3-Ingredient Oven Cleaning Recipe for a Sparkling Clean Oven

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Step-by-Step Oven Cleaning Process
• Tips for Tough Baked-On Grime
• Cleaning the Oven Racks
• Maintaining a Clean Oven
• Conclusion

Introduction to Easy DIY Natural Oven Cleaning

Keeping your oven clean can be a daunting task, especially when baked-on grease and burnt food build up over time. While heavy duty chemical cleaners may seem like the only option, you can actually clean your oven naturally and easily using just a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. In this post, we'll go over an effective oven cleaning recipe that uses baking soda, vinegar, water, and lemon essential oil to break down grime and leave your oven sparkling.

Not only is this method inexpensive and made with natural products, it's also very simple and hands-off. Just mix up the solution, coat the inside of your oven, let it sit overnight, and then wipe away the grease and dirt in the morning. No need for scrubbing or harsh fumes! We'll provide tips for getting even the toughest baked-on stains out as well.

What You'll Need for This Natural Oven Cleaner

Luckily, you likely already have the few ingredients needed for this oven cleaning recipe in your pantry and fridge:

• Baking soda - cleans and deodorizes
• Water - helps create a spreadable paste
• Vinegar - cuts through grease and residues
• Lemon essential oil (optional) - cuts grime and leaves a fresh scent

Why This Oven Cleaning Recipe Works

The combination of baking soda, water, and vinegar in this oven cleaner works together to break down and dissolve stains and buildup. Here's a look at what each ingredient does:

• Baking soda - A mild abrasive that also neutralizes odors and absorbs stains
• Water - Activates the baking soda to make a spreadable cleaning paste
• Vinegar - Cuts through grease and grime due to the acetic acid
• Lemon oil - Deodorizes and adds a fresh scent

Step-By-Step Process for Cleaning Your Oven Naturally

Now that you understand why this cleaner works so well, let's look at the simple process for getting your oven spotless.

Mix Together the Baking Soda Paste

Start by stirring together 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water in a small bowl. You can add more water as needed to make a thick, spreadable paste. Mix in 5-6 drops of lemon essential oil for extra cleaning power and a fresh scent. Before applying the paste, remove oven racks and set aside. You'll clean these separately later. Use a sponge or soft cloth to spread the baking soda paste all over the bottom and sides of your oven, coating any burnt on stains thoroughly. Don't forget the glass window on the oven door!

Let the Mixture Sit Overnight

Once your oven is fully coated with the paste, you'll want to let it sit for at least 12 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the baking soda and vinegar time to fully break down all the built-up grease and grime. For extra cleaning power, you can apply the paste to your oven burner covers, drip pans, and any other removable parts. Just let everything soak overnight before wiping clean.

Wipe Away Residue with Vinegar and Water

In the morning, simply spray the paste with undiluted white vinegar. This will cause sizzling and foaming as the vinegar reacts with the baking soda. Let sit briefly before scrubbing with a wet sponge or cloth. All the grease and stains should wipe away easily, leaving you with a sparkling oven! For any remaining stuck-on spots, let them soak with vinegar before scrubbing. Thoroughly rinse with water and dry any surfaces before replacing racks and parts.

Tips for Removing Tough Baked-On Grime

If you have extremely stubborn baked-on stains, there are a few extra tips for getting your oven squeaky clean:

• Apply the baking soda paste thicker on problem areas

• Allow the paste to sit for 24 hours rather than 12 for maximum effect

• Use a plastic scraper or wooden spoon to gently loosen stuck-on gunk before wiping

• Repeat process if needed on remaining spots, allowing paste to sit again before wiping

• For carbonized grease, rub gently with fine steel wool and baking soda before rinsing

Cleaning the Oven Racks

Don't forget to give your oven racks some TLC as part of your cleaning session! Here are two easy ways to make them shine again:

• Place racks in a heavy duty garbage bag and add 1/4 cup baking soda and 2 cups vinegar. Seal and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.

• Alternatively, scrub racks by hand with baking soda paste. Rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing in oven.

Maintaining a Clean Oven

To make your oven cleaning sessions less frequent, be sure to:

• Use a baking sheet lined with foil under anything that may drip or splatter

• Clean up any spills right away before they have a chance to bake on

• Give the oven a quick wipe down with baking soda paste every few weeks

Conclusion

We hope this guide has convinced you that you don't need harsh chemicals or a ton of elbow grease to remove even the most stubborn oven grime. Just let baking soda, vinegar, and water do the dirty work!

Using this safe, natural oven cleaner regularly will help cut down on baked-on messes. Your oven will not only be cleaner, but your kitchen will be healthier without the fumes from commercial cleaners. Give this oven cleaning recipe a try next time your oven needs some TLC!

FAQ

Q: What are the 3 ingredients needed?
A: The 3 ingredients are baking soda, white vinegar, and water. You'll also need a sponge or scrubbing brush.

Q: How long should I let the mixture sit?
A: Let the baking soda paste sit for at least 12 hours, or ideally overnight for best results.

Q: Can I use essential oils?
A: Yes, adding a few drops of lemon essential oil can help boost cleaning power and leave a fresh scent.

Q: How can I clean tough grime?
A: Use a butter knife or spatula to scrape off any baked-on food. Concentrate mixture in extra grimy spots.

Q: What about the oven racks?
A: Place racks in mixture too. Then scrub and rinse. For stainless steel racks, dry immediately to prevent rust.

Q: How often should I clean the oven?
A: Clean the oven every few months to prevent heavy buildup. Spot clean drips after each use.

Q: Can I use this on a self-cleaning oven?
A: No, do not use this homemade cleaner on a self-cleaning oven. Use the oven's built-in self-cleaning cycle only.

Q: Should I rinse after cleaning?
A: Yes, wipe down the oven thoroughly with a wet rag after scrubbing to rinse away any residue.

Q: Is this method safe for oven glass?
A: Yes, this mild acid-alkali homemade recipe is safe for oven door glass when instructions are followed.

Q: Can I use on other appliances?
A: Yes, this recipe can be used to clean other kitchen appliances like stove tops. Avoid abrasive scouring.