Do you know how to get the best out of your oven? The average lifespan of an oven is around 13 to 15 years, but many appliances are discarded long before this due to incorrect use or excessive wear and tear.
Understanding this lifespan can help you realize the value of proper maintenance and care.
But an oven is a significant investment, so taking care of it and maintaining it correctly can help you to get the most from it, ensure it cooks correctly and lasts the distance if you’re not replacing it every few years.
Read the manual
First and foremost, it’s essential to read the manual prior to using the oven or cooker. This step ensures you know how to use it properly and how to care for it.
The more you know about your oven and how to use it as per the manufacturer’s guidelines, the more confident and knowledgeable you’ll feel, enhancing your overall experience with it.
Use correct parts
It might become apparent from time to time that you need to get your oven repaired. In this case, you need to use the right high-quality oven parts for your specific model.
Using incorrect parts can lead to inefficient heating, increased energy consumption, and even further damage to the oven.
Clean it properly
If your oven has a self-cleaning function, use it. Keeping your oven as clean as possible can help you avoid burnt-up spills and an accumulation of grease that can impact its ability to cook properly and damage the internal components.
You should aim to clean up any spills as soon as they happen to avoid hardening them, avoid making too many spills and messes in the oven, and avoid using too many harsh chemicals. Use warm, soapy water where possible or a mixture of warm water and white vinegar solution (50:50).
If temperatures are stubborn, use specific oven cleaners to help you clean the oven; however, limit or eliminate the use of caustic substances to clean the oven. Remember to remove the oven racks, clean them separately, and wipe down the oven’s interior with a soft cloth or sponge.
Don’t forget to take the oven apart and clean all the small details every month.
Check the seals
Check the seals on your oven doors regularly. Their seals keep the hot air inside and support the cooking process. If these are damaged in any way, your oven won’t be able to perform as it needs to, putting more pressure on the cooking process and the oven.
This can lead to an increased risk of damage or failure; in extreme cases, it can even lead to a fire hazard.
Inspect regularly
Regular inspection of all parts of the oven, especially the heating elements, is crucial. If there are any changes in appearance, such as the burning brighter or physical damage, it’s a sign of potential issues.
By getting them replaced or repaired promptly, you’re not just preventing further damage, but also ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones.
Also, checking gas lines for any signs of damage is a must, as a damaged gas pipe can be dangerous when used, potentially leading to a gas leak, which can be deadly.
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