This Simple Oven Cleaning Hack Will Leave It Looking Brand New – No Harsh Chemicals Needed

By boom On Mar 21, 2025

Let’s face it—oven cleaning is one of those chores most people dread. Scrubbing baked-on grease, tackling grime in hard-to-reach corners, and inhaling chemical fumes from heavy-duty cleaners are hardly anyone’s idea of a fun afternoon. But what if there were a simple, eco-friendly method that makes your oven sparkle without the back-breaking effort or harsh ingredients?

The answer lies in two basic kitchen staples: baking soda and vinegar.

This natural cleaning technique has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. It’s affordable, non-toxic, and incredibly effective. So, whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or just want a cleaner kitchen, here’s exactly how to clean your oven quickly and safely.

Why Avoid Chemical Oven Cleaners?

Before diving into the method, let’s talk about why many people are steering clear of commercial oven cleaners.

Most store-bought cleaners contain strong chemicals like sodium hydroxide (lye) and ammonia. While they may be effective at cutting through grease, they often come with side effects:

Harsh fumes that can irritate your eyes, skin, and lungs.

Residue buildup that might linger in your oven and potentially contaminate food.
Environmental concerns, as many cleaners contain substances harmful to aquatic life or contribute to indoor air pollution.

For individuals with respiratory conditions, children, or pets in the house, switching to natural alternatives is even more appealing.

The Secret Ingredients: Baking Soda & Vinegar

Let’s break down why these two simple ingredients work so well.

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate):
Known for its mild abrasive properties, baking soda gently scrubs away stubborn grime without scratching surfaces. It also helps neutralize odors—a bonus when dealing with lingering burnt smells in your oven.
Vinegar (Acetic Acid):
Vinegar’s acidity cuts through grease and soap scum effortlessly. When combined with baking soda, it reacts to form a fizzy, powerful cleaning agent that loosens dirt and grime.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Your Oven Naturally

1. Prep Your Oven

Start by removing everything from inside the oven: racks, trays, thermometers, or any leftover crumbs. Lay down a protective layer of newspaper or old towels under the oven door in case of drips.

2. Make a Baking Soda Paste

In a bowl, mix about ½ cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. Adjust as needed to create a thick but spreadable paste. The consistency should be similar to frosting—not too watery, but not dry either.

3. Apply the Paste

Using gloves or a clean cloth, spread the baking soda paste generously over the interior surfaces of your oven. Focus on areas with visible grease buildup, but avoid the heating elements.

Be thorough—coat the walls, base, corners, and inside of the oven door.

4. Let It Sit Overnight

This is the magic step. Leave the paste to work its wonders for at least 12 hours, or overnight if possible. During this time, the baking soda will break down the hardened grease and grime, softening it for easy removal.

5. Wipe It Down

After the waiting period, grab a damp cloth or sponge and start wiping down the oven. You’ll notice how easily the grease lifts away—no scrubbing marathon required.

If there are thicker patches of residue left behind, spray a little vinegar over them. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a fizzy foam that loosens even the most stubborn grime.

6. Final Rinse

Once you’ve wiped away all the baking soda and grease, give the oven a final rinse with clean water. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture.

Optional: Clean Oven Racks Separately

While your oven interior is soaking overnight, you can clean the racks in a similar way. Simply place them in your bathtub (lined with an old towel to prevent scratches), sprinkle them with baking soda, spray vinegar over them, and let them sit. After an hour or two, scrub lightly with a sponge and rinse thoroughly.

Benefits of This Method

Cost-effective: No need for expensive specialty products.
Non-toxic: Safe for you, your family, and your pets.
Environmentally friendly: Reduces chemical waste.

Odor neutralizing: Leaves your oven fresh without strong chemical smells.
Gentle but effective: Lifts tough grime without damaging your oven’s surfaces.

Maintaining a Clean Oven

Once you’ve restored your oven to its sparkling state, keeping it clean becomes much easier:

Wipe spills immediately: After each use, let your oven cool and wipe up any spills before they harden.
Monthly baking soda refresh: Lightly dust the oven interior with baking soda once a month and wipe it down with a damp cloth to prevent buildup.
Line trays: Use oven-safe liners or foil to catch drips and crumbs, reducing messes.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to overlook oven cleaning when tackling your regular kitchen chores, but letting grime and grease build up only makes it harder later. Fortunately, this simple trick using baking soda and vinegar proves that powerful results don’t require harsh chemicals or hours of effort.

Give it a try—you might be surprised at just how brand-new your oven looks without a single chemical cleaner in sight!