How to Clean up Fire Extinguisher Powder From Oven

No matter how long you are cooking, accidents are bound to happen. Especially if you leave something unattended on the stovetop or in the oven. It might get overcooked, burnt, or in the worst case, catch on fire.

It is not abnormal for food to catch on fire in the oven. The grease in the food can lead to this. Also at the same time, the residue of your food in the oven can cause this.

And the dirt and debris will only fuel the fire. The best thing to do at this point is to use a fire extinguisher. This will not only neutralize the fire but also help it from not spreading around the kitchen and the whole house.

The thing you will be concerned about later is how to clean up fire extinguisher powder from oven. It might seem like a lot of work, but the end result will be fabulous.

What Is Fire Extinguisher Made Of

Dry fire extinguishers have mainly three ingredients. It is a combination of potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and monoammonium phosphate. And all of them combined, they are deadly to any fire.

The downside of them is they leave a residue. Which is hard to come off with simple water. And you shouldn’t go for the oven cleaner as it will cause more harm.

After using the fire extinguisher, you have to work fast. Because the longer you wait, the residue will be harder to come off. 

How to Clean up Fire Extinguisher Power From Oven After Fire

We all have faced an oven fire at least once in our lifetime. And if you are one of the unfortunate ones, give a big pat on your back. You are a hero to yourself and your family. From stopping the fire to keeping everyone safe, you deserve a medal. 

To clean up your oven after using a fire extinguisher, you have to know a few things first. This will help you use the right cleaning products instead of using the wrong ones.

To clean your oven effectively, go through the following steps. You will get a squeaky clean oven in no time.

Step 1: Use a Vaccum Cleaner

First, you have to take out the bigger chunks from your oven. You can use a vacuum cleaner to make it easier for you. 

Step 2: Brush off the Excess Dirt

Once you have used the vacuum to take out the bigger parts, use a brush to rub off the excess dirt. And use the vacuum once again.

Step 3: Spray With an Alcohol Solution

After all the vacuuming is done, mix a solution of isopropyl alcohol and water in a spray bottle. It can be a 50/50 solution. Spray it all over the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Then rub it off with a rag.

Step 4: Spray With Vinegar and Water Solution

We are not done yet. You have to neutralize sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. To do this, you have to use a 90% water and 10% vinegar solution. Mix it up in a spray bottle and spray it all inside the oven generously. And let it sit for a few minutes. Then clean it up with a rug.

Step 5: Apply a Paste of Baking Soda and Water

After you have neutralized the sodium and potassium bicarbonate, we have to deal with the monoammonium phosphate. It’s a tricky one, and the hardest part in the steps of cleaning your oven. You have to make a paste out of baking soda and hot water. Rub it in the oven nicely and let it sit. Then wipe it clean with a rug as usual.

Step 6: Do a Soapy Cleaning and the End

There is nothing like a soapy wash. And your oven needs it now more than ever. Do a soap wash cleaning of your oven and let it air dry before using it. You will be left with a brand new oven at this point.

Safety Tips: Wear a mask and gloves while you are cleaning your oven. You might not be aware of your skin allergies and the chemicals can irritate your skin or body. Better stay on the safe side than be sorry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a fire extinguisher ruin an oven?

No. A fire extinguisher does not ruin an oven. But it depends on the material that the fire extinguisher is made of. Home-grade fire extinguishers are harmless to your oven while industrial-grade extinguishers might cause harm to the interior of your oven.

Is the powder from a fire extinguisher toxic?

In general, the powder from a fire extinguisher is not toxic. But it can cause skin irritation. So better use gloves and protective gear while you are cleaning the powder after using a fire extinguisher. You can also check the level of your fire extinguisher to learn more about the safety precautions of using it. 

Can I use my oven after a fire?

Yes. But you have to do a thorough cleaning and a stability check before you turn it back on. A professional from the fire department or the manufacturer of the oven can determine that easily. So check with them before you turn it back on. Otherwise, some parts of the oven might be severely damaged without your notice which might lead to another disaster.

How to clean a dry powder fire extinguisher?

To clean a dry powder fire extinguisher, you have to take off the bigger parts with a vacuum. Then use a vinegar and water solution to clean off and neutralize the sodium and potassium bicarbonate. A paste of baking soda and hot water will neutralize the monoammonium phosphate. After that, you can do a soap water wash for better measures. And let it air dry the space.

Conclusion

Cleaning up your oven after using a fire extinguisher might sound like a lot of work, but it needs to be done. Otherwise, you will be inhaling and eating wired-tasting food. But before all that, check with a fire expert to learn if your oven is usable or not. If the fire is severe, your oven might need a bit of a repair before it can function. So before letting your work go to waste, check for the usability of your oven.