Ever wonder why an oven cleaner is called as such? Well, as you can expect, it is because oven cleaner is appropriate for use only in this situation. All around the house and the kitchen, there are many different things that have one or several materials. Each of these materials have a list of chemical compounds that can be or cannot be used with it.
This is part of the reason why you need to be careful, because not only do you want to use something effective against the dirt on this part of your kitchen, but you also want to avoid getting it damaged. So while you might want to save some money and use the same cleaner for various purposes, this is a very dangerous thing to do and you are better off not doing it.
Oven Cleaner and Its Use in the Kitchen
Food particles, drippings, and juices land everywhere when you are cooking, even more so if you cook a lot. Most of them end up being ignored and harden so that they become harder to clean after a while. Unfortunately, in areas like the oven, these messes remain unnoticed until it is too late.
The oven cleaner is the solution for these stubborn and hardened food particles in the kitchen. By applying it to the surface of your oven, the gunk or grease becomes softer and can be more easily wiped away. Beyond that, it cleanses the inside of the oven so that you will not think twice about cooking food there as well. Unfortunately, this mix of chemicals present can only be 100% safe only for ovens.
Cleaning the Kitchen Countertops
On the other hand, countertops are commonly made of granite, marble, or some similar costly stone. These materials are very sturdy, which is why they are very much loved in the kitchen. However, using the wrong liquid can still irrevocably damage it. Depending on your oven cleaner and your countertop, there is a high risk that it will not turn out well. This means, unless you are willing to fund a new kitchen countertop, you should never use the oven cleaner on it.
In general, harsh chemicals like those present in oven cleaning solutions should never touch a polished stone countertop. It can cause it to change color, for example. In any case, you are much better off investing in something else.
The Right Cleaner
You would be relieved to know that if a product such as an “oven cleaner” exists, then it is only logical that a separate product for countertops exists. Countertop (or general surface) cleaners are sold for this purpose, leaving you with enough choices when you want to wipe the countertop.
Another option is to simply use household items like vinegar or baking soda to clean. These are all-around and effective compounds that are nowhere as harsh as an oven cleaner, which contributes to its applicability when cleaning countertops. If you are self-conscious about your use of chemicals that might be bad for your kids, then opt for these ingredients.
If you have some hardened stubborn mess in your countertop, then this is the time to get rid of it using these steps.
- Stay Away From Oven Cleaners
Even if you are desperate, this should never be used on your countertop.
- Read The Label
If you managed to find a different cleaner for your countertop, make sure to pay attention to the label carefully. Find out what your countertop is made of and then read about ingredients that can ruin this material. Some might not be used with wood, so this is the worst product to buy if you have any wooden products. In order to stay safe and be able to use the cleaner more than just in the kitchen, then you need to find the cleaner that works for almost all surfaces. This way, you will not be afraid of damaging surfaces every time you use the cleaner.
- Mix Your Own
If you invest in an empty spray bottle, you can easily mix your own cleaner just before you decide to clean. Doing so is perfect, especially on days you cannot make it to the store for some reason or other.
You can expect your countertop to get messy any time, which is why there is no way to avoid cleaning it. Soap and water might already be enough but there are more than enough cleaning solutions that you can use at any time. With a little bit of effort, you will end up with a wonderful looking kitchen, spotless and clean.
Sources:
- Does Oven Cleaner Damage Kitchen Countertops? – Hunker
- Using Oven Cleaner on Kitchen Countertops – House Turned Home
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