Cleaning an oven is one of those household jobs few people look forward to. Yet it’s essential as built-up grease and burnt-on food not only look bad, but they can also affect the taste of your meals and even pose a fire risk. What often makes the task worse is the use of strong-smelling chemical cleaners.
Luckily, there’s a natural method that gets the job done without the need to suit up in gas masks. And according to cleaning experts at The Kitchn, it only takes two common kitchen ingredients. Firstly, the experts explained that an oven’s self-cleaning setting can be extremely unpleasant, with some people even reporting that it triggered smoke detectors. “So stinky, in fact, we don’t recommend running it, well, ever,” they said.
Instead, they shared a safe and effective alternative that avoids high heat and harsh fumes.
The process starts by removing everything from inside the oven, including the racks and any trays or thermometers.
A paste is then made by mixing half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until it’s thick enough to spread.
Wearing gloves can help, especially if the oven is particularly grimy.
The paste should be rubbed all over the interior, avoiding the heating elements, and left to sit overnight.
During this time, the baking soda begins to break down the grease and grime.
While the mixture works its magic, the oven racks can be cleaned separately.
The next day, a damp cloth should be used to wipe away as much of the dried paste as possible.
For hard-to-reach areas, a plastic or silicone spatula can help remove any stubborn patches.
Once most of the paste is gone, a small amount of white vinegar is sprayed over the remaining residue.
The vinegar reacts with the baking soda, creating a gentle foam that helps lift off the last of the dirt.
A final wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to leave the oven looking clean and shiny.
The Kitchn’s expert said the method takes a bit of time and elbow grease but is “well worth it”, especially since most people already have baking soda and vinegar in their cupboards.
Best of all, there’s no need to air out the house or deal with harsh fumes afterwards.
