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As homemakers, we tend to use our OTG oven, toaster, and grill for everything from cakes and cookies to roasted veggies to tandoori delights. Whether you are a baker or a grill master, your OTG is working its butt off in the kitchen. But how often does it get due attention that it needs in terms of cleaning and maintenance? It's so easy to overlook, especially when one is busy with day-to-day life. It is very important to keep your OTG clean for performance and durability. Not only does regular maintenance prevent the building up of food residue and grease, but it also helps your appliance continue working efficiently, maintaining consistent results of the cooking job. If you find that your cakes are no longer baking well, or if your grill is not heating up as it should, then perhaps you need to deep clean. Here is how you can easily take care of your OTG.
Unplug and Cool Down
Before cleaning starts, make sure that your OTG is unplugged and totally cooled down; this is for your safety, so cleaning can effectively be performed. A hot oven could give burns, and certain parts of the OTG, such as the heating rods, may remain very hot for fairly long. Cleaning when the appliance is still warm can also make it more difficult to remove grease properly, since that tends to smear. Once your OTG 
has cooled down, you can start cleaning it with safety and thoroughness.
Wipe Down the Interior After Every Use
The easiest way to keep your OTG clean is to clean it after every use. Let it cool after cooking and wipe with a wet cloth or sponge for any grease splatters, crumbs, or spills that may have occurred. This daily maintenance step can prevent the build-up of stubborn stains and make deep cleaning less frequent. Ensure that all corners are reached, especially around the heating elements and wire racks, where food particles accumulate.
Apply Baking Soda Paste for Tough Stains
For stubborn stains or an excess of grease, baking soda will save the day. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, then apply it to those greasy spots inside the OTG. Let it sit for a few hours, if not overnight, to get better results. The baking soda will work into breaking down the grease and the burnt-on food, making it easier to scrub off. With the waiting period over, use a damp cloth or sponge to remove the paste. This works all the more effectively in the cleaning of the oven door and the walls of the OTG, since they bear the brunt of the mess.
Remove and Clean the Racks
Wire racks inside your OTG are usually the most neglected regions as food particles and grease bind to them over time. Remove the racks and clean them separately in warm, soapy water. You can try using a non-abrasive scrubber to remove the stuck-on food or grease. Rinse and dry well before putting them back in the OTG. If you find that the racks aren't sliding in as smoothly anymore, just apply a smidgen of cooking oil or some food-friendly lubricant on the rack edges.
Don't Forget the Heating Elements
The heating elements of your OTG are pretty crucial with respect to its performance, and hence you need to clean them with care. Water should not fall directly on these elements. Use a soft, dry cloth just to wipe off any residue gently. If there is a big build-up, then a small, soft brush can be used to get rid of that gently. Be careful not to break or displace the elements, as they can be quite sensitive and are important in equal heating.
Cleaning Oven Door for Better Visibility
A dirty oven door is an eyesore, but it also blocks your view when you would wish to check how well your food is cooking. Take a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the inside of the glass. Spray the solution and let it sit for a few minutes; then, with the help of a microfiber cloth, wipe down the grime. If the marks are problematic, you can take the help of a soft scrubber, being watchful not to scratch the glass. This keeps the door clean and enables one to monitor your dishes without necessarily having to open the OTG too frequently, as is disruptive to cooking times.
Set Aside a Monthly Deep Clean
Besides routine wiping and quick cleaning, a deep clean once every month needs to be planned for, so that your OTG is at its best. The deep clean inside and outside includes the racks and heating elements, too. Take out the crumb tray of your OTG if it is detachable and clean that, too. For stainless steel exteriors, a stainless steel cleaner may be used to keep it shiny. Consistent deep cleaning will avoid buildup from grease and grime that could affect cooking performance.
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