before the big day. Here are some helpful tips for you to follow.

If you have a self-cleaning oven, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining your oven.

Otherwise, wipe spills inside a cold oven with a warm wet cloth.

To remove grease, spray on a degreaser and let it soak in for 5-10 minutes. Then try cleaning off the grease. If the spot still doesn’t come off, sprinkle it with equal amounts of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar and scrub gently as the mixture fizzes.
Your grill pan should be washed after every use. The job’s a lot easier if you line it with aluminium foil which you can throw away after you’ve made each meal.
If you use a commercial oven cleaner, be sure the kitchen is well ventilated because these products are usually caustic. Follow the instructions on the product. (Never use oven cleaner in a self-cleaning oven as the product will clog the pores in the coating and may damage the surface.)
Remove racks from your oven and scrub in the sink. Or, spray oven racks in a plastic bin bag for easier cleaning.
Wipe the walls of the oven with a clean cloth.
TOP TIP: If you spill food in a hot oven, sprinkle salt onto the spill. When the oven is cool, brush off the spill and give it a few wipes with a damp cloth. Sorted!