Reader Question:
Do you have a hint for cleaning the vents on the oven door that are behind the handle? I have tried small paint brushes, Q-Tips, toothbrushes, and it never looks clean. Wondered if your vinegar trick from window tracks might work. Any more ideas?
Answer:
Oh, I hadn’t ever thought of using a small paint brush to clean in between tight areas. That’s a great idea! But before we talk about how to clean the vents behind the oven door handle, let’s discuss what exactly is on the vents. Here is a picture of mine, which I’ve never cleaned. I moved into my place 8 months ago, so it’s been at least that long, most likely much longer since they’ve had a good wash.
As you can see, they are filled with dust along with some dried on food particles. Determining what is on your vents, and I imagine they are similar to those pictured above, will help you decide on a cleaning solution. A paper towel wrapped around a knife and dipped in hot soapy water worked like a charm to remove the dust and food off of mine! This is the perfect option if there also happens to be grease build-up. Anna’s vinegar trick from window tracks (use a Q-tip dipped in vinegar then wipe with a paper towel) would also work great! Or how about using a can of compressed air?
The Paper Towel Butter Knife Method
Tear about 1/4 of a piece of paper towel off, immerse it in hot soapy water and ring it out. Then wrap it around the top half of a butter knife.
Slide it across the slats of the vents behind the oven door handle. Try to push dust and food from the back to the front.
Replace with a clean, wet paper towel as necessary!
And enjoy your clean oven vents! It’s all in the details, right?!
Do you have a cleaning or organizing question you need answered? Leave it in the comments and you may see it featured in an upcoming Reader Question post!
First let me say good idea, second I have never thought of cleaning there myself. Guess what I am going to do now.
My door handle is in the way of the oven vent so not easy to clean. I ended up unscrewing the handle and throwing it into the dishwasher. The vent and handle are one piece on my oven.
How do you clean the heat streaks on top of the door vent of my electric stove?
Have you tried a Magic Eraser? I would try that first, if that doesn’t work you can try the baking soda trick.