As Christmas and New Year come to an end, many of us think about making our homes better. This often means taking care of the messy cleaning after the holidays. One important part of your kitchen that needs attention is the range. After all those weeks of holiday cooking and baking, your Viking range might have spills and stains. Let’s look some essential post-holiday range cleaning tips to bring back your appliance’s sparkle and shine
Essential Steps for Post-Holiday Range Revival
Reviving your range after the holiday season can be easy. You just need to follow some simple steps to restore its cleanliness and function.
Start with a Surface Clean-up
The first step in your post-holiday cleaning is to do a deep clean of all surfaces. During the holiday season, your range probably got more spills and messes than normal.
Start by cleaning up any loose bits like crumbs or burnt food particles using a damp cloth. Then, make a soapy mix with warm water and some mild dish soap. Use a soft sponge or cloth dipped in this mix to wipe down the whole surface of your range. Don’t forget to clean the control knobs, burner grates, and the area around the burners.
- Remove burner grates: If your range has grates that you can take off, wash them in warm, soapy water.
- Wipe down control knobs: Take a damp cloth and clean any grease or dirt off the knobs.
- Clean the backsplash: Remember to wipe the backsplash behind your range too, as grease can splash there.
Address the Oven and Stovetop Deep Clean
For many people, the oven is a key part of holiday cooking. This often means there is a lot of grease and dirt to clean. Use a special oven cleaner and be sure to follow the product instructions closely. If you have a Viking range, check the manufacturer’s advice for the best cleaning products and methods for your model.
When cleaning the stovetop, pay extra attention to the spots around the burners. These areas often have spills and splatters. Use a gentle cleaner and a soft sponge to keep the surface safe from scratches. If you face tough stains, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping it off.
Tackling Tough Stains and Spills
Even if you clean carefully, tough stains and spills can stay on your range. It is important to deal with them quickly. If you wait too long, they can be harder to remove later.
Luckily, there are several ways to tackle these stubborn messes. You can use natural solutions or chemical cleaners. Let’s look at both options.
Natural Solutions for Stubborn Stains
For people who like to clean naturally, there are some good ways to remove tough stains from your range.
- Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda and water to make a paste. Put it on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub it gently with a soft sponge.
- Vinegar solution: Take a spray bottle and fill it with equal parts water and vinegar. Spray this mix on the stain and wait for a few minutes. After that, wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
- Lemon power: Lemon juice can help break down grease and dirt. You can rub a cut lemon on the stain or make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda. Let it sit before scrubbing gently.
When to Use Chemical Cleaners Safely
While natural cleaning solutions can work well, tough stains may need a chemical cleaner. When you use these types of products, make sure to keep safety in mind by:
- Ventilation: Open windows and turn on exhaust fans to let fresh air in.
- Gloves and Protection: Always wear gloves. You might also want eye protection to stop any accidents with your skin and eyes.
- Follow Instructions: Read the product label carefully and follow the directions. Do not mix different cleaning products.
- Test First: Try the cleaner on a small spot that is not easily seen before using it on the whole stain. This is especially important for delicate surfaces.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Range Sparkling
Once you finish cleaning after the holidays, it’s important to keep it looking nice. You can do this by forming some simple cleaning habits.
By adding short daily routines and a monthly checklist, you can help your range stay clean all year. This will make deep cleaning easier in the future.
Daily Cleaning Habits
- Wipe up spills right away: Clean spills quickly before they dry and become tough to get rid of.
- Wash burner grates often: Take off and wash the burner grates regularly, preferably after each time you cook, to stop grease from building up.
- Clean the control panel: After every use, quickly wipe the control panel with a damp cloth.
- Clean while you cook: Make cleaning part of your cooking by wiping up any splatters and spills as they happen.
Monthly Maintenance Checks
Beyond your daily habits, consider these monthly maintenance tasks:
| Task | Description |
| Deep clean the oven | Use a specialized oven cleaner or a natural solution to remove baked-on grease and spills. |
| Inspect and clean the vent hood | Remove the filter and wash it in warm, soapy water. Wipe down the vent hood’s exterior and interior surfaces. |
| Check for gas leaks | While this is essential to do any time you smell gas, make it a point to check for any leaks monthly. |
| Clean behind the range | Pull the range away from the wall and clean the surrounding area, including the backsplash and the floor. |
Performing these monthly checks helps prevent the build-up of grease and grime, extending the lifespan of your range and ensuring it operates efficiently.
Conclusion
Keeping your range clean after the holidays is important for a nice and safe kitchen. By using these post-holiday range cleaning tips mentioned above, you can bring back the shine of your range with natural solutions for hard stains and spills. A clean range makes your kitchen look better and helps you cook in a healthy way. To learn more about how to care for your kitchen appliances, check out our detailed blog on Why Do Viking Range Knobs Get Hot. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I deep clean my range?
The number of times you should deep clean your oven depends on how often you use it. A good idea is to do a deep clean at least once every three months or with each season. This includes cleaning after the holiday season. You can change this schedule to fit your cooking habits.
Is it necessary to hire a professional cleaner for post-holiday range cleaning, or can you do it yourself effectively?
Post-holiday range cleaning is something you can do yourself! With the right cleaning products and some hard work, you can get great results. If you want, professional cleaners can give a more thorough clean and save you time and effort next year.
Are there any safety precautions to keep in mind while cleaning the range?
Absolutely. Safety is important when cleaning your range. Make sure there is good air flow. Wear gloves to keep your skin safe. Carefully follow the instructions on the cleaning products. Do not mix different cleaning products. Also, avoid getting them in your eyes or on your skin.