How to Clean An Oven

Skip the harsh chemicals and high heat. Learn how to clean an oven with natural items you already have on hand to make your oven shine. Cleaning the oven is one of those jobs that feels more like a weekend project than just another task to check off the cleaning to-do list. And the process leaves plenty to be desired: You can either use the self-clean function and deal with the fumes as it burns off grease and residue at 600 degrees, or use a highly toxic oven cleaner that can burn your skin. Not exactly great options, right? But there is a solution that’s safe, natural, and pretty painless. Learn how to clean an oven naturally with items that are already sitting on your kitchen shelves. All you need is a bit of time—and baking soda—to get your oven interior sparkling again. We can’t say you’ll start to look forward to cleaning your oven, but it will definitely feel like less of a smelly ordeal.

Materials

• Baking soda
• Water
• Rubber gloves
• Vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Rags

How to Clean an Oven

1. Remove the Oven Racks

Take out the racks and set them aside. They can be washed in the sink with regular soap and water. Be sure to remove any additional items, such as thermometers or pans.

2. Make a Paste

Mix baking soda and water together until it makes a spreadable paste. You’ll be coating the entire oven, so make enough to cover the whole surface.

3. Apply the Paste

Spread the paste all over the interior of the oven (you may want to wear gloves to protect your hands). Stay clear of the heating elements as you apply the paste. Be sure to cover those extra greasy spots and don't worry if the paste is thicker in some areas. The paste will begin to turn brown as it comes in contact with the grease.

4. Let the Paste Sit Overnight

Once you've completely covered the oven with the baking soda paste, go get some sleep. The paste should be left on for at least 12 hours.

5. Wipe Off Paste

Use a damp rag to wipe off as much of the paste as you can. If there are particularly stubborn areas, use a spatula to gently loosen the residue.

6. Spray It Down

Add vinegar to a plastic spray bottle and spray the interior of the oven. The vinegar will cause any residual baking soda to loosen and foam up.

7. Wipe Clean

Use a damp rag to wipe the oven clean. Return clean racks to the oven and allow it to dry completely. (You can turn it on to a low temperature for a few minutes to speed up the process.)

8. Clean the Window

Make sure you have a clear view of your newly spotless oven interior. To clean the oven window, make another paste out of baking soda and water, spread over the window, and let sit for about 30 minutes. Wipe off the paste with a damp rag.