How Maintenance Can Keep a Stove Operating Efficiently While Preventing Possible Fire Damage

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian offers stove care tips for peak operating efficiency of the appliance and fire damage prevention.

SERVPRO® of Waxahachie/Midlothian offers tips to help homeowners keep their stoves working at peak efficiency and prevent a fire damage disaster. With regular maintenance and cleaning, Midlothian, TX, homeowners can keep the stove working efficiently and safely. Proper maintenance and early intervention when repairs are needed can also extend the life of the appliance.

COVID-19, remote work, supply chain issues, and high food prices have re-invigorated dining in. The use of the stove has skyrocketed, and this constant, daily usage will take a toll on the stove. A regular routine of maintenance and cleaning will keep the appliance performing at peak levels while extending its lifespan and minimizing the potential for fire damage.

Four basic stove care tips

Tip #1: Maintenance starts on day one.

Maintenance begins the day the appliance is installed. If maintenance has been neglected on a stove already in use, today is a great day to start providing the appliance with the attention and care it needs to operate efficiently and safely for many years to come.

Tip #2: Monthly maintenance makes sense for most situations.

Usage has a bearing on the frequency of the maintenance and cleaning plan. Be proactive. Monthly maintenance is advised. Greater frequency may be needed during holidays and special events when usage is very high.

Tip #3: Read the owner’s manual.

A stove is a major investment with a lifetime of rewards. Take time to read the owner’s manual and highlight key sections, contact information, and warranty information. If a digital version is available, download it for safekeeping. Store the hard copy in a file cabinet with other appliance and device manuals.

By knowing and following the owner’s manual, the homeowner can avoid actions that damage the appliance or nullify the warranty. Proper maintenance will be outlined in the manual. Is it safe to use cleaning solutions on the inside of a self-cleaning oven? The owner’s manual has the answer. Only use cleaning solutions approved in the owner’s manual for usage on the inside of self-cleaning ovens.

Tip #4: Follow safety precautions while cleaning the oven.

Some of these safety precautions include:

• The oven should be cool to the touch while performing cleaning and maintenance.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using cleaners on the unit.
• Be sure to unplug the appliance when performing electrical repairs.

Five simple safety tips

A stove is a powerful appliance. A small coil can reach temperatures exceeding 1100 degrees Fahrenheit, while a large coil can exceed 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. When used safely, a stove can bring nutritional benefits and culinary enjoyment. Listed below are five important safety tips.

• Install a safety bracket to keep the unit from tipping over.
• Turn pot handles to the back or side to prevent accidental spillage from clothing snagging on the handles or young children reaching up to grab a shiny handle.
• When opening lids, protect the hands, arms, face, and eyes from steam release.
• Keep dishes being cooked contained in their safe space. When pots boil over, and when greasy foods and oil splatter, the risk of personal injury and fire rises. The mess is also difficult to clean up.
• Have a fire extinguisher and a supply of baking soda at the ready in case a pan erupts into flames. Never use water to extinguish flames in a frying pan; the results could be explosive when the water hits the hot grease.

Bonus tip: One of the leading causes of fire damage is unattended cooking fires. When cooking on the stove, stay with the dishes while they are cooking on the stove. Turn off the burners and cover the pans before leaving the kitchen.

Cleaning care tips

A clean stove is a safer stove. As mentioned earlier, use cleaners that are safe for the appliance and humans. Avoid using harsh abrasives on glass top stoves. In contrast, a stainless-steel stovetop responds well to a strong degreaser. For an eco-friendly cleanser, mix equal parts of baking soda, salt, and water to create a mildly abrasive paste. Apply the paste with a soft cloth and rub vigorously to remove the grime.

Avoid using water on knobs and dials. Instead, use a damp cloth to clean the areas around the knobs. Remove the parts and wash them separately. Excessive moisture can damage the electrical circuits in a stove.

Spills, grease, and food can build up and catch fire. Clean around the burners to remove residue that can smolder, setting off smoke alarms. The oven hood, including the fan, needs to be cleaned regularly.

In kitchens where the oven is often used, the inside of the appliance may need more frequent cleanings. Spills, splashes, and drips should be cleaned up without delay to prevent smoke damage or fire. Avoid the use of detergent or soaps on the inside of the oven. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper cleaning solutions and techniques. Remove the racks before running the self-cleaning feature. Avoid allowing grime to build up. Wash racks with hot soapy water in the sink or a tub of water. Include the stove hood in the cleaning process.

Make rapid repairs and replacements

A delay in repairing a stove can cause an electrical fire or result in an injury during the cooking process when a pan tilts and spills on a burner. Replace worn or broken parts such as the stove and oven elements. A faulty door hinge, a broken oven window, a damaged door gasket, a bent, and uneven element, or a broken dial can be disastrous. Most parts can be purchased online from the manufacturer or an after-market provider.

A cooking fire, along with the process used to extinguish the flame, can cause extensive fire, water, and smoke damage. The water and fire damage cleanup and restoration team at SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian is IICRC-certified, has years of experience, and is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Contact SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian to learn more about fire damage restoration in Midlothian, TX. The office can be reached by calling (972) 935-0827 or by emailing acarey@SERVPRO10932.com.