Why Should You Consider Ecover Oven & Hob Cleaner for an Eco-Friendly Option?

What’s everyone’s most-avoided household task? Even less liked than tackling the toilet bowl or fishing hair from the drain? Cleaning the oven, of course. If you’re anything like us, you likely shut the door as soon as possible so you don’t have to look at the baked-on brownish grease and unknowns coating the inside. Not naming names, but we know people who can’t face the job so they’ve never cleaned their ovens. Ever. Yes, really. It doesn’t have to be that bad. To prove it, we went in search of those domestic oven-cleaning products that take the horror out of the ickiest square in your kitchen – and we were pleasantly surprised.

Why Is Oven Cleaning So Dreaded?
When choosing, the main point to keep in mind, aside from how well they actually clean, is safety. A lot of what makes most oven cleaners so good (except for a couple with plant-based ingredients) are the caustic chemicals, which means if they get on bare skin or – worse – in eyes, they can really cause damage. So, take sensible precautions before you begin. Always wear rubber gloves and protect nearby surfaces with newspaper. Make sure the room is well-ventilated. Wear a mask and, if possible, safety goggles, available from most DIY stores.

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?
How often should you clean your oven? Well, that’s a good question to ask. If your oven smokes when you use it, that’s a clear sign there’s probably a build-up of grease or other debris inside. It may be an arduous task, but it’s much easier if you stay on top of the yucky stuff. Every three months is a good rule of thumb.

Tips Before You Begin
Check your cleaner before you begin to find out if it’s safe to use on rubber seals and glass doors, as the last thing you want is to create problems that will need sorting out later.

Finally, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for use, including timing and whether the oven should be warm or cool. However, having said this, if you haven’t cleaned your oven for some time, you may find that whichever product you choose will have more of a fighting chance if you spray and leave it on overnight. It may still need a second going over, but once you get it all sparkling clean it will be easier to keep that way going forward if you stick to a regular cleaning schedule.

Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner
An awesome cleaning action coupled with an impressively budget-conscious price makes this our number one when it comes to oven cleaners. An aerosol rather than spray action means you can be precise in where you aim it, getting into nooks and crannies with less risk of breathing in the fumes.

It’s for ovens only, so don’t be tempted to use it on your BBQ or microwave, and keep it off the rubber oven seal. Be warned: it works so well because it contains harsh caustic ingredients, but if your main objective is a clean oven, then this may be your best bet.

Oven Mate Cleaner
Take the huff and puff out of oven cleaning with the clever gel consistency of this product, which helps to keep it attached to the sides of your oven while it works. It comes with a brush for applying the formula, so you can squidge it into corners and crevices. There’s also a separate, more liquid version for cleaning your racks and a good, large-size bag (approx 50 x 70cm) to put your racks in, though you can also put them in the sink. It has literally no scent at all and really does work a treat. Can be used on BBQ grills too.

Ecover Oven & Hob Cleaner Jasmine & Mandarin
The Ecover brand hails from Belgium in a bid to provide an alternative to cleaning products that were harming the environment. That was over 40 years ago and it has been making plant-based cleaning products ever since.

Phosphate-free and kind to the earth, the bottle is made entirely from recycled plastic, the trigger from 30 percent recycled plastic and the whole shebang can be recycled again. It is also manufactured in a zero-waste factory and is even vegan-friendly.

We didn’t find it was the toughest weapon against baked-on debris, but for regular use, before things go too far, it’s great. Plus, you can use it on the hob too. Bonus: it smells good – all sweet and flowery – and there’s nothing fumey about this stuff.

Dirtbusters Bio Oven Cleaner
Since this is a non-toxic oven cleaner with no nasty fumes or strong chemicals, you can use your oven right away after you’ve cleaned it. It has a nice lemony smell and wipes off easily with a damp cloth or sponge.

Its clever components are tough on carbon, so you can use it to clean burnt dishes, pots and pans, as well as the top of your stove, BBQs, grills, racks and oven fans. The packaging can be recycled and the actual product is biodegradable, so you won’t be doing any harm to the environment no matter how often you use it.

Miele OvenClean Oven Cleaner
A bit of a niche one, but if you own a Miele oven, then you’ll know you’re only meant to clean it with soapy water – or Miele’s own oven cleaning product, OvenClean. However, we tested it out on a non-Miele oven and it worked just fine.

The product is completely odourless, which is actually pleasant. It can be used on a cold oven and worked after just 10 minutes, taking away the unidentifiable brown stuff at the bottom. Just a wipe away with a damp cloth, followed by a rinse with a wet cloth and it was gone. Like magic.

Pure-Tek Oven Cleaner
This is one that’s safe to use on all sorts of surfaces, including ceramic, cast iron, glass oven doors, rubber seals, grills and oven racks. The Pure-Tek spray-on oven cleaner has a foaming action that clings to surfaces. It works quickly – in just five minutes – and powerfully (so remember to cover up) though you may have to repeat the application for uber tough stains.

It comes in a really big bottle – a whopping 960ml – so you’ll have plenty of it for the money and can be generous about lathering up. In fact, once you get going, you may not want to stop with just the oven. You may find yourself taking it out to the garden and giving the BBQ a good going over as well.

What Reviewers Say

Pros:
According to several reviews, you can find these products to be highly effective. “Super easy to assemble and install,” wrote a five-star shopper. “Have had them out for a couple of weeks, and even in the shorter days they’re holding their charge and glowing a long time. Great path markers.”

“We got these lights to place around our garden to make spring/summer a little more fun,” shared another pleased Amazon customer. “They are bright, festive and look really good. Lightweight and still sturdy, they seem to be holding up well. And they stay lit for a long time.” “They’ve been ‘burning’ for four years straight, through summers, falls, winters, including heavy snowstorms and springs,” wrote a longtime fan. “They are realistic-looking. I love them.” Meanwhile, another Amazon reviewer says that the lights can “stay on until 5 a.m. in the summer.”

Cons:
According to reviews, some of the downsides include the lights being more decorative than functional. “They don’t put out a lot of light. So if you are looking for a product to light up a walkway, this is not the one. If you are looking for aesthetics only, this is perfect.” Said another: “Gets the job done, not as bright as we hoped, though.” “I like the fire-flickering look,” wrote a final fan. “Unfortunately, one broke just pushing it into the ground. Thin plastic material. Be gentle when placing them in the ground!”

Conclusion:
Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you have the right tools and products. Whether you go for a powerful chemical cleaner like Mr Muscle or a more eco-friendly option like Ecover, the key is to follow safety precautions and stay consistent with your cleaning schedule. Not only will you extend the life of your oven, but you’ll also ensure that your cooking space is hygienic and ready for your next culinary adventure.