You are in the midst of cleaning your oven with some highly effective oven cleaner. While rushing to get the job done, you reach for the can and accidentally spray oven cleaner onto your kitchen countertops.
You quickly ask yourself, what is the effect of oven cleaner on kitchen countertops and can I repair the damage? Unfortunately, it damages the countertop due to the toxicity of the cleaner.
However, repairs are definitely a possibility. Let’s take a look at how we can solve this mess.
Lets Check the Ingredients
Believe it or not, oven cleaner is only meant for ovens. Unfortunately, the toxicity level of the various chemicals that make up a product to cut grease out of your oven will absolutely eat away at most materials.
It is important to keep the oven cleaner away from any other appliance or countertop. The toxic chemicals that you would find in oven cleaners consist of the following:
- Turpentine
- Degreasers
- Foaming agents
- Crystallization agents
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Butane
- Monoethanolamine (MEA)
- Monobutyl ether
- Diethylene Glycol
It is imperative that residue does not end up on your counters as it can interact with your food. Food preps on a clean surface are vital to your health.
Why Are Oven Cleaners An Issue For Countertops
Due to the high levels of chemicals in oven cleaners, they can create unsavory conditions in your home. The toxic fumes can cause a breathing issue. Also, the oven cleaner can have an effect on the kitchen countertops by damaging them.
Although oven cleaners do a great job removing the grease from the oven, it is literally the only place where you should be using it.
Health Risks With Oven Cleaners
Consider that you are working with a chemical. Any time you work with a chemical it can have health risks. Due to the number of various chemicals that can combine to make your oven cleaner there are health risks. You will never want your skin to touch the oven cleaner and you will never want your food to touch the oven cleaner. Lastly, always remember to wear protective gloves when using the oven cleaner in your oven.
How Do I Fix Stains On My Countertops
- Vinegar – The first item that you would want to grab is vinegar. Due to vinegar being acidic, it will help neutralize the very corrosive lye that is in oven cleaner.
2. Baking soda/water – if vinegar doesn’t work for you, then you will want to place a baking soda/water paste mixture over the stain. Once you apply the paste, you will put plastic wrap over the top and let it sit for a few days. The idea is that the paste will pull the stain off the countertop.
3. Beeswax- You will buff this into the affected area so that the wood is resealed and will keep water and moisture from getting to the wood countertop.
Consider using an alternative to a very toxic oven cleaner. If you aren’t sure about the options you have, take a look at this video. You will be surprised by your easy option.
Other Maintenance
An oven should work for about 13-15 years. This is a long time if maintained properly. If you are going to take on the adventure of cleaning your oven, then you will likely want to consider cleaning your other appliances.
Head over to the dishwasher. This is where you will want to make sure the drain is not clogging. However, If it is, you can take out the filter, run a cycle, check the drain hose, check the air gap cylinder, and add baking soda and water. Additionally, a dishwasher lasts about 6-10 years so, in order to maintain it that long, you need to take care of the hot water heater as well so your appliance can clean your dishes appropriately.
Next, check the garbage disposal. If the garbage disposal is clogging, use a wrench or pliers and not your hands to check inside. If it is filling with water, you may need to use a plunger.
When Should I Call A Professional
It is highly recommended that you reach out to a professional contractor should your kitchen countertops become damaged by oven cleaner. Once all of the repair options have been exhausted, it is best to reach out to a professional contractor for a repair quote.
Conclusion
Cleaning your oven can be a tough task and anyone can make a mistake. When in doubt, try and utilize a more environmentally safe oven cleaner. If you end up with damage to your kitchen countertops due to oven cleaner, you can reach out to your home inspection company. Alpha Building Inspections will check your countertops and oven during a home inspection in Merrimack, NH, and surrounding areas.
