Cleaning an oven can be a daunting task. Grease, burnt food, and grime can build up quickly and be difficult to remove. However, you don’t need harsh chemicals to get your oven sparkling clean. There are several effective natural ingredients that can help you tackle even the toughest baked-on messes.
Why Choose Natural Oven Cleaners
There are a few reasons why natural cleaners are the best choice for deep cleaning an oven:
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Less toxic. Common oven cleaners contain powerful chemicals like sodium hydroxide that can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory systems. Natural cleaners are much gentler and safer to use.
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Better for the environment. Harsh chemicals get rinsed down the drain and into water systems. All-natural cleaners are more eco-friendly.
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Less expensive. You likely already have some of the most effective natural oven cleaners in your pantry!
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Works on tough grime. Surprisingly, natural cleaners can be just as effective as chemical ones. The key is letting them soak into the mess.
Effective Natural Oven Cleaners
Here are some of the best natural ingredients for tackling a dirty oven:
Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is mildly abrasive so it can scrub away grease and grime. It also neutralizes odors.
- Make a paste with equal parts baking soda and water. Spread onto oven surfaces and let sit overnight before wiping clean. The longer it sits, the better it works.
Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar helps dissolve grease, removes odors, and has disinfectant properties.
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Heat undiluted vinegar in the oven while running the self-clean cycle to maximize cleaning power.
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Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray onto cool oven surfaces. Let sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
Salt
Table salt works as a gentle scouring agent to lift stuck-on food and grease.
- Make a paste with salt and water or vinegar and spread onto oven walls. Let sit for at least an hour before wiping away. Rinse thoroughly.
Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice cuts through grease and brightens surfaces. The scent also eliminates odors.
- Soak cotton rags in straight lemon juice and lay them on oven surfaces. Let sit for a few hours before scrubbing and rinsing.
Essential Oils
Oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, and lemon have potent antibacterial and degreasing abilities.
- Add several drops of your chosen oil to a baking soda or salt paste. The oils boost cleaning power.
Step-by-Step Process for Cleaning an Oven Naturally
Now let’s go through the full process for deep cleaning an oven using natural ingredients:
Prep the Oven
First, remove oven racks and wash separately in the sink. Scrape off any large debris in the oven cavity.
Make a Cleaning Paste
In a bowl, mix 1 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup water until you form a spreadable paste. For extra power, add 5-10 drops of lemon essential oil.
Apply the Paste
Wearing gloves, spread the paste all over the oven walls, door, ceiling and floor. Make sure to get it into the grooves and corners.
Let It Sit
Allow the paste to sit for at least 8 hours, or overnight for really tough grime. The longer it has to work, the better.
Wipe Away
Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away all of the paste, along with lifted grease and dirt. A plastic scraper can help with stuck-on bits.
Rinse
Thoroughly rinse all oven surfaces with clean water to remove any leftover cleaner residue. Wipe dry with a towel.
Disinfect and Deodorize
To really sanitize and deodorize, place a bowl of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice in the oven. Heat at 300°F for an hour. Let cool completely before removing.
Restore Shine
For extra shine, rub a little olive oil onto oven surfaces with a soft cloth. Wipe away any excess.
With a little elbow grease and these natural cleaners, you can get your oven looking new again without using any harsh chemicals. Give it a try the next time a deep clean is needed!
