That tip is popular online, but a dishwasher tablet isn’t necessarily safe for every oven. Dishwasher tablets contain concentrated detergents designed for dishwashers, and using them directly on an oven’s interior can damage certain surfaces or leave residues.
A safer way to clean a dirty oven
- Let the oven cool completely and remove the racks.
- Make a paste from baking soda and a little water and spread it over baked-on grease. Avoid heating the paste.
- Leave it for several hours or overnight.
- Wipe away the loosened grime with a damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
- Use a little white vinegar on the cloth afterward if needed to help remove remaining baking-soda residue.
- Clean the racks separately with warm water and dish soap.
Important: Don’t use abrasive cleaners on catalytic/self-cleaning oven liners, and don’t mix cleaning chemicals—particularly bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.
If you tell me what type of oven you have (gas/electric, and whether it has a self-cleaning or catalytic lining), I can give you the safest method for getting heavy grease and burnt-on food off it.
