Here’s a Simple Old-Fashioned Trick for Cleaning an Oven
You don’t always need expensive oven cleaners to tackle everyday grease and grime. A simple paste made with baking soda can help loosen baked-on residue.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup baking soda
- A little water
- A damp cloth or sponge
- A spray bottle with water
How to Clean It
1. Let the oven cool completely.
Remove the racks and any loose crumbs.
2. Make a paste.
Mix baking soda with a small amount of water until you have a spreadable paste.
3. Apply it to dirty areas.
Spread the paste over greasy or baked-on spots, avoiding heating elements and electrical components.
4. Let it sit.
Leave the paste for several hours, or overnight for stubborn buildup.
5. Wipe everything away.
Use a damp cloth or sponge to remove the loosened grime. Repeat if necessary.
6. Rinse thoroughly.
Wipe the surfaces with clean water so no baking-soda residue remains.
One Important Warning
Never mix baking soda with bleach, ammonia, or commercial oven cleaners. Mixing household cleaning products can create dangerous fumes or reactions.
Also check your oven’s manual before using any DIY cleaning method, especially if it has a special coating or self-cleaning feature.
Bottom line: A little baking soda, water, patience, and elbow grease can go a long way toward freshening up a dirty oven.
