Before you get started, here are a few things you’ll need to gather:

Materials You Will Need:

  • Baking Soda (1/2 to 1 cup, depending on the size of your oven)
  • White Vinegar (1 cup)
  • Water (to dilute the baking soda)
  • Spray Bottle (for the vinegar)
  • Rubber Gloves (optional but recommended)
  • Spatula or Plastic Scraper (for removing grime)
  • Clean Towels or Rags (to wipe the oven)
  • A Bowl (for mixing the baking soda paste)

Step 1: Remove Oven Racks and Accessories

Start by removing any oven racks, trays, or thermometers inside your oven. This will make the cleaning process easier and give you access to all areas of the oven, especially the corners and sides where grease tends to accumulate. Set these accessories aside to clean them separately.

Step 2: Create the Baking Soda Paste

Next, you’ll need to create the cleaning paste using baking soda.

  • In a bowl, add about 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda (depending on the size of your oven).
  • Gradually add water (a tablespoon at a time) and stir until you form a thick paste. The consistency should be similar to toothpaste—not too runny, but spreadable.

You want the paste to be thick enough to stick to the oven's interior surfaces without dripping. If you prefer, you can also add a small amount of water to the baking soda to help it dissolve easier.

Step 3: Apply the Baking Soda Paste to the Oven Interior

Now comes the fun part! With your rubber gloves on (if you're using them), spread the baking soda paste onto the oven’s interior surfaces. Be sure to coat the bottom, sides, and oven door (avoiding the heating elements if possible).

  • Focus on areas with built-up grease or food splatters. For particularly stubborn spots, you can apply a thicker layer of paste and gently scrub it in with your hands or a soft brush (such as an old toothbrush).
  • Don’t forget the oven door—the inside glass can be one of the trickiest spots to clean, but the baking soda will help lift grime.

Once you’ve covered all the greasy spots, let the paste sit for 15-20 minutes. This allows the baking soda to work its magic by loosening grease and grime, making it easier to wipe away later.

Step 4: Clean the Oven Racks and Accessories

While the baking soda paste is doing its job inside the oven, it’s a good time to clean the oven racks and any other accessories you removed earlier.

  • Soak the racks in a bath of hot water and baking soda for at least 30 minutes. If you have stubborn stains, sprinkle some more baking soda on them and let it sit for a little longer.
  • After soaking, use a scrub brush or a spatula to remove any remaining residue.
  • For a finishing touch, rinse the racks thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel.

Step 5: Spritz with Vinegar

After the baking soda has had time to sit and work its magic, it's time to bring out the vinegar.

  • Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray it generously over the baking soda paste inside your oven. You should notice it start to bubble and fizz as the vinegar reacts with the baking soda.
  • This fizzing action helps to further break down grease and grime and makes it easier to wipe off.

Let the vinegar sit for about 5 minutes, and then take a clean rag or towel to wipe away all the grime. Be sure to wipe in circular motions to remove any lingering residue. You may need to spray more vinegar and repeat the wiping if some areas are particularly dirty.

Step 6: Scrape Off Stubborn Grime

For any remaining stubborn spots, use a plastic scraper or spatula to gently scrape off the debris. Avoid using metal tools that could scratch or damage the oven’s interior surface.

Step 7: Final Wipe and Dry

Once you’ve removed all the grime, give the oven one last wipe-down with a clean damp towel to remove any leftover vinegar or baking soda residue. Then, use a dry towel to give the oven a final wipe and dry any excess moisture.

Step 8: Clean the Oven Door

For the oven door, spray a little vinegar directly onto the glass and wipe it with a soft cloth or sponge. If you find streaks, buff them out with a dry cloth for a streak-free shine.

Step 9: Replace the Racks and Accessories

Once the oven interior is clean and dry, replace the oven racks and any accessories that you removed earlier. You’ll now have a sparkling clean oven ready for your next cooking adventure!

Additional Tips and Tricks for Oven Cleaning

  • For extra stubborn grease: If the grease is particularly thick, let the paste sit for longer—up to an hour if necessary. You can also apply a baking soda and vinegar paste directly to problem areas and let it sit overnight before scrubbing.
  • Preventing future build-up: To keep your oven cleaner for longer, consider wiping up any spills or crumbs immediately after they happen. For regular maintenance, give your oven a light clean once every few weeks.
  • For strong odors: If your oven has any lingering smells, place a bowl of vinegar or lemon water inside the oven and heat it to a low temperature (about 250°F or 120°C) for 30 minutes. This will help neutralize any unwanted odors.

Why This Hack is a Game-Changer

This method of cleaning your oven is so effective that you’ll never go back to harsh chemicals or store-bought oven cleaners again. Baking soda and vinegar are both non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making this a safe option for homes with children and pets. It’s also incredibly affordable—most of us already have these ingredients in our pantries!

With this hack, cleaning your oven becomes a quick and easy process, taking just a fraction of the time compared to using commercial cleaners. Plus, you won’t have to deal with strong chemical fumes or worry about any harmful residue left behind in your oven.

Conclusion

After trying this simple and efficient oven cleaning hack, you’ll be amazed at how much easier and safer it is than the traditional methods. By using baking soda, vinegar, and a little bit of elbow grease, you can make your oven look brand new without the need for harsh chemicals. Not only will your oven shine, but your home will smell fresh and clean too.

Give this method a try, and you might just find yourself wondering why you ever used anything else to clean your oven in the first place!