Saw This Hack for Oven Cleaning and I Won't Do Anything Else Again: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Sparkling Clean Oven

Cleaning an oven can often feel like an overwhelming chore. Baked-on grease, food spills, and burnt-on residue seem to cling to every surface, making it a daunting task. Many of us reach for harsh chemical cleaners that leave behind strong odors and are sometimes even unsafe. But what if there was a much easier, natural way to clean your oven, one that didn’t involve toxic chemicals or hours of scrubbing?

A viral oven cleaning hack has been making the rounds, and once you try it, you'll never look at your oven cleaning routine the same way again. This method uses natural ingredients and some simple techniques to make your oven sparkle—no harsh chemicals required. Let’s break down the method step by step and show you how you can achieve a spotless oven with minimal effort.

The Best Oven Cleaning Hack You’ll Ever Try

The key to this oven cleaning hack is a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and water. These three household ingredients come together to create a powerful yet gentle cleaning paste that works wonders on grease and grime. Plus, the method requires no scrubbing, just a little bit of time and patience.

Here’s how you can clean your oven like a pro using this simple hack.

Ingredients Needed:

  • Baking Soda (around 1 cup)

  • Vinegar (about 1/4 cup)

  • Water (for mixing)

  • A Spray Bottle (optional, for vinegar)

  • Rubber Gloves (optional, for protection)

  • A Damp Cloth or Sponge

  • Plastic Scraper or Old Credit Card (optional, for stubborn spots)

Step-by-Step Method for the Oven Cleaning Hack

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Soda Paste

  • Mix the Baking Soda and Water: Start by taking about 1 cup of baking soda and placing it in a bowl. Gradually add water, a tablespoon at a time, until you form a thick, spreadable paste. The consistency should be similar to toothpaste—thick enough to stick to the oven surfaces but not too runny.

  • Optional: If you want to make your paste even more effective, you can add a few drops of essential oils like lemon or tea tree oil for a fresh scent. This step is optional but will add a nice touch to the cleaning process.

Step 2: Apply the Baking Soda Paste to the Oven Interior

  • Remove Racks: Before applying the paste, take out any oven racks to give yourself full access to the interior. You can clean the racks separately using the same method if needed.

  • Coat the Oven: Using your hands or a sponge, spread the baking soda paste generously over the inside surfaces of the oven. Focus on areas with built-up grease, burnt food, or stubborn stains. The paste works best when it’s left to sit for at least 12 hours (overnight is ideal), allowing it to break down grime and food residue without scrubbing.

  • Cover All Surfaces: Make sure to coat the oven door, sides, bottom, and top thoroughly. Be careful to avoid the heating elements, as the paste could potentially damage them. If the heating elements are especially dirty, clean them gently with a damp cloth after the paste has worked its magic.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit and Work Its Magic

  • Allow the Paste to Sit: Leave the baking soda paste on the oven surfaces for at least 12 hours, or overnight if possible. During this time, the paste will start to break down grease, food, and tough stains, making them easier to remove later.

Step 4: Wipe Away the Paste and Grime

  • Use a Damp Cloth or Sponge: After the paste has had time to sit, dampen a cloth or sponge with warm water. Begin wiping away the baking soda paste. You’ll notice that much of the grease and grime will come off with very little effort. For any areas with stubborn stains, you can use the sponge or a plastic scraper to gently remove the residue.

  • Rinse and Repeat: If you find any leftover baking soda paste or tough spots, rinse your cloth and wipe again. It may take a few passes to completely clean the surfaces, but the process is still much easier than traditional oven cleaning methods.

Step 5: Clean the Oven Door

  • Spray Vinegar: Once the oven interior is mostly clean, grab your spray bottle and fill it with vinegar. Lightly spray the inside of the oven, focusing on areas that still have some stubborn paste or grime. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a fizzing action that helps break down remaining stains.

  • Wipe the Door: For the oven door, use a damp cloth to wipe down any leftover residue. The vinegar will leave a streak-free shine on the glass, making your oven door look crystal clear.

Step 6: Clean the Racks (If Necessary)

  • Clean Oven Racks: If your oven racks were particularly dirty, you can clean them using the same baking soda paste. Soak the racks in a tub of warm water with a bit of baking soda mixed in for a few hours to loosen grime, then scrub with a sponge or plastic scraper. Once the racks are clean, rinse them with water and dry them thoroughly before putting them back in the oven.

Step 7: Final Touches

  • Check for Missed Spots: After everything has dried, do a quick once-over to make sure no paste or grime is left behind. If you see any leftover areas, simply wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth.

  • Replace the Racks: Once your oven is clean and completely dry, replace the racks and enjoy your sparkling clean oven!

Why This Hack Works So Well

This simple oven cleaning method is effective because of the natural cleaning properties of baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can gently scrub away dirt and grease without scratching the surfaces. It’s also alkaline, which helps break down oils and fats.

Vinegar, on the other hand, is acidic, and when combined with baking soda, it creates a fizzing reaction that helps loosen tough grime and food particles. This makes it easier to wipe away any buildup, leaving your oven fresh and clean without harsh chemicals.

This method is also safe and non-toxic, making it perfect for homes with children or pets. Unlike commercial oven cleaners that often contain strong chemicals, this hack uses only natural ingredients that won’t harm your health or leave behind any harmful residue.

Tips for Maintaining a Clean Oven

While this hack is incredibly effective, it’s always easier to clean the oven regularly rather than waiting for grease and grime to build up. Here are a few tips to keep your oven cleaner for longer:

  1. Wipe Spills Immediately: After cooking, take a moment to wipe up any spills or splatters in the oven while it’s still warm. This will prevent food from baking onto the surface and making it harder to clean later.

  2. Use a Drip Tray: If you often cook messy meals, consider placing a drip tray or aluminum foil on the oven floor to catch spills and crumbs. Just be sure to replace the foil regularly to avoid buildup.

  3. Deep Clean Every Few Months: Even with regular cleaning, it’s a good idea to do a deep clean every couple of months. This will ensure that your oven remains free of grease and grime, and it’ll also help extend the lifespan of the appliance.

Conclusion

This simple oven cleaning hack using baking soda, vinegar, and water is an absolute game-changer. It’s easy, natural, and effective—allowing you to clean your oven without the need for harsh chemicals or hours of scrubbing. With just a few basic ingredients, you can have your oven looking brand new, saving you time, effort, and money in the process.

Next time your oven gets dirty, skip the commercial cleaners and give this natural method a try. Once you experience how easy and effective it is, you’ll never want to clean your oven any other way!