"Danny D" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 30 May 2013 09:01:50 -0700, Roy wrote:
>
>> Please use proper gloves and use a recommended oven cleaner.
>
> Makes no sense to clean an oven without understanding HOW
> the oven cleaning process works (and what it is that is
> happening to the crud, and what that crud actually is).
>
> I looked up oven cleaners, and the EPA says they're just
> potassium or sodium hydroxide but it doesn't say HOW they work
> or what it is that they're cleaning.
>
> Googling a bit more, I see that "saponification" of the baked
> on oils and fats is apparently the main mechanism. Hmmm...
> how does lye do that? I wonder...
>
> Never having cleaned an oven, I wonder aloud why not just soap
> & water; but then I read all the reports on how "elbow grease"
> is the key ingredient for good results, despite manufacturer's
> claims to the contrary.
>
> Googling for "how oven cleaners actually work", I see people
> recommend anything but soap and water!
>
> They use:
> a. Lye (sodium or potassium hydroxide)
> b. Diethyl glycol alkyl ethers
> c. Ethanolamine
> d. Ammonia
> e. Citrus oils
> f. Baking soda + vinegar
> g. Borax
> h. Washing soda (whatever that is + dish detergent
> i. Salt (sodium chloride)
> (and probably a few more)
>
> I'm going to sign up for Consumer Reports and see what they
> have to say about how oven cleaners really work.
>
> REF:
> http://greenliving.nationalgeographi...ning-2677.html
> http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and...chemicals.aspx
> http://housekeeping.about.com/od/pro...n-Cleaners.htm
> http://www.slowyourhome.com/2012/05/...en-clean-oven/

Do *not* use those if you have a self cleaning oven!