Introduction
Cleaning an oven can be a tedious and unpleasant chore. Over time, baked-on grease and food splatters can accumulate, leaving your oven dingy and difficult to clean. However, baking soda is an effective and inexpensive solution for getting your oven pristine and shining again.
Benefits of Using Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a mild alkali that has excellent degreasing and scrubbing abilities. Here are some of the main benefits of using baking soda for oven cleaning:
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Non-toxic and safe – Baking soda is completely safe and non-toxic. You don’t have to worry about inhaling harsh fumes or getting caustic chemicals on your skin.
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Removes stubborn grease and burnt-on food – The abrasive texture of baking soda is perfect for scrubbing away cooked-on grease and food residues. It’s much more effective than using soap and water alone.
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Deodorizing abilities – Baking soda will get rid of any lingering odors left behind from cooking. This leaves your oven smelling fresh and clean.
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Cost-effective – Since baking soda is an inexpensive item found in most kitchens, you don’t have to buy expensive cleaners.
Making a Baking Soda Oven Cleaning Paste
Making a baking soda oven cleaner is quick and easy. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup water
- Liquid dish soap
Steps
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In a small bowl, mix together the baking soda and water to form a spreadable paste. The consistency should be thick but still able to spread.
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Add in a few drops of liquid dish soap and mix together thoroughly. The soap helps boost the cleaning power.
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Apply the paste all over the oven interior using a sponge or cloth. Make sure to coat the bottom surface, walls, racks, and door.
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Let the paste sit for at least 15-30 minutes. This gives the baking soda time to break down the grease and food residues.
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Scrub and wipe away the paste using a damp sponge or cloth. A soft bristle brush can also help scrub off stubborn spots.
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For extra cleaning power, sprinkle some dry baking soda directly on tougher grease spots. Let sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
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Rinse the oven thoroughly with clean water to remove any baking soda residue. Wipe dry with a towel.
Tips for Cleaning Specific Oven Areas
Use these useful tips when tackling different parts of your dirty oven:
Oven Racks
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Let racks soak in a baking soda paste bath to loosen baked-on gunk before scrubbing.
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For stubborn spots, sprinkle baking soda directly on the rack and rub with a damp brush or sponge.
Glass Oven Door
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Coat glass door in paste and let sit for 30 minutes to an hour before wiping clean. This helps soften burnt-on food spots.
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Use a plastic scraper to chip off any chunks or grease drips after soaking. The glass can scratch easily.
Bottom Surface
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Spread a thick layer of paste on the bottom surface and let sit overnight if very dirty. Scrape off the next morning.
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Place an old towel under the oven door to prevent paste from leaking out as it sits.
Oven Fan Cover and Vent
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Use a small brush to work paste into the crevices around the oven fan cover and vent openings.
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Q-tips help clean tight spaces if a brush won’t fit.
Maintaining a Clean Oven
Here are some tips to keep your freshly cleaned oven looking shiny and new:
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Wipe up food spills immediately after use to prevent baking on.
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Place foil or a baking sheet on the bottom rack to catch drips when broiling meats.
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Do a quick wipe down after each use to keep grease from accumulating.
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Clean the oven door gasket – food and grease easily get trapped here.
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Do a deep clean every 1-2 months with baking soda paste.
Conclusion
Baking soda is clearly a wonder ingredient when it comes to cleaning even the grimiest oven interiors. With some elbow grease and minimal cost, you can easily restore your oven to a like-new condition using this safe, non-toxic product found in your kitchen. Feel free to use baking soda paste on a regular basis to maintain a clean oven between deep cleans. Your oven will be sparkling in no time.
