Many people think that having an oven with a self-cleaning feature would be a breeze. However, there are some risks to consider with that innocent-looking feature. Did you know that high-heat self-cleaning ovens also emit fumes that are not healthy? They come from burnt food particles and the enamel that lines the oven. And speaking of fumes, if you worry about the fumes from the typical spray-on oven cleaner, you can rest easy with this natural oven cleaning method. After all, the easiest way to clean an oven is actually with a simple homemade paste! By using a homemade mixture of just baking soda and water, you get a super clean oven without any risks to your health. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to clean an oven using all-natural baking soda and water paste.
How To Clean an Oven
1. Start by Taking Out the Oven Racks
Make sure the oven is cool, and then remove the racks to create an open space for cleaning. Set them aside for cleaning later.
2. Vacuum Out Any Loose Crumbs
Using the hose attachment on your vacuum, suck up all of the crumbs so you are only left with the stuck-on grime.
3. Make a Mixture of Baking Soda and Water
Measure out about a 1/2 cup of baking soda with about three tablespoons of water. Add one tablespoon at a time until you get a consistency of a paste. I like to just dump a little baking soda in the bowl, then pour in a little water and continue to add more soda or water as needed for the right amount of paste. You just want it to be somewhat thick, like the picture, to be easy to apply.
4. Spread the Mixture Inside the Oven
Rub the mixture onto the walls, bottom and inside door of the oven. Use a damp cloth or gloves to apply the paste. You will see the paste working right away as it will start to turn brown. However, you don’t want to wipe the paste off. It needs to set overnight or for at least 12 hours.
5. Clean the Oven Racks
The racks get cleaned in a similar way. You just need to let them soak in baking soda water. Since oven racks are typically larger than a kitchen sink, you will need to fill a bathtub or other large container with several inches of hot water. Then add between one and three cups of baking soda, depending on the size of the tub. A standard tub with three inches of water will take about two cups of baking soda. Add the oven racks to the tub, making sure they are entirely covered with water, and then let them set overnight. Now, you can relax with a glass of wine while the baking soda mixtures do their work!
6. Wipe Out the Baking Soda Paste From Oven
The next morning you just need to wipe clean the inside of the oven. Use a clean wet rag to wipe out the dried paste. Periodically rinse your rag as you go. For any stubborn spots, just use a plastic scraper and that should be enough to break away the residue.
7. Spritz Oven With Vinegar
Put some white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle and then spritz it throughout the interior of your oven. This will react with any baking soda that is left on the surface. Wipe it off with a rag and you will be left with a clean and shiny oven. If you do still see some of the white baking soda, simply spritz again with vinegar until you are happy with the results.
8. Clean and Return the Oven Racks to the Oven
Drain the tub and wipe down the oven racks with a scrubbing pad. Then rinse, dry and return the racks to the oven. Next up, 10 cleaning hacks to save you time and money!
