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There's a common household appliance located in your kitchen that could be quietly putting your health and safety at risk. You might not think twice about your oven but an expert has warned that neglecting regular cleaning can turn this everyday appliance into a 'hidden health hazard'. While it's easy to overlook, grease buildup, food residue, and grime aren't just unpleasant to look at, they can also pose fire risks, reduce efficiency, and even affect the taste and safety of your meals.

According to Chloe Blanchfield, Product Marketing Manager at Hisense UK, a well-maintained oven ensures optimal performance and can significantly extend its lifespan. She said: "Ovens should be deep cleaned every three to six months, depending on how frequently they're being used.

"If you cook daily or prepare a lot of roast dinners, you may need to clean it more often. Neglecting regular cleaning can lead to grease buildup, unpleasant odours, and even impact the way your food tastes."

Many people assume that a dirty oven is merely unappealing and unsightly but it can also pose some serious risks.

Ms Blanchfield explained: "A common misconception is that a dirty oven is simply unsightly.

"In reality, the buildup of grease and food residue can be a fire hazard and make your oven less efficient, leading to uneven cooking and higher energy consumption. Worse still, lingering grease and grime can transfer unwanted flavours to your food."

Keeping your oven clean isn't just about appearances. It ensures the appliance operates at peak performance.

"The key to prolonging your oven's lifespan is regular maintenance. Small, consistent cleaning habits can prevent costly repairs and replacements, ensuring your oven remains efficient, safe, and ready to cook delicious meals for years to come."

Ms Blanchfield has shared some expert tips to help homeowners keep their ovens in tip-top condition.

• Tackle spills immediately - Wipe down the oven as soon as it has cooled to prevent food and grease from hardening. Pay special attention to sugar-based spills, as they can cause permanent damage and would require excess scrubbing.
• Deep clean regularly - Remove oven racks and trays for a thorough scrub using a non- abrasive cleaner. Cleaning the oven door, especially around the seal, will help keep the heat inside the oven and maintain energy efficiency.
• Choose the right cleaning tools - Avoid steel wool and rough scouring pads, which can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for soft microfibre cloths, non-abrasive sponges, or plastic scrapers to remove residue safely.
• Keep it dry - Moisture buildup can lead to mould and mildew, so always dry the inside of your oven thoroughly after cleaning.

According to Hisense, more and more households are turning to technology for an easier cleaning solution and some ovens even include a self-cleaning function which homeowners should definitely take advantage of.

Ms Blanchfield said that ovens like the Hisense Hi8 BlackLine feature a pyrolytic self-cleaning function which heats the interior to extreme temperatures to burn away grease and food residue, leaving it as ash that can be easily wiped away.