Clean the Inside Surface
To get my oven sparking clean in a short amount of time, the first thing I do is clean the inside surface. I remove any loose crumbs and debris with a damp cloth or paper towel. Then, I mix together baking soda and water into a thick paste and spread it all over the inside of the oven. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that will help lift grease and burnt-on food. I let the paste sit for at least 15 minutes before wiping it away. This helps soften any stubborn baked-on grime. I use a plastic scraper to help remove any bits that are still stuck.
Clean the Racks and Accessories
Next, I tackle the oven racks and any accessories, like the broiler pan. I take everything out of the oven and place the racks in the sink or bathtub. I sprinkle them liberally with baking soda and then pour white vinegar over top. The vinegar and baking soda work together to help loosen grime. I let them sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing and scrubbing with a scouring pad. For tough grease spots, I use a mix of vinegar and dish soap applied with a scrub brush. The racks come out looking like new! I give the same treatment to any broiler pans or other accessories.
Clean the Door and Exterior
With the inside cleaning underway, I shift my attention to the outside of the oven. Using a mix of warm water and dish soap applied with a soft cloth, I wipe down the exterior of the oven door as well as the edges and front surface where grime can build up over time. I pay special attention to the window on the door, making sure no stubborn spots are left behind. I also remove the control knobs and give them a wash by hand if needed.
For the very top exterior of the oven, I again use my trusty baking soda trick. Sprinkling some baking soda directly on the stove top, I use a damp cloth to gently scrub off any burnt-on messes. The baking soda grit helps scour without damaging the appliance surface.
Rinse and Dry
Once the timer goes off indicating my inside cleaning paste has set, it’s time for the final step – rinsing! I take a clean damp cloth and wipe away all of the grime and cleaner residue from the interior. It’s very satisfying seeing how the wipe comes away dirty until the inside is sparkling clean. I use a towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Then, I let the oven air dry with the door propped open slightly before replacing the racks and accessories.
With some dedicated scrubbing using natural cleaning ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap, I can get my oven looking brand new in under 30 minutes. A little music in the background makes the time fly by. In no time, I have an oven ready for action that will cook better and make cleanup easier going forward.
