Have you ever gone to use your oven mitts only to realize they are in need of a good cleaning?
Oven mitts are one of the most important tools in the kitchen. Hence it’s important to keep them clean and safe. But how do you make sure they stay clean?
Today we will discuss how to wash oven mitts safely and effectively.
Do You Need to Wash Your Oven Mitts?
The short answer is yes!
Most people feel there is less of a need to wash oven mitts. As they are not exposed to food like other kitchen items and utensils.
However, keeping your oven mitts clean is important to avoid any potential bacterial growth. Or they can be harmful if you come into contact with it.
Besides, even if your oven mitts don’t look dirty, oils from food can build up on them over time.
Not only does this create an unhealthy environment for cooking, but it also makes them less effective at protecting your hands from hot items.
Regularly washing your oven mitts will ensure they last longer and provide better insulation against heat.
How to Hand-Wash Your Oven Mitts?
Hand washing is a great option. It allows you to be gentle with your oven mitts while still cleaning them thoroughly.
To hand wash, start by filling a sink or large bowl with warm water. Then add a mild detergent or dish soap.
Submerge the oven mitt in the soapy water and gently scrub away any grease or grime using a soft brush or sponge.
Rinse well until no more soap remains and then press out as much moisture as possible before laying flat on a towel to air dry.
Tips for Machine Washing Your Oven Mitts
If you decide to machine-wash your oven mitts, there are some things you should be aware of first!
Always check the label
Always check the label for manufacturer instructions. Some oven mitts are not machine washable. And they may shrink or lose their shape if washed in a washing machine.
Besides, different materials may require a different setting for the machine. For example, cotton oven mitts may need to be washed in cold water on the gentle cycle.
Pre-wash It to Remove Oils
Pre-wash the oven mitt with warm water and mild detergent before putting it into the machine.
Oils such as linen and olive oil are especially tough to remove if they’ve been baked onto your mitts, so doing this step first can make all the difference.
Simply brush any crumbs off the mitts, fill the sink with warm water and mild detergent, and rinse the mitts for about five minutes.
Then, throw them in the washer as usual—simple!
Doing this won’t only help you keep your oven mitts looking new, but it also means no nasty greasy residue will end up leaving marks on your other items in the laundry basket.
Use cold water
When washing in the machine as hot water can damage or shrink the material of some oven gloves.
Make sure nothing else in the load could snag or tear your gloves while they’re being washed!
Finally, hang them dry rather than in the dryer – this will help preserve their shape and integrity.
Can You Use Dishwashing Machine to Wash Them?
It is not recommended that you put your oven mitts into a dishwasher – they may shrink or get damaged from high temperatures used by dishwashers.
Stick with hand-washing or machine-washing on cold for best results!
How Often Should You Wash Your Oven Mitt?
It depends on how often you use them. Still, generally speaking, it’s best practice to wash your oven mitt after every 2 – 3 weeks. Thus your oven gloves will keep maximum protection against bacteria buildup and oil deposits.
This will ensure that your oven mitt lasts longer and provides better insulation against heat!
Conclusion
Keeping your oven mitt clean doesn’t have to be difficult – all it takes is some regular maintenance!
Whether you choose to hand wash or machine wash is up to you. Remember those helpful tips we discussed before (like checking labels).
With proper care, these trusty kitchen tools will last longer. And they will provide better protection when handling hot items in the kitchen!
