Why Use Baking Soda and Vinegar for Cleaning Your Oven?
Cleaning your oven can be a daunting task, but baking soda and vinegar make an effective and non-toxic cleaning solution. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can help scrub away baked-on grease and food. Vinegar is an acid that helps dissolve residue. Together, they break down grime and leave your oven sparkling.
Here are some key reasons why baking soda and vinegar are great for oven cleaning:
- Natural and non-toxic: Baking soda and vinegar are inexpensive, readily available, and safe to use. You avoid harsh chemicals.
- Powerful cleaning combination: When baking soda and vinegar react, they create foaming action that lifts dirt. The abrasive baking soda then scrubs surfaces clean.
- Effective on grease and burnt food: The fizzing reaction penetrates and dissolves tough grease and carbonized food residue.
- Easy rinse: The ingredients are water-soluble so they rinse away easily with just water, leaving no chemical residue behind.
- Deodorizing: Baking soda neutralizes stubborn odors like fish, leaving your oven smelling fresh after cleaning.
How to Clean an Oven with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Cleaning your oven with baking soda and vinegar is a simple process. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
What You Need:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle filled with undiluted white vinegar
- Water
- Large plastic bag
- Scrub brush and sponge
Directions:
-
Remove oven racks and wash separately. This allows you to fully clean the oven interior. Place racks in bathtub or sink and scrub with baking soda and vinegar paste. Rinse and let dry before replacing.
-
Make a baking soda paste. In a bowl, mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water until it forms a spreadable paste.
-
Spread paste thoroughly over oven surfaces. Cover bottom, sides, back, and the oven door with the paste. Avoid heating elements.
-
Let paste sit for at least 30 minutes. Overnight is even better for stubborn buildup. The baking soda will continue to break down grime as it sits.
-
Spray vinegar and let fizzle. Use the spray bottle to saturate the baking soda paste with vinegar. Allow the fizzing reaction to occur for 10-20 minutes.
-
Wipe away grime. Put on gloves and use a plastic bag over your hand to lightly scrub and wipe away the loosened baked-on grease and food.
-
Rinse surfaces clean. Take a damp sponge or cloth and rinse away any remaining paste and grime. Wipe oven surfaces, door, and racks until clear of debris.
-
Dry and replace racks. Wipe oven dry with a towel. Replace racks before using again.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Oven Cleaning Tips:
- Test vinegar in an inconspicuous spot first to check for discoloration.
- For tough grime, repeat process if needed.
- Avoid getting vinegar or the paste on oven door gaskets.
- Make extra paste to clean broiler pans, grates, and burners.
- Always turn oven off and allow to cool before cleaning.
Common Questions
Is it safe to clean a self-cleaning oven this way?
Yes, it is safe to use this method even on self-cleaning oven models. Baking soda is non-abrasive so it won’t harm the oven surface. Avoid cleaning the oven door gasket in a self-cleaning oven.
How often should I clean the oven this way?
For light soil, clean every 2-3 months. For heavy buildup, clean monthly. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can damage surfaces over time.
What temperature should the oven be before cleaning?
Allow the oven to cool completely before cleaning. Heat can react with the vinegar. Make sure oven is room temperature.
Can I use baking soda and vinegar in a continuous clean oven?
Yes, it works well to boost the continuous cleaning process. Use it as needed to remove stuck-on grease and food.
What else can I clean with baking soda?
Baking soda can be used to clean many other areas in the kitchen: countertops, microwaves, coffee pots, cutting boards, dishes, sinks, and more! It’s a versatile cleaner.
Summary
Cleaning your oven with baking soda and vinegar is an inexpensive, non-toxic process that helps dissolve grime.
- Make a baking soda paste and spread over oven surfaces.
- Spray with vinegar and let fizzle before scrubbing away dirt.
- Rinse clean for a fresh oven without harsh chemicals.
Use this green cleaning solution regularly keep your oven clean with ease!
