An effective old-fashioned way to clean an oven uses baking soda and water, with white vinegar to help remove the residue afterward.
What you’ll need
- Baking soda
- Water
- White vinegar (optional)
- A sponge or soft cloth
- A plastic scraper or non-abrasive scrubber (if needed)
Instructions
- Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water.
- Spread the paste over the inside of the cool oven, avoiding the heating elements.
- Let it sit for several hours or overnight to loosen baked-on grease.
- Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth.
- Spray or wipe with white vinegar to help dissolve any remaining baking soda, then wipe clean.
- Dry the oven with a clean cloth.
Tips
- Remove oven racks and clean them separately in warm, soapy water if the manufacturer allows.
- Avoid using abrasive steel wool on enamel or glass surfaces, as it can scratch them.
- If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, follow the manufacturer’s instructions instead of using homemade cleaners.
This method is effective for routine cleaning and avoids the strong fumes associated with many commercial oven cleaners. For very heavy, baked-on grease, you may need to repeat the process or use a cleaner designed for ovens according to its instructions.
