Cooking can be a messy business, and if you’re not careful, your oven can become dirty and greasy in no time. Not to worry, though, because there are plenty of natural and cost-effective oven-cleaning hacks! Whether you’re trying to get your oven ready for holiday baking or simply want to give it a good cleaning, read on for our top tips!
Best Natural & Cost-Effective Hacks for Cleaning Ovens
Cleaning the oven is one of those dreaded tasks we all put off for as long as possible. But it doesn’t have to be a hassle – with these simple and affordable hacks, you can have your oven sparkling in no time!
Clean Oven Naturally with Baking Soda
First, remove the racks and other removable parts to clean the oven with baking soda. Mix a paste of baking soda and water, and spread it onto the interior surfaces of the oven. Let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe away the baking soda mixture, and scrub any stubborn spots with an abrasive sponge. Finally, clean out any residue with warm water and dry the oven before replacing the racks and returning them to use.
Steam Oven with Vinegar
To steam clean an oven with vinegar, mix a 3:1 ratio of water to vinegar in an oven-safe container and set your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The vinegar solution will effectively break down grease and grime, leaving the oven sparkling clean. Let the mixture steam inside the oven for 30 minutes, then wipe down the inside of the oven with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
Remove Odors with Lemons
To remove odors in an oven with lemons, first cut a few lemons in half and place them on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the oven and turn it to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes. The heat will release the lemon’s natural oils, effectively removing any lingering odors. After 30 minutes, turn off the oven and allow it to cool before removing the lemon halves and wiping down the oven’s interior. This simple and natural method can regularly keep your oven smelling fresh.
Use an Old Toothbrush
Using an old toothbrush to clean small cracks and crevices in an oven may seem unconventional, but it can be quite effective. The toothbrush’s bristles can fit into tight spaces and scrub away baked-on grime. Repurposing an old toothbrush for cleaning an oven is a simple and cost-effective solution.
Old Credit Card to Scrape off Tough Messes
To clean an oven using an old credit card, first make sure the oven is cool and scrape off stubborn bits of grime. Wipe down with a damp cloth and repeat as necessary.
Dishwasher Tablet to Clean the Oven Glass
Dishwasher tablets effectively remove grease and grime from dishes, so it’s no surprise it works on oven glass too! Simply wet the tablet and scrub it onto the glass in circular motions, using some pressure to remove any buildup or grime. Rinse off with water and dry with a towel for a sparkling clean result. Check out this video from Handy Hudsonite for a demonstration!
Use a Brush Attachment with a Power Drill
Want to get the most cleaning power with the least amount of elbow grease? Use a brush attachment on your drill to power through tough stains! Simply attach the brush and choose a speed setting that will provide enough power to loosen grime without damaging the oven’s surface. Gently scrub the interior walls and racks of the oven, using a cleaning solution if necessary. Rinse or wipe away any excess cleaner and allow the oven to dry before use. Repeat as needed for heavy-duty cleaning.
Top Tips for Keeping Your Oven Clean
Now that you know how to clean your oven, how about some hacks to keep your oven clean?
Use Oven Liners
Oven liners can be placed on the bottom rack of your oven to catch any drips or spills. They are heat-resistant and can be easily removed and washed when needed. Simply place the liner in your oven before turning it on for cooking. It’s important to regularly clean and replace the liner to maintain a clean oven and prevent potential fires.
Baking Sheets to Catch Messes
Place a baking sheet on the rack underneath the one you are cooking on to catch spills! Simply rinse the messes away after cooking! For even easier cleanup, line the baking sheet with foil!
Use Salt to Wipe up Spills
Adding salt to a spill in an oven can help absorb the liquid and make it easier to clean up. When mixed with water or a cleaning solution, the salt will also act as a scrubbing agent. Let the salt sit on the spill for a few minutes before wiping it away, allowing it enough time to properly absorb the liquid. Overall, using salt can be a cost-effective and easy way to clean up oven spills.
Roasting Tray Lined with Foil
Place a roasting tray at the bottom of the oven and line it with foil. If spills happen, just remove the foil and throw it away! Just be sure to add another piece of foil the next time you cook!
Cover Food with Lids or Foil
Cover dishes with a lid or foil to prevent food from bubbling up and getting inside the oven
We know cleaning can be painful, but a broken oven can even be worse! If you run into issues or have questions about how to clean your oven, don’t hesitate to give the oven repair experts at Mid America Service a call!
