How to Clean the 4 Dirtiest Parts of Your Range

Keeping a kitchen clean may seem like a full time job. It’s a common breeding ground for bacteria, and the various crevices in your appliances are an ideal location for them. The one appliance that gets the most use in many kitchens is the range, and this makes it the messiest area for bacterial growth. Most people wipe their range down each day, but sanitizing this appliance requires a little more thorough attention and detailed work. In this article, we will look at four key areas where dirt, debris, and bacteria may be lurking in your range and offer some cleaning advice.

The Range Oven Handle

Most people wash the drawer pulls and doorknobs in their kitchens, but they forget about the range oven handle. Many of us have opened the range oven with food on our hands, and this is when contamination occurs. Door handles are generally a prime location for bacterial colonies, and the bacteria can spread from hand to hand. It’s a good idea to give the range oven handle a good clean at least once each day. Use an anti-bacterial cleaning product to ensure that any contamination is regularly removed.

The Oven Racks

Many people believe that their oven racks are safe from contamination because they are exposed to high temperatures during cooking. But, this is not true; the oven racks can also be a breeding ground for bacteria from food debris and other sources. It’s a good idea to give your oven racks a deep clean at least once per month to keep them fresh and sanitary. Fill the sink with hot soapy water and give your oven racks a soak for 30 minutes or even better a full hour. If you don’t have a deep enough sink use a clean and empty bin for this purpose. After the soaking, wipe the grime off with a washcloth, and they will be fresh and clean again.

The Grates

If you have a gas cooktop, the grates are a likely hiding place for bacteria and grime. The grates should be lifted off the cooktop and soaked in exactly the same way as the oven racks. While they are soaking, clean the other range surfaces and use kitchen gloves to protect your hands from the hot water and cleaning products. Make sure every surface is clean and dry before you place the grates back on the cooktop.

Under the Range

If we’re honest, the vast majority of people don’t clean under the range very often, and it may be neglected for months or even years at a time. As we cook on the range, food inevitably drops on the floor, and this can be pushed under the appliance. Over time a great deal of food debris can accumulate in this area, and it will be an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. This will spread and start to affect the range above and other areas in your kitchen, and it may even attract vermin and other pests. Trying to clean under the range can be tricky unless you lie down on the floor and try to reach with a duster. The best way to get a deeper clean is to pull the range away from the wall and clean the exposed area with soap and hot water. Then make sure the floor is clean before you slide the range back into position.

If you have concerns about the performance of your range, you can rely on the expertise of a professional appliance repair technician. Consult a professional home appliance repair technician for guidance and practical advice on any appliance issue in your home.

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