Here’s Nana’s No-Fuss Trick to Cleaning an Oven: You Just Need These 3 Ingredients

Cleaning the oven is one of those chores that many people dread. Between the stubborn grease, splatters, and burnt-on food, it can seem like an impossible task. However, what if I told you that you could make your oven sparkle again with just three simple ingredients? This method, passed down from my Nana, is not only effective but also cost-effective and easy to do. No harsh chemicals or fancy cleaning products are required—just some basic household staples!

In this article, we’ll take you through Nana’s no-fuss trick to cleaning your oven step by step. All you need are three ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen, and in no time, your oven will look brand new. Let's dive in!

What You’ll Need:

  1. Baking Soda

    • Baking soda is a natural cleaner known for its ability to cut through grease and grime. It’s gentle on surfaces but tough on stains, making it the perfect base for an oven cleaner.

  2. White Vinegar

    • White vinegar is another natural powerhouse that works wonders as a degreaser and deodorizer. When combined with baking soda, it creates a chemical reaction that helps break down tough grease and grime.

  3. Water

    • Water helps to create a paste with the baking soda, making it easier to spread over the oven’s surfaces. It also helps dilute the vinegar when it's sprayed to help lift stubborn dirt and stains.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Oven with Nana’s Trick:

Step 1: Empty Your Oven

Before you begin, make sure the oven is completely empty. Remove any trays, racks, or oven thermometers. It’s also a good idea to give the inside of the oven a quick once-over, removing any loose crumbs or food debris. This will give you a clean surface to work with.

Step 2: Create a Baking Soda Paste

In a small bowl, combine baking soda with water to create a paste. The ratio should be roughly 1/2 cup of baking soda to a few tablespoons of water. You want the mixture to be thick enough to spread easily but not so runny that it drips off the surfaces of the oven.

Stir the mixture well until it forms a smooth paste. If it's too thick, you can add a little more water to loosen it up, but you don’t want it to be too watery.

Step 3: Apply the Baking Soda Paste

Now, it’s time to apply the paste to the oven’s interior. Using a clean cloth or sponge, spread the baking soda paste generously over all of the oven’s surfaces—focusing especially on areas with grease, food stains, or burnt-on residue. This includes the oven walls, bottom, and even the door. Be sure to coat the surfaces thoroughly, but avoid applying the paste to the oven’s heating elements or any electrical parts.

Let the paste sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the baking soda will start to break down the grease and grime. If you have particularly tough stains, you can let the paste sit for up to an hour or even overnight.

Step 4: Spray with White Vinegar

Once the baking soda paste has had time to sit and work its magic, it’s time to activate the next ingredient: white vinegar. In a spray bottle, add some white vinegar and spray it generously over the baking soda-covered surfaces of the oven.

When the vinegar comes into contact with the baking soda paste, it will fizz and bubble. This bubbling reaction is the magic happening—it’s helping to lift the grease and grime from the oven’s surfaces. You’ll notice the fizzing action loosening the dirt, making it easier to wipe away.

If needed, you can spray a little more vinegar to get a good fizzing reaction. Be sure to cover all the areas where you’ve applied the baking soda paste.

Step 5: Wipe and Scrub

Once the fizzing has slowed down, it’s time to wipe everything down. Using a damp cloth or sponge, begin wiping away the baking soda paste and any loosened grime. Start from the top and work your way down to avoid dripping cleaning solution onto already-cleaned areas. For stubborn spots, you can use a soft scrub brush or a non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub away the dirt.

If some areas are particularly caked with grease, apply a bit more baking soda paste, let it sit for a few minutes, and then try scrubbing again.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

After the oven is thoroughly wiped clean, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any remaining residue. You may need to rinse the cloth several times to ensure all the baking soda and vinegar have been removed. Finally, use a dry towel to buff the surfaces and remove any excess moisture.

Step 7: Clean the Oven Racks

While the paste is working its magic inside the oven, you can tackle the oven racks. Simply remove them and place them in a bathtub or sink. Fill with warm water and add a few tablespoons of baking soda. Let the racks soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. After soaking, use a sponge or scrubbing brush to remove any built-up grime. Rinse and dry thoroughly before placing them back in the oven.

Step 8: Admire Your Sparkling Oven!

Once the oven is clean and dry, take a step back and admire the results! You’ll be amazed at how effective this no-fuss, all-natural method is at cutting through grease and grime without the need for harsh chemicals.

Additional Tips for Maintaining a Clean Oven:

  • Regular Maintenance: To avoid heavy buildup, try to wipe down your oven every few weeks. A quick clean will make it easier to maintain, preventing grease from accumulating.
  • Spot Cleaning: If a spill or mess happens while you’re cooking, it’s a good idea to clean it up right away while it’s still warm. This prevents food from baking onto the oven’s surfaces and becoming harder to remove later on.
  • Use a Drip Pan: To help catch any spills or grease, consider using a drip pan or oven liner. These can be easily cleaned and prevent messes from getting onto the oven floor.

Why Nana’s Trick Works So Well

Nana’s trick works because it uses ingredients that are both effective and gentle. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive that helps scrub away grease without damaging your oven’s surface. The vinegar is a natural acid that breaks down stubborn grease, while the fizzing reaction between the two creates a cleaning force that helps lift dirt from even the most difficult spots. Plus, the best part is that you won’t have to worry about inhaling harmful chemicals like you might with commercial oven cleaners.

Conclusion

Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be a stressful or time-consuming task. With just three common ingredients—baking soda, white vinegar, and water—you can tackle grease, grime, and baked-on food with minimal effort. Nana’s no-fuss method is not only effective but also safe and eco-friendly, making it the perfect solution for keeping your oven in top shape without resorting to harsh chemicals. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a sparkling clean oven in no time!