What Cleaning Products Should You Use for Cooking Appliances?

Best cleaning products for ovens, hobs and extractor fans

From spills and splashes to baked-on grease and grime, cleaning your cooking appliances is essential to keep them not only looking their best, but working as they should. Wondering where to start? Let's take a look at the cleaning products you can use for each appliance for the best results:

Appliance	Recommended products	Best for...
Oven	Mild dish soap, baking soda paste, oven cleaners labelled 'enamel-safe'	Removing grease, baked-on good and spills
Glass/ceramic hob	Specialist hob or ceramic glass cleaner, mild dish soap	Getting rid of residue without scratching the surface
Induction hob	Non-abrasive cleaner, soft, microfibre cloth	Gentle daily wipe downs and maintaining shiny finish
Gas hob	Degreasing products, warm soapy water	Cleaning burners, cast-iron pan supports, and baked-on splashes
Extractor fan exterior	Mild dish soap	Getting rid of fingerprints, grease and marks
Extractor fan filters	Warm water with dish soap or water straight from the kettle	getting rid of grease and residue buildup to improve airflow

Chemicals and tools to avoid when cleaning appliances

While pulling any old cleaning product out of the cupboard might seem convenient at the time, using incorrect products can result in surface damage to your oven or hob, reduced appliance performance, reduced longevity, and health and safety risks.

Let's take a look at the chemicals and tools you shouldn't use for each appliance:

• Ovens: Don't use oven cleaner sprays on aluminium, enamel, or pyrolytic 'self-cleaning' ovens which use extreme heat to reduce grease and grime to ash - eliminating the need for abrasive cleaning chemicals
• Stainless steel: Don't use bleach - this can cause pitting and discolouration
• Induction hobs: Don't use abrasive powders or steel wool
• Extractor fan filters: Don't use ammonia-based products on filters or coated surfaces
• Hobs: Don't use sharp scrapers or knives in case of scratches
• Electrical components: Don't use water on electric components or control panels

How often do I need to clean my cooking appliances?

Cleaning the kitchen might not be your favourite pastime, but scheduling a regular 'kitchen reset' to stay ahead of grime means you'll have less to tackle when the time comes. Here are a few things you can do to keep your cooking appliances clean and in the best condition:

Surfaces

Make sure you wipe down hobs and cooker surfaces after you use them to prevent build-up. This could be as simple as taking a cloth with warm water and running it over any surface - a quick two-minute task that can make all the difference. If your pan bubbles over or you splash grease on your hob, remember to wipe it as soon as possible to prevent it from becoming baked on and tough to remove.

Interior

Be sure to deep clean your extractor fan filters every 1-3 months - soak them to remove any built-up grease. Deep clean your oven every 3-6 months, depending on how heavily soiled it is. Wash any removable knobs, trays and shelves monthly to keep them looking fresh.

Natural vs. chemical cleaners compared

Did you know you can create natural cleaners with items you have around the home? But are natural or chemical cleaners the best cleaning products for ovens, hobs and cookware? Let's compare:

Feature	Natural cleaners	Chemical cleaners
Common examples	Vinegar, baking soda, lemon, salt	Oven sprays, degreasers, stainless steel cleaners
Cleaning strength	Mild to moderate	Strong, fast-acting
Best for	Light grease, everyday cleaning	Heavy grease, deep cleaning
Time and effort	Soaking and scrubbing	work quickly with less effort
Surface safety	Gentle on surfaces	Can cause damage if misused
Health consideration	Low toxicity	Irritation - ventilation required
Environmental impact	Biodegradable, eco-friendly	May contain non-biodegradable chemicals
Cost	Low-cost	Typically more expensive
Ideal usage	Regular maintenance	Occasional deep cleaning

While natural cleaners might be more affordable and less toxic to the environment, there are a few things to consider before using them to make sure you're using them safely and get the best results.

• Never mix different cleaning products, especially chemical ones
• Test any cleaner natural or chemical, on a small area before using it
• Use non-abrasive tools as a general rule
• Make sure the room you're cleaning has good ventilation
• Rinse and wipe surfaces thoroughly
• Wear gloves when handling and cleaning with natural and chemical cleaners

How does cleaning cooking appliances improve lifespan?

Leaving your appliance too long without cleaning can have an impact on its lifespan.

Regular cleaning prevents grease buildup that can damage components, meaning your appliance won't work as well as it should. Neglecting dirt and grime can result in your appliance overheating and breaking down sooner than it would have if it were cleaned regularly. Removing any food residue from your appliance's surfaces reduces corrosion and wear.

Cleaning the elements of your appliance is also essential. For example, clean, free from grime extractor fans work more effectively, reducing strain on the motor and ensuring your appliance works exactly as it should. It also helps to clean any seals and vents in your appliances, whether that's an oven, microwave, or hob.

Simple cleaning routines to keep your appliance looking good as new

Cleaning your kitchen doesn't have to feel like a chore. There are simple things that you can do every day to keep your kitchen and appliances looking their best - and it'll only take you a couple of minutes. These include:

• Wipe surfaces: Clean your hob while it's still slightly warm (but not hot!). Warm surfaces release grease more easily, so using a damp microfibre cloth can lift any spills or splashes without having to scrub. It's important to wait until the surface is cooler, as wiping hot surfaces can create streaks - and burn your hands.
• Line trays: Make sure you line any baking trays or dishes that you use in your oven or grill. This will catch anything before it burns onto the surface. Bin them every time you've used them, and replace them before cooking your next meal. This will go a long way toward keeping your oven clean.
• Weekly quick clean: Don't wait for a heavy build-up to start cleaning your kitchen. Regularly wiping your appliances helps to reduce the need for deep cleaning.
• Create a cleaning kit: Finding the right cleaning products is half the battle. Put together a cleaning kit that you can reach for easily. Store this in a nearby cupboard or under the sink. Easy access means you're more likely to clean consistently.
• Clean spills immediately: Get into the habit of cleaning spills immediately when they happen. Creating this habit means you'll have to clean less in the long run, and it prevents having to scrub annoying burnt-on stains.
• Prevent streaks: Use a dry microfibre cloth to finish your cleaning. This removes leftover moisture and helps maintain shine.

Using the correct products to clean your appliances protects both how your appliance works and how it looks. Keeping up with regular cleaning means it won't be as difficult to keep your appliances in good shape, with no need for scrubbing or soaking. You should always follow the manufacturer's guidance when it comes to choosing the best cleaning products for ovens, hobs, and more.

Consistency is key, so regularly wiping your appliances down before they become heavily soiled is a great way to save time.

Looking for a new appliance? We've got loads to choose from. Find cookware, including ovens, hobs, as well as microwaves and range cookers from the biggest brands on the market at Marks Electrical. Shop now to find the perfect appliance for your kitchen.