If your oven’s starting to look a little tired, it could be time for a proper clean.
Shop-bought cleaners often boast impressive claims, but they aren’t the only option on the shelf.
Armed with just baking soda and vinegar, you can take on the mess—grease, grime, the lot—without reaching for anything toxic.
This guide lays out seven simple techniques that bring your oven and kitchen back to life, shining bright and smelling fresh.
Choose the Right Tools
Firstly, make sure you have everything you need. That includes a spray bottle and a soft sponge. Throw in a clean cloth to avoid scuffing the surface as well. A fine mist of vinegar from the spray does the bulk of the work against the built-up grime.
A plastic scraper works well for stubborn bits, and gloves keep your hands out of the mess. With everything ready before you begin, the whole job moves faster and feels less like a chore.
Keeping your oven in good condition becomes something you barely have to think about.
Prepare the Oven
Start by removing the oven racks and anything else that’s removable. Clearing it out makes access easier and keeps the racks from getting scratched or warped.
Next, take a damp cloth and sweep out any crumbs or bits clinging to the bottom. It stops them from burning and cuts down on smoky smells later.
Lay a towel in front of the oven to catch stray drips and protect the floor from mess. When your space is tidy, your tools do their job better.
Keep a spray bottle nearby and grab a soft sponge while you’re at it. They’ll help you spread the cleaner evenly without damaging any surfaces. Having your kit ready takes the edge off and makes the job feel more manageable.
Create the Baking Soda Paste
Grab some baking soda and stir in water until the mixture thickens to something like toothpaste. That texture matters because it clings to the oven walls instead of sliding straight off.
Every grain should be wet through, or it won’t pull its weight when it’s time to scrub. Use fresh baking soda, not the tired old stuff that’s been airing out in the cupboard for ages.
It’s the go-to for professionals, trusted for its power to clean thoroughly without scratching surfaces or filling the kitchen space with chemicals.
For those who prefer a pleasant scent while scrubbing, a dash of essential oil transforms it into something a bit more inviting.
Make the paste just before use to keep its cleaning power at full strength. It’s a simple move, but it makes a noticeable difference when you’re up against baked-on grease.
Apply the Baking Soda Paste
Do you know how to clean oven with baking soda?
Firstly, start by coating the inside of the oven with the baking soda paste. Stay clear of the heating elements as you go. A spatula works well, but a soft cloth will do the trick, too.
Focus on the grimy areas and press it in lightly so it sticks where it needs to. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes so it can really tackle the stubborn particles. Being patient here is key to getting your oven extra clean.
Rinse with Vinegar
Grab a spray bottle and fill it with some plain white vinegar. Lightly spritz it over the baking soda paste you’ve applied to your oven.
Let the fizzing action work its magic, lifting the grime with minimal effort from you. That bubbling reaction starts to loosen the grime without any scrubbing.
Leave it to sit quietly while it works its way through the mess. After a little while, take a soft, damp cloth. Wipe everything down until you’re done. Make sure to keep rinsing the cloth. That will ensure you avoid smearing the residue around.
In the end, you’ll have a clean and gleaming oven without too much fuss.
Clean the Oven Racks
Keeping them clean ensures your oven works well and stays hygienic. When they’re spotless, cooking is simply much more enjoyable. Moreover, they will last longer, which is great news for whatever you cook up next.
Start by dunking the oven racks in a big tub or sink filled with hot water. If your sink is too small, the bathtub works great, too.
Throw in a decent handful of baking soda, since it tackles grime without relying on anything too harsh. Let everything sit for an hour or so, just enough time for the soda to loosen up the grease.
After the wait, take a sponge with a rough side and ease into the scrubbing. You’ll notice the grime gives way without much effort.
Next, rinse the racks thoroughly to make sure all the baking soda is gone. Once rinsed, dry them off with a towel and leave them to air dry for some time. This helps avoid any rust from forming later on.
This way, they look almost brand new, while remaining clean and safe to use. You can sit back and relax knowing your oven’s in top shape.
Final Wipe and Reassemble
Once the grime is gone, the job is not over yet. Now is the moment for a proper final wipe; no shortcuts allowed. Take a clean, damp cloth and sweep through every edge, corner, and surface like it matters, because it does.
Baking soda and vinegar love to linger, especially near the door or hiding under the frame. If left behind, they’ll smoke up and ruin your next roast before it even begins.
When you’re confident it’s clean, go in with a dry, soft towel to lift away moisture. This is where you shift from just clean to sparkling, skipping those dull water marks. Give the oven a gentle polish and watch the metal wake up with a subtle shine.
There is no need to rush here; a bit of extra care keeps things pristine longer. Let it breathe once you’re done, with the door cracked and time to dry naturally.
Now the racks go back in, seated properly, not rattling at the slightest movement. Even this bit matters because stable shelves mean even cooking.
Conclusion
Using baking soda and vinegar to clean your oven is effective and eco-friendly. They can handle tough dirt and are quite safe to use in your household. These seven tips are easy to follow, so anyone can keep their oven in perfect condition without much effort.
Turning this into a routine ensures your oven stays shining, improving both cooking and its longevity.
