Discovered this oven cleaning trick and I won't use any other method again..

 

Discovered This Oven Cleaning Trick, and I Won’t Use Any Other Method Again

Cleaning the oven is one of those tasks that we all dread. The grease, spills, and burnt-on food can feel like they’ve been baked on for an eternity. Scrubbing with store-bought chemical cleaners, which often have harsh fumes and leave behind residues, is something most people want to avoid. After all, no one wants to inhale those fumes while preparing dinner!

That’s why I was thrilled to discover this oven cleaning trick that doesn’t just work—it works beautifully and is completely natural. No toxic chemicals, no expensive cleaning solutions, and best of all, it’s incredibly effective. Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to the old, harsh ways again.

The key ingredients for this trick are incredibly simple: baking soda and vinegar. Yes, you read that correctly. These two pantry staples work wonders when combined with a little time and some elbow grease, leaving your oven spotless and smelling fresh.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through step-by-step how to clean your oven naturally using this effective method. I’ll also share some helpful tips, variations, and why this trick works so well. Let’s dive in!

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Why Baking Soda and Vinegar Work So Well for Oven Cleaning

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the process, let’s talk about why this combination is so effective for cleaning ovens.

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Baking soda is a mildly alkaline substance, which means it’s great at dissolving grease and neutralizing acids. When mixed with water, it forms a paste that you can apply to dirty surfaces, where it acts as an abrasive cleaner, gently scrubbing away dirt and grime. It works wonders on burnt-on food, grease stains, and even tough carbon deposits.

In addition to being effective, baking soda is non-toxic and safe for use around food, pets, and children. It doesn’t leave harmful residues or fumes, making it ideal for a kitchen where you prepare your meals.

Vinegar (Acetic Acid)

Vinegar, on the other hand, is an acid (acetic acid) and has natural cleaning properties. It helps break down grease, grime, and mineral deposits. When used in combination with baking soda, the two ingredients react together to form a bubbly chemical reaction that helps lift and remove dirt from the oven’s surfaces.

Vinegar also has deodorizing properties, which can help eliminate any unpleasant smells left behind by food spills or burnt grease.

The Power of Both Together

When baking soda and vinegar are combined, they create a fizzing reaction that helps lift grime from the surface. The abrasive nature of baking soda works to physically scrub away the dirt, while the acidic properties of vinegar break down tough, stubborn grease and carbon deposits. Together, they make the perfect team for oven cleaning—no harsh chemicals, no fumes, and no stress.

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Ingredients and Tools You'll Need

To clean your oven with this method, you’ll need just a few basic supplies:

For the Cleaning Paste:

• 1/2 cup baking soda

• 3 tablespoons water (you can add more if necessary to achieve the right consistency)

For the Vinegar Spray:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar

• 1/2 cup water

• A spray bottle

Additional Tools:

• A spatula or a non-abrasive scraper (for applying the paste)

• A clean cloth or sponge

• A bowl for mixing the baking soda paste

• Rubber gloves (optional but recommended)

• A microfiber cloth (for wiping down after cleaning)

• A toothbrush or small scrubbing brush (optional, for stubborn areas)

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Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Oven with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Before you start applying any cleaning agents, it’s important to prep the oven.

1. Remove Oven Racks: Take out any oven racks and other removable parts. This will give you easy access to the oven’s interior and prevent any of the cleaning mixture from getting on the racks.

2. Turn Off the Oven: Ensure the oven is completely cool before starting the cleaning process. If the oven has been recently used, wait for it to cool down to avoid burns or mishaps during cleaning.

3. Vacuum or Wipe Away Loose Dirt: If there are crumbs or loose debris inside the oven, vacuum them out or wipe them away with a dry cloth. This will help to avoid making a mess when applying the paste.

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Step 2: Create the Baking Soda Paste

1. Mix the Paste: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of baking soda with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir until you form a thick paste. The consistency should be spreadable but not runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, add more baking soda.

