How To Clean An Oven With Baking Soda And Vinegar

Cooking a big, delicious meal starts with a clean kitchen. Sometimes, though, it requires a little more elbow grease than usual — especially if you're having guests over for a holiday dinner. These are the times when cleaning your oven should probably be on your to-do list! Luckily, you don't have to reach for chemical-filled products to get the job done. All you need is baking soda and vinegar, two natural ingredients that are likely already in your cabinet. This powerful duo can effectively clean your oven from top to bottom, including the racks. 

While it may seem like visitors will only notice your sparkling kitchen countertops, a dirty oven can cause dishes to taste not so delightful. In addition to that, all of those remnants and grease can be a fire hazard as well. According to the American Red Cross, the top cause of home fires in the United States is cooking. That's why it's imperative to take charge and clean your oven every few months. Simply grab a pair of gloves, an empty spray bottle, a cloth, a brush, and, of course, baking soda and vinegar.

Start by opening your oven and removing the grimy racks. Place them in either the sink or the bathtub with a towel underneath to prevent scratches. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on top of the racks, then spritz them with vinegar. You should get a nice fizz! After giving the ingredients a little time to bubble, add enough hot water to cover the racks. Leave them to soak.

Now for the main event, cleaning the actual oven. First, wipe out any loose food particles from the bottom of the appliance. Then, add baking soda and water to a small bowl to create a paste. Use a brush or your gloved hand to spread the paste evenly throughout the oven, excluding the heating elements. Cover all of the surfaces with a coating of the paste, including the inside of the door. Close the oven and let it sit overnight if possible, or at least eight hours.

Begin wiping the inside of the oven with a damp cloth, rinsing it out in a water-filled container as needed. Spray vinegar around the oven and continue wiping it down to get it extra clean. Be sure to change out the water whenever necessary. For stubborn areas, consider using a brush. It may take some time and effort, but continue the process until your oven is clean and shiny.

Head back to the sink or tub where your oven racks are soaking. Drain the water, then use a cloth to clean them up. You can also use a scrubbing tool, if needed, for difficult areas. Once you're satisfied, dry them off and return them to the oven. Now, take a moment to admire the results of all your hard work. Isn't it amazing what baking soda and vinegar can do? It's good to know this cleaning duo can also bring your dirty baking sheets back to life.

While it's a good idea to clean your oven regularly, there are ways to help prevent it from becoming filthy in the first place. Make it a habit to clean up spills right after they occur (when the oven has cooled down). That way, they won't build up, and it becomes a bigger chore. Cover your dishes whenever possible, and use tools like roasting bags to keep meats and veggies contained.