For many, cleaning the oven is a dreaded household chore, often postponed for as long as possible. One individual has managed to sidestep this task for half a year, thanks to a simple and affordable product found on a supermarket shelf.
The £2 Solution to a Common Problem
The secret weapon is an oven liner, specifically the Toastabags Oven Liner Heavy Duty. Priced at just £1.99 from Home Bargains (or £3.69 at Sainsbury's), this product has proven to be a game-changer. The liner is designed to sit at the bottom of the oven, catching food spills and drips before they can bake onto the surface and become stubborn stains.
Initially, there was some concern about placing a non-food item inside a hot oven, with worries about burning, smoking, or unpleasant smells. However, the product is certified as safe for both gas and electric ovens, reusable, dishwasher safe, and can withstand temperatures of up to 260°C. The only preparation required was trimming it to fit the oven's dimensions.
Six Months Without a Deep Clean
After installing the liner, the oven base remained largely protected for a full six months. A cautious inspection after this period revealed that the area covered by the liner was mostly free from the baked-on grime that typically accumulates. This was a stark contrast to the sticky and stained oven walls and the crumb-covered door, which were left unprotected.
The experiment wasn't entirely flawless. The liner did not cover the full width of the oven, and the exposed sections on the sides showed clear signs of staining. This highlights the importance of ensuring full coverage for complete protection.
A Verdict for the Lazy Cleaner
Despite this minor oversight, the oven liner performed exactly as promised. It significantly reduced the need to scrub the base of the oven, turning a semi-annual horror into a manageable task. While a deep clean is still recommended before major events like Christmas, this £2 product offers a powerful preventative measure that aligns perfectly with a 'work smarter, not harder' approach to household maintenance.
