Cleaning a greasy oven might seem daunting, but with a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can restore your oven to its original shine. Hereβs a step-by-step guide to make it sparkle like new!
What Youβll Need
- Baking soda (1/2 cup)
- White vinegar (1/4 cup)
- Water
- Dish soap (a few drops)
- Spray bottle
- Scrub brush or sponge
- Microfiber cloths
- Gloves (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Remove Oven Racks
- Take out the oven racks and set them aside.
- Soak them in hot, soapy water or a mixture of 1/2 cup baking soda and hot water in your bathtub for at least 30 minutes.
- Scrub the racks with a brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly.
Step 2: Make a Baking Soda Paste
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to create a spreadable paste.
Step 3: Apply the Paste
- Spread the baking soda paste over the interior surfaces of your oven, avoiding the heating elements.
- Pay extra attention to areas with built-up grease and grime.
- Let it sit for 8β12 hours, or overnight for tougher stains.
Step 4: Wipe Away the Paste
- Use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe away as much of the dried baking soda paste as possible.
Step 5: Spray with Vinegar
- Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and lightly spray it over any remaining baking soda residue.
- The vinegar will react with the baking soda, fizzing and loosening stuck-on grime.
Step 6: Scrub Stubborn Spots
- Use a scrub brush or non-abrasive sponge to tackle any stubborn grease spots.
Step 7: Final Wipe Down
- Wipe the oven interior clean with a damp microfiber cloth, ensuring no baking soda or vinegar residue is left behind.
Step 8: Clean the Glass Door
- Make a paste with baking soda and water and spread it over the glass door.
- Let it sit for 15β20 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Step 9: Replace Racks
- Once the oven interior and racks are clean and dry, replace the racks back into the oven.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Oven
- Wipe Spills Immediately: Clean up spills as soon as the oven cools to prevent buildup.
- Use an Oven Liner: Place a removable liner on the bottom of the oven to catch drips and crumbs.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your oven every 3β6 months to prevent grease buildup.
Why This Works
- Baking Soda: Naturally abrasive and great for cutting through grease.
- Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to lift grime and provides a natural disinfectant.
- Dish Soap: Breaks down oily residue effectively.
This simple, natural method will have your oven looking brand new without harsh chemicals. π§½β¨ Happy cleaning!