How to Clean Your Oven with Just Baking Soda and Vinegar
Keeping your oven clean can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! With just two natural ingredients—baking soda and vinegar—you can make your oven sparkle without the need for harsh chemicals. Plus, it's an eco-friendly and affordable way to maintain your kitchen.
Why Use Baking Soda and Vinegar?
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that helps break down grease and grime, while vinegar, an acid, works to dissolve dirt and kill bacteria. Together, they form a powerful cleaning duo, perfect for tackling even the toughest baked-on messes in your oven.
What You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Water
- A spray bottle
- A microfiber cloth or sponge
- A small bowl
- Optional: Gloves
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Oven:
Step 1: Remove oven racks
Before you start cleaning, remove the oven racks and set them aside. These can be cleaned separately with warm soapy water or with the same baking soda and vinegar method.
Step 2: Make a baking soda paste
In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to form a paste. The consistency should be thick enough to spread but not too watery.
Step 3: Apply the paste to the oven
Spread the baking soda paste over the inside of your oven, focusing on areas with the most grease and grime buildup. Avoid the heating elements. Let the paste sit for at least 12 hours or overnight, allowing it to break down the stubborn dirt.
Step 4: Clean the oven racks
While the paste is working its magic, clean your oven racks. Place them in your sink or bathtub, sprinkle with baking soda, and spray with vinegar. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a sponge or cloth.
Step 5: Wipe down the oven
After 12 hours, take a damp microfiber cloth or sponge and wipe away as much of the dried baking soda paste as you can. You’ll likely need to use a bit of elbow grease, especially on tough spots.
Step 6: Spray with vinegar
Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and lightly spritz it over any remaining baking soda residue. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, causing it to fizz, which helps lift off any stuck-on debris.
Step 7: Wipe clean
Once the fizzing stops, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the entire oven down, removing all the residue. For extra shine, give it a final wipe with a dry microfiber cloth.
Step 8: Reassemble your oven
Once your oven is clean and dry, replace the racks, and your oven will be ready for use!
Bonus Tip: Prevent Future Messes
To keep your oven cleaner for longer, consider using a baking sheet or foil beneath dishes that may spill over during cooking. Regularly wiping down the inside after use can also prevent grime from building up.
With just baking soda and vinegar, you can have a clean, fresh oven without the hassle or the use of toxic cleaners. This simple method not only saves you time and money but also ensures that you’re keeping your kitchen eco-friendly.
