The gap between your oven and cabinets can be a black hole for crumbs, spills, and splatters. While pulling out your oven might seem like the only solution, there are easier and more effective ways to keep this area spotless without breaking a sweat. Let’s get started!
First, let’s tackle the grime:
- Wrap a damp washcloth around a butter knife and gently insert it into the crack as close to the wall as you can. Now pull it toward you.
- Shake out the washcloth in the sink and repeat on the other side.
- With both sides relatively clean, dampen the cloth again — this time with vinegar or your favourite all-purpose cleaner.
- Re-wrap the knife, and return to the gap, and do a bit more scrubbing to remove stubborn gunk. Rinse and re-soak the cloth as many times as you need.
Now, let’s keep it clean:
Kleen Seam
This affordable insert fits between your oven and counter, blocking crumbs and splatters. It’s available in various colours and materials and is heat-resistant and fire-retardant. You can order one today online at Home Depot.
Rubber Weatherstripping
This material is designed to compress when you close a window or door on it, creating a tight, weatherproof seal. It may be all you need to seal off the oven and counter gap! Different sizes are available so you can cater to the gap’s size.
Clear Plastic Tubing
Available at home improvement stores, clear plastic tubing is a highly versatile product. Squish it between your oven and counter to fill the gap, cut it to length, and you’re done!
Foam Masking Tape
Traditionally used to seal car doors, this thin product can fill particularly small oven and cabinet cracks.
