Get your oven sparkling clean without harsh chemicals! This guide shows you how to effectively clean your oven using the natural power of baking soda.
A dirty oven, coated in baked-on grease and food splatters, doesn’t just look messy—it can affect the taste and smell of your cooking. While commercial oven cleaners are readily available, many homeowners prefer a more natural and less harsh approach. This guide will walk you through an effective method for cleaning your oven using the power of baking soda and a little elbow grease, leaving your appliance sparkling clean without the strong chemical fumes.
Following is a step-by-step DIY guide for naturally cleaning your oven. You’ll need just a few basic items:
- Baking soda: A mild abrasive and excellent deodorizer, effective at breaking down grease and grime.
- Water: To form a paste with the baking soda and for rinsing.
- Spray bottle (optional): For applying water or vinegar.
- Sponge or cloth: For wiping down surfaces.
- Plastic scraper (optional): For tackling stubborn, baked-on spots.
- White vinegar (optional): To react with baking soda for extra cleaning power.
1. Mix Up a Baking Soda Paste
A thick baking soda paste will adhere to the oven surfaces, allowing it ample time to work on breaking down the grime. In a bowl, mix approximately 1 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. Gradually add water until you achieve a thick, spreadable paste, similar in consistency to toothpaste.
2. Coat the Oven Interior
Using your hands (you might want to wear gloves), a sponge, or a cloth, spread the baking soda paste generously over all the interior surfaces of your oven, including the walls, floor, and inside of the door. Pay extra attention to areas with heavy grease buildup or baked-on food particles. Avoid applying the paste to the heating elements (the coils at the top and bottom) as it can be difficult to remove completely.
3. Let the Baking Soda Work Its Magic
Let the baking soda paste remain on the oven surfaces for at least 12 hours—ideally overnight. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be. Allowing the baking soda paste to sit for a significant amount of time gives it the opportunity to penetrate and break down the stubborn grease and grime, making it much easier to remove later.
4. Remove the Grime and Paste
After the soaking period, the loosened grime should be easier to wipe away. Use a damp sponge or cloth to begin wiping down the oven surfaces. For areas with particularly stubborn, baked-on spots, a plastic scraper can be helpful. Gently scrape away the loosened debris. Avoid using metal scrapers, as they can damage the oven’s interior.
5. Neutralize and Lift Residue with Vinegar
Once you’ve wiped away the majority of the baking soda paste, you can optionally spray the interior of the oven with white vinegar. You’ll notice a foaming reaction as the vinegar reacts with the remaining baking soda—this fizzing reaction that can help to lift off any remaining grime and neutralize the baking soda.
6. The Final Clean Sweep to Remove Residue
Take a clean, damp cloth and thoroughly wipe down all the interior surfaces of the oven again, rinsing the cloth as needed. A final wipe with a clean, damp cloth should eliminate all traces of baking soda or vinegar solution, leaving your oven clean and ready to use.
7. Clean the Removable Racks
While the baking soda paste is setting in your oven, remove the oven racks. You can soak them in a sink or bathtub filled with hot, soapy water. For stubborn grime, you can also apply the same baking soda paste to the racks, let it sit, and then scrub them clean with a brush or sponge. Rinse the racks thoroughly and dry them before placing them back in the oven.
Safety Considerations
Always prioritize your safety when cleaning your oven:
- Make sure the oven is off and cool. Never attempt to clean your oven while it is hot or still cooling down.
- Ventilation (when using commercial cleaners). If you opt for commercial oven cleaners instead of the natural method, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure adequate ventilation by opening windows and doors. Wear gloves and eye protection as directed on the product label.
Conclusion
Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals and strong odors. By harnessing the natural cleaning power of baking soda and following these simple steps, you can effectively remove grease and grime, leaving your oven sparkling clean and ready for your next culinary adventure. Remember to make this a regular part of your kitchen maintenance routine to prevent heavy buildup and keep your oven performing its best.
Also see: 3 Quick and Easy Ways to Clean Your Oven
