When it comes to cleaning with children, you know it can be anywhere from impossible to super fun and a great opportunity to bond with them. Most people agree it is essential to start your children on cleaning chores while they are young. That is why you should not shy away from it, even when it involves the oven.
Now, cleaning the oven is no easy chore. It involves some elbow grease and time to perform. But that doesn’t mean you should exclude your children from it, especially when you take the necessary precautions. In this short guide, you will find how to include your little ones in the cleaning process of the oven, so that they learn something useful.
Consider the severity of the issue
Well, yes, you may be all about including your children in the cleaning process, but do consider if that is a good idea, given the state of the appliance. If there is only light soiling on the inside part of the oven, then don’t hesitate to show the youngsters how to clean it. If, however, you have been neglecting the problem for quite a while, and the oven has gotten quite messy, you are better off handling the task on your own or contacting an oven cleaning company. After all, you cannot expect your children to show expertise on the matter, as oven cleaning is generally not an easy task and may prove to be a little overwhelming for them.
Adopt the eco-friendly way
If the oven is not too soiled, you can proceed cleaning it with your children. However, there is one thing you must bear in mind. You should not employ conventional oven cleaners, because these products are rather dangerous. They are full of very strong chemicals, which you would rather keep away from your children. Instead, what you should do is adopt the eco-friendly way of cleaning the oven with baking soda and water. Mix the two ingredients together till you form a paste. This is what you will be using when cleaning the oven with your children.
First tackle the glass
If the oven glass door is grimy, you can use the baking soda paste to clean it. Tell your children to use gloves and help them coat the door with the solution. Instruct them to be very thorough and pay special attention to the greasiest areas. Explain that the paste needs some time before it works and that the oven door should remain with the solution on it for some time. Then, all it takes is a wet sponge to remove the paste and enjoy your reflection in the shiny oven glass.
Explain that you will need space inside
While your children might be eager to continue with the baking soda paste, it is important to explain that you first need to remove the rack from the oven. That way, you will create some much-needed space in the oven so that the cleaning process can continue.
Next up is the oven interior
Now is finally time to coat the interior of the oven with the baking soda paste. Teach your children where to focus their efforts, or else they will simply get the whole thing coated in baking soda. It is important to keep the solution to the most soiled surfaces. The only thing left to do after that is to show them how to remove the baking soda paste with a wet sponge.
That is all there is to know about cleaning the oven with children. Hopefully, you will find the guidelines useful for yourself and your little ones.
