DIY Cleaning Methods for Oven

How to Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda and Vinegar

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need baking soda, plain white vinegar, a spray bottle, a small bowl, a cleaning cloth or sponge, a plastic or silicone spatula (for scraping), and gloves if you want to keep your hands clean.

 

• Remove oven racks and loose debris: Take out the oven racks and set them aside. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe out any loose crumbs or burnt bits from the oven floor. This makes the cleaning paste more effective.

 

• Mix your baking soda paste: In a small bowl, combine about 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. Stir until you get a spreadable paste—think toothpaste consistency. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water; too runny, add more baking soda.

 

• Apply the paste: Using a cloth, sponge, or even your hands (gloves recommended), spread the baking soda paste all over the interior surfaces of your oven—walls, floor, and door. Avoid the heating elements (the metal rods that heat up), as you don’t want to coat those. Pay extra attention to greasy or grimy spots. The paste may turn brown as it lifts grime—this is normal.

 

• Let it sit: For best results, let the paste sit for at least 8–12 hours, or overnight. This gives the baking soda time to work on the stuck-on messes. If you’re in a hurry, a couple of hours will still help, but the longer, the better.

 

• Wipe away the paste: After the wait, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe out as much of the dried baking soda paste as you can. A plastic spatula can help gently lift stubborn spots—just don’t use anything metal, which can scratch the oven’s surface.

 

• Spray with vinegar: Fill a spray bottle with plain white vinegar and spritz it over any areas where you still see baking soda residue. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, causing it to fizz. This helps loosen any remaining grime and makes it easier to wipe away.

 

• Final wipe-down: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe out the oven again, removing all traces of baking soda and vinegar. Rinse and wring out your cloth as needed. If you see any white residue, that’s just leftover baking soda—keep wiping with a damp cloth until it’s gone.

 

• Clean the oven racks: While your oven is drying, scrub the racks in your sink with the same baking soda paste or a bit of dish soap and a scrub brush. Rinse and dry them before putting them back in the oven.

 

• Let the oven air out: Leave the oven door open for a bit to let it dry completely before using it again.

• Pro tip: For extra-tough spots, repeat the process or spot-treat with a bit more baking soda paste. If you’re dealing with a glass oven door, the same method works—just be gentle to avoid scratching the glass.

 

• What’s happening here? Baking soda is a mild abrasive, which means it helps physically loosen stuck-on messes without scratching most oven surfaces. Vinegar is acidic, so it reacts with the baking soda (a base) to help lift and break down grime. This combo is a classic for a reason—it’s simple, effective, and doesn’t require strong fumes.

Salt and Hot Water Paste for Oven Cleaning: A Straightforward Guide

• What You’ll Need: Just two things: regular table salt and hot water. No fancy brands or specialty salts—plain old sodium chloride does the trick. For mixing, grab a bowl and a spoon. You’ll also want a non-abrasive sponge or cloth for scrubbing, and a dry towel for wiping up after.

 

• How to Make the Paste: Pour about half a cup of salt into your bowl. Slowly add hot water, a little at a time, stirring as you go. You’re aiming for a thick, gritty paste—think toothpaste, not soup. If it’s too runny, add more salt. If it’s too dry, add a splash more water.

 

• Applying the Paste: Once your oven is cool, spread the salt paste over the areas with baked-on gunk or spills. Focus on spots with visible residue, especially on the oven floor and walls. Avoid heating elements or fan vents—those are best left untouched.

 

• Let It Sit: Give the paste about 10–15 minutes to work. The salt’s gritty texture helps loosen stuck-on bits, while the hot water softens grime. Don’t expect miracles—this isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation, but it does help with surface messes.

 

• Scrub Gently: Use your sponge or cloth to scrub the paste in circular motions. The salt acts as a mild abrasive, helping to lift off residue without scratching most oven surfaces. If you see stubborn spots, reapply a bit more paste and repeat.

 

• Wipe Clean: Once you’ve scrubbed, wipe away the salt paste with a damp cloth. Rinse your cloth frequently to avoid spreading salt around. Finish by drying the area with a towel to prevent streaks or leftover salt crystals.

 

• What to Expect: This method is best for light to moderate messes—think splatters and minor spills, not months-old carbonized buildup. It’s a straightforward way to freshen up your oven between deeper cleans, and it doesn’t leave behind strong odors.

 

• Extra Tips: If you’re dealing with a glass oven door, test a small area first to make sure the salt doesn’t scratch. Always check your oven’s manual for any surface-specific warnings. And remember, patience and elbow grease go a long way—sometimes more than any cleaning hack.