Enamel oven trays are among the most common cooking wares for preparing food. They are easy to maintain and you can use them for various recipes.
However, the cleaning part can get messy. Enamel is a durable and easy-to-clean material, but getting rid of stubborn stains and grime that build up over time can be challenging. This blog post will explain in detail what are the enamel’s specifics, how to clean enamel oven trays using natural, at-hand ingredients and how to properly maintain your oven trays to preserve them.
Table of Contents
What is enamel?
Enamel is a glass which is added on a metal or ceramic surface. It creates a smooth and durable finish. This covering can be found in cooking utensils like pans, pots, oven trays because it is heat-resistant. Also, manufacturers offer it in many colours and finishes, which makes it a preferable option for home cooks.
Can you use vinegar to clean enamel oven trays?
While vinegar can effectively remove specific types of stains on enamel surfaces, it is not recommended as an enamel cleaner. Vinegar is an acidic substance that can react with the alkaline properties of the enamel and cause damage to the surface.
So if vinegar is not recommended to use for cleaning enamel oven trays, then what can be used that is also eco-friendly? We’ll explain below.
How to easily clean enamel oven trays with natural solutions
Cleaning enamel oven trays is straightforward but requires some elbow grease and the right cleaning products. Here are some simple steps that you can follow to clean your enamel oven trays effectively:
Cleaning your enamel tray with baking soda
Cleaning with baking soda is a simple method to free from dirt any enamel tray. It requires the use of solutions that you can find in your kitchen.
Necessary tools and materials:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Soft bristled brush or sponge
Step-by-step enamel oven trays cleaning process:
- Combine baking soda and water: Mix together baking soda and water in a small bowl. Create a thick paste which is moist enough to be spread easily.
- Apply the paste: Apply a thick layer of the paste to the stained area with the help of a spoon or spatula.
- Leave the paste on: Leave the solution to sin on the stain for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This way the baking soda will have enough time to work its magic and loosen the stubborn residue
- Scrub: Next step is to use a soft-bristled brush or sponge and gently wipe down the surface. Don’t press it too much as you can damage the enamel tray. So, to lift the stain, clean it with light and circular motions.
- Rinse and repeat: When you are ready with the above-mentioned steps, rinse the leftover residue with water. If the stain is still there, repeat the process until the tray is completely clean.
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Cleaning enamel oven trays with lemon
You can use lemons to clean enamel oven trays with rust spots or stains. To clean with lemon:
- Cut a lemon in half and spread salt on the cut side.
- Rub the lemon onto the rust spots or stains, and let it absorb for a few minutes.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to wipe the surface gently.
- Rinse the tray with water and dry it thoroughly before storing or using it again.
The lemon’s acidic properties help break down the rust and stains, while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive.
Cleaning enamel oven trays with wooden scraper tool
While a wooden scraper tool can help clean enamel oven trays, it is essential to use it precisely to avoid scratching or damaging the enamel surface.
To clean enamel oven trays with a wooden scraper tool, you can:
- Remove any large pieces of food or debris from the tray using a brush or sponge made of soft material.
- Then, gently use the wooden scraper tool to scrape off any remaining residue or burnt-on food.
- Remember to touch gently and avoid applying too much pressure, which can cause scratches.
- Once you have finished wiping, rinse the tray with water and dry it thoroughly before storing or using it again.
How to clean enamel trays with the help of a dishwasher?
You can wash enamel trays in your dishwasher but make sure the one you have are dishwasher-safe.
- Use a scratch-proof tool to remove some stubborn stains before using a dishwasher
- Place your enamel tray on the top level of the dishwasher.
- Use a non-abrasive detergent
- Avoid high heat or high-pressure programs of the dishwasher as they can damage the enamel surface.
- Remove the tray and dry it thoroughly before storing or using it again.
General maintenance tips to consider for enamel trays
- Spray oil before cooking: Using this technique can be beneficial in avoiding the adhesion of ingredients, thus simplifying post-cooking cleanup.
- Forget about the abrasive cleaning products: Rather than relying on harsh soaps and abrasive scrubbers, why not try a gentler approach to cleaning? Steel wool definitely shouldn’t be used for this purpose.
- Adjust the heat: gradually warm the enamel tray and cool it down slowly too.
- Avoid soaking your enamel oven tray for an extended period, which may ruin its surface. Instead, clean it shortly after each use.
Why is cleaning enamel oven trays important?
Enamel oven trays are prone to getting dirty and stained with food, grease, and burnt-on residue, especially if not cleaned regularly. These stains can become challenging to remove if left to accumulate and can even affect the quality of your food.
Additionally, if the trays are not cleaned properly, bacteria and germs can spread, posing a health risk. Therefore, cleaning your enamel oven trays regularly is essential to keep them looking and functioning like new.
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For questions about the services we offer visit our main site or you can always call us at 020 3404 0145
Takeaways
- Cleaning an enamel oven tray can be a challenging task. Using the appropriate tools and methods, the process can be easy as pie.
- You can always find cleaning solutions in your kitchen such as lemon, baking soda, wooden tool, dishwasher, which can effectively help you clean the enamel tray.
- Keep in mind that cleaning the enamel oven tray after each use is crucial. It will save you time and efforts later.
Happy cooking!
Image source: Shutterstock / Leka Sergeeva
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