How to safely prep your new oven for long-lasting use

Every new appliance contains residues of chemical agents used during production. Not all of them can be removed by regular cleaning, and some are hard to reach. The only method is to burn-in the oven before the first use. Only this method allows for the complete removal of chemicals, ensuring safe use. It's also a great way to disinfect and remove small contaminants such as dust, dirt, or other particles. Burning in the oven is also a straightforward method to quickly check the technical condition of the device. Smaller or larger defects, small cracks, or chips that could lead to bigger malfunctions will definitely be noticeable during this process.

• Start by removing all protections: take out all pieces of foil, styrofoam, cartons, and any paper.
• Carefully check the technical condition of the oven to ensure there are no visible damages and that all ventilation holes are uncovered. Every movable part should be in its place.
• Set the oven in its final location, level it, and connect it. Important: connect the oven directly to a grounded outlet safely. Do not use an extension cord.
• Turn on the oven and set the maximum temperature for about half an hour. After this time, turn it off, open the door, and allow it to cool down. It's advisable to open a window in the room during this process, as there might be an unpleasant smell.
• After the oven cools down, you can safely clean it by wiping with a damp cloth.

Burning in the oven from time to time is worth it, especially when you frequently cook meat. The grease accumulating on the walls can leave a smell that might be slightly off-putting, for example, when baking a cake. Burning in the oven is also a good way to clean the appliance regularly. How often should you burn in the oven? With frequent use, you can do this every 3-4 months.

Did you know that you can quickly remove the oven door? Not everyone knows, but the oven door can be easily and quickly removed. This helps to clean both the oven and the door, which is also exposed to dirt. Especially between the panes, dirt accumulates that is tough to remove quickly. Many of us complain about such dirty glass that cannot be completely cleaned normally and about the problem of reaching the door's crevices. However, removal solves these problems, and thorough cleaning becomes less of a chore, takes much less time, and is effective. How to remove the oven door - see how simple it is:

1. Open the door and locate the hinges, then the lock. It's a button or small lever - unlock the door.
2. Some doors may require unscrewing screws, though most use an option not requiring a screwdriver.
3. Gently lift the door to slide it off the hinges and remove it. They may be heavy, so having someone nearby to help is advisable.
4. My tips are very general, so it's worth consulting the detailed instructions or calling the manufacturer's helpline. Remember, each manufacturer has their own technologies and methods.

After each use, it's worth wiping the oven's interior with a damp cloth. Should you use strong detergents? If the oven is washed regularly and promptly, there's no need. A bit of dish soap should suffice. A paste of baking soda and water helps remove larger stains, but don't expect miracles because with old and baked-on stains it won't work. In that case, you'll need to reach for a professional oven cleaner. The simplest way is regular cleaning and burning in the oven occasionally. To ensure our appliances serve us as long as possible and without any issues, it's worth taking care of them. And that means daily care, not just on special occasions, like twice a year. A well-maintained appliance will undoubtedly reward you with trouble-free operation.