Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Before you start cleaning, it’s important to prepare the oven for cleaning. This includes:
Turn off the oven: Make sure your oven is turned off and completely cool to the touch. You don’t want to work with a hot oven, as that can cause burns or other accidents.
Remove oven racks: Take out the oven racks and set them aside. You’ll clean them separately later.
Lay down towels or newspapers: Consider laying a towel or newspaper underneath the oven door to catch any drips from the cleaning process.
Step 2: Make the Baking Soda Paste
The first part of Nana’s trick is to create a cleaning paste using the baking soda. Here’s how:
Measure out baking soda: Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a small bowl. You may need more depending on the size of your oven and the level of dirt.
Add water: Slowly add water to the baking soda, just a little at a time, until the mixture forms a paste-like consistency. You want it thick enough to spread easily on the oven surfaces but not too runny. Think of it as a spreadable consistency that will stick to the sides of the oven.
Stir: Stir the paste until it's smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Apply the Baking Soda Paste
Now that your paste is ready, it’s time to apply it to the interior of your oven. Here’s how to do it:
Coat the oven: Using a clean cloth or sponge, spread the baking soda paste all over the oven’s interior surfaces, including the bottom, sides, and door. Pay special attention to areas with grease buildup or food splatters.
Let it sit: Allow the baking soda paste to sit and work its magic. For light cleaning, you can leave it on for at least 15 minutes. For tougher, baked-on grime, let the paste sit for 1 to 2 hours or overnight if you have the time. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be at loosening up the dirt.
Step 4: Clean the Oven Racks
While the paste is working its magic inside the oven, it’s time to clean the oven racks. Here’s how:
Fill a tub with water: Fill a bathtub, large basin, or your kitchen sink with hot water.
Add baking soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into the water. If you have particularly grimy racks, you can add a cup or two of baking soda to the water.
Soak the racks: Place the oven racks into the soapy water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The baking soda will help lift grease and grime from the metal.
Scrub the racks: After soaking, use a scrub brush or sponge to scrub the racks, paying attention to any stubborn spots. They should come out clean and shiny.
Step 5: Wipe Away the Baking Soda Paste
After allowing the paste to sit, it’s time to clean it off:
Spray with vinegar: Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz the interior of the oven where the baking soda paste has been applied. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a fizzy, bubbly reaction that helps lift grime from the oven walls.
Wipe it down: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the bubbly paste and grime. You may need to rinse the cloth a few times to remove all the residue.
Repeat if needed: For areas with heavy buildup, you may need to repeat the process. Just reapply the baking soda paste, let it sit, and use the vinegar spray again until the oven is completely clean.
Step 6: Clean the Oven Racks and Finish Up
Once your oven is sparkling clean, it’s time to finish up the process:
Dry the racks: After scrubbing the oven racks, rinse them thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel.
Reinsert the racks: Once the oven racks are dry, carefully place them back into the oven.
Final wipe-down: Wipe down the interior of the oven one last time to make sure everything is spotless.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Oven
- Regular maintenance: To prevent the need for deep cleaning, wipe down your oven regularly. Clean up spills as soon as they happen to avoid built-up grease.
- Use a liner: Consider placing a reusable oven liner at the bottom of your oven to catch spills and drips. This will make future cleanups easier.
- Keep your oven door clean: Don’t forget the oven door! Wipe it down regularly with a mixture of vinegar and water to keep it looking clear and shiny.
Conclusion: Nana’s Simple Trick for a Sparkling Oven
Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be a stressful or expensive task. Nana’s no-fuss trick using just baking soda, vinegar, and water is a simple, effective way to get your oven looking like new. By following these easy steps, you can tackle even the toughest oven messes with minimal effort and without the need for harsh chemicals.
Next time you look at your oven and dread the thought of cleaning it, remember Nana’s method—it’s a tried-and-true solution that’s safe, affordable, and highly effective. Happy cleaning!