2. Apply the Paste: Put on your rubber gloves (optional), and use a spatula, a butter knife, or your hands to spread the paste generously all over the interior surfaces of the oven. Focus on areas with built-up grease, carbon stains, and any food splatters.

Be sure to apply the paste on the sides, bottom, and the top of the oven. Avoid getting the paste on the heating elements, as you want to keep those dry. For stubborn spots or grease, apply a thicker layer of paste and let it sit longer.

3. Let the Paste Sit: After you’ve covered the oven’s interior with the paste, let it sit for at least 12 hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be at breaking down tough grease and food residue. If you’re in a hurry, 4-6 hours can still yield great results, but patience is key here.

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Step 3: Clean the Oven Racks (Optional but Recommended)

While the baking soda paste is working its magic in the oven, it’s a good idea to clean the oven racks as well.

1. Soak the Racks: Fill a bathtub, large sink, or a container with hot water and add 1/4 cup of baking soda. Submerge the oven racks and let them soak for 30 minutes to an hour. This will loosen any grease and grime on the racks.

2. Scrub the Racks: After soaking, use a soft sponge or a non-abrasive scrub brush to remove the loosened grime from the racks. Rinse them thoroughly with clean water, then set them aside to dry.

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Step 4: Scrape Away the Baking Soda Paste

Once your paste has sat for the desired amount of time, it’s time to remove it.

1. Wipe Away the Paste: Use a damp cloth or sponge to start wiping away the paste. It may have hardened, so you might need to use a bit of elbow grease to scrub off the paste. For tougher areas, a spatula or a non-abrasive scraper can help remove the paste more effectively.

2. Reapply as Needed: If you encounter any stubborn spots, you can apply more baking soda paste and let it sit for another hour or so.

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Step 5: Apply the Vinegar Spray

After you’ve removed most of the baking soda paste, it’s time to use the vinegar spray to finish the cleaning process.

1. Mix the Vinegar Solution: In a spray bottle, combine 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 1/2 cup of water.

2. Spray the Interior: Spray the vinegar mixture all over the oven’s interior, including any areas where there’s still residue from the baking soda paste. The vinegar will react with any remaining paste, fizzing and lifting away any remaining grime.

3. Wipe Down the Oven: Once the vinegar has had a chance to fizz and dissolve the paste, use a clean cloth to wipe down the surfaces. The reaction between the vinegar and baking soda should leave the surfaces clean and shiny.

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Step 6: Final Wipe and Dry

1. Dry the Interior: Once you’ve finished scrubbing and wiping down the oven’s interior, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture or residue.

2. Replace the Racks: Finally, once everything is dry, replace the oven racks and any other components you removed earlier.

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Why This Trick Works So Well

This method works because baking soda and vinegar are both powerful yet gentle on your oven. They target grease, burnt food, and grime effectively without harsh chemicals or fumes. Here's why the trick is so effective:

1. Baking Soda is an Abrasive: Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, helping to scrub off sticky food particles and grease without damaging the oven’s surfaces.

2. Vinegar Breaks Down Oil: Vinegar’s acidity helps break down grease and carbon, making it easier to clean off tough stains.

3. Fizzes to Lift Grime: The chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar creates a fizzing action that lifts dirt and grime from the surface, making it much easier to wipe away.

4. Non-Toxic and Safe: This method is safe to use in the kitchen since it uses all-natural, non-toxic ingredients. You don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals lingering in your oven or affecting your food.

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Conclusion: A Sparkling, Fresh Oven Without Harsh Chemicals

This oven cleaning method using baking soda and vinegar is hands down one of the most effective, natural ways to get your oven sparkling clean without using harsh chemicals or resorting to expensive cleaning products. It’s easy, cost-effective, and provides long-lasting results.

Once you try this trick, you’ll never look at oven cleaning the same way again. And with a little bit of patience, you’ll have an oven that’s not only clean but also smelling fresh and free from harmful chemical residues.

Happy cleaning!