Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Oven Cleaner

Let’s be honest – keeping an oven clean can feel like a never-ending battle. From baked-on splatters to stubborn grease, it often seems like those stains are there to stay. Commercial cleaners promise a quick fix but come with their own set of headaches – strong chemical smells, skin-irritating formulas, and the need to ventilate the kitchen like you’re preparing for a science experiment.

If you’re ready to tackle grime in a way that’s gentle on your hands, budget, and the environment, this guide is for you. We’ll show you how to make an effective homemade oven cleaner using natural ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This easy and effective DIY oven cleaner recipe is not just eco-friendly but also budget-friendly!

Benefits of homemade oven cleaners

Switching to a homemade oven cleaner isn’t just about tackling baked-on grease. It’s a smarter, healthier, and more eco-friendly choice. Besides, why spend extra on store-bought cleaners when the best DIY oven cleaner can be made with ingredients already in your pantry? 

Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice are a safer, more natural choice and cost less. You can whip up a really powerful DIY oven cleaner recipe without breaking the bank. It’s toxin-free, fresh-smelling, and works wonders on stubborn grease. It’s especially great for those with allergies, asthma, or sensitive skin, providing a safer cooking environment for your entire family.

Sometimes, it’s tempting to go for harsh chemicals. They’re fast and don’t involve too much elbow grease. But remember that even with a good rinse, their residues can remain in the oven and end up on your food. So, think twice!

Making your own oven cleaner contributes to sustainable living. By using reusable containers to mix and store your cleaner, you reduce single-use plastic waste. Additionally, natural ingredients like baking soda and vinegar are eco-friendly, breaking down easily without harming the planet.

How often you clean your oven depends on how much you cook. Spills and messes should be cleaned right away. For the best results, aim to clean your oven every three months or more frequently if you use it heavily. Still, clean it up when you notice:

Regular cleaning helps prevent grease buildup. It also keeps your oven safe and in top working order. For those really stubborn stains or when you’re short on time, professional oven cleaning services can make your oven sparkle again with minimal effort from you.

Recipe for an oven cleaner

If the thought of harsh chemical fumes makes you cringe, don’t worry! This easy oven cleaner DIY method will transform your oven using simple, natural ingredients.

Step-by-step cleaning your oven with baking soda and vinegar

Roll up your sleeves! Give your hardworking oven the deep clean it’s been deserved! After all, it’s been working tirelessly to cook your meals. Now it’s time for a good deep clean. 

Step 1. Empty the oven

Take everything out of the oven—racks, pizza stones, thermometers, or that mystery tray you forgot about. Set them aside (and maybe ask how long that tray’s been in there).

Step 2. Make a baking soda paste

Mix 3/4 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup warm water to form a paste. Add two or three drops of essential oil, like tea tree oil, if desired, for its natural degreasing properties. For a larger oven, scale up using a 3:1 ratio of baking soda to water.

Step 3. Apply the baking soda paste

Carefully spread the paste throughout the oven’s interior with a paintbrush—or grab an old toothbrush for those tricky corners. Think of it as giving your oven a deep-cleaning massage! Avoid bare metal surfaces, heating elements, wiring, and openings. Close the oven door and give the paste time to work—12 to 24 hours should do the trick. Patience is key for that sparkling transformation.

Step 4. Let it sit overnight

Let the paste sit overnight and give your oven some quality “me-time.” The more time it has to soak, the less elbow grease you’ll need later. It’s the ultimate low-effort cleaning hack!

Step 5. Clean oven racks

Always remove the racks before cleaning. Apply the same baking soda paste. Use only on stainless-steel racks because it can discolour aluminium. Spread it well all over the racks. Let it sit for up to 4 hours. Scrub with a scouring pad.

Step 6. Remove the baking soda paste

The baking soda might have turned into a lovely shade of brown and get a little lumpy. Don’t worry! It’s just part of the magic! Grab a damp cloth and wipe away. Work until the oven is streak-free and looking shiny. However, if any stubborn food bits are still hanging on, grab a sponge and scrub them away like a pro!

Step 7. Spray a little vinegar

For those bits of stubborn residue, mix vinegar, water, and a splash of lemon juice in a spray bottle. Give the oven a generous spritz. Just be careful and avoid the heating elements (let’s not make things worse). Think of it as the grand finale of your cleaning routine—everything coming together for that perfect, gleaming finish!

Step 8. Wipe the door

Spray the oven door with a vinegar solution and wipe it down with a soft cloth. Just be sure to keep the gasket dry—unless you want it to start resembling a soggy sponge! Trust me, the oven door will thank you for the gentle touch.

Step 9. Do a final wipe-down

Give your oven one last once-over to make sure every surface is sparkling and streak-free. It’s like the oven’s getting its red-carpet moment. Let it shine!

Step 10. Replace your oven racks

Now, pop the racks back in, and voilà! Your oven’s ready to cook up a storm. Don’t forget, those racks have worked hard. Let’s give them a break!

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