The oven – a faithful assistant for Sunday lunches, Christmas cookies and all those "just 20 minutes at 180 degrees" dinners. But when it's time to clean, it seems like it's staring us straight in the soul, covered in grease stains, burnt-on residue and the dark history of past culinary exploits. Many people prefer to ignore this moment to the extreme.
Fortunately, there is a solution for cleaning the oven, which is so simple that it almost borders on kitchen magic – and comes from a whole other household universe. Dishwasher tablets, that inconspicuous little thing that cleans your glasses and plates every day, can also easily clean the inside of your oven. And no – this is not a grandmother's myth or a TikTok fad, but a trick that works surprisingly effectively. So let's see how.
How does the trick to clean the oven with a dishwasher tablet work?
Looking at the chemical composition of dishwasher tablets, it quickly becomes clear that they are quite an impressive little “weapon for mass cleaning”:
-
- Enzymes (proteases and amylases) break down proteins and starchy residues – ideal for food residues that have turned into a stubborn crust.
- Nonionic and anionic surfactants they help break down grease and improve the contact of the cleaner with the surface.
- Sodium carbonate (soda ash) It increases pH and softens water, allowing cleaning components to work better.
- Oxidizing agents (e.g. sodium percarbonate) have a bleaching effect and disinfect the surface.
- Chelating agents they remove metal ions that would otherwise interfere with cleaning efficiency.
All of this is packed into a single tablet – and if it's good enough for your crystal dish, it's sure to hold up to the baked cheese from three baking trays.
Oven cleaning process with a tablet – precise and effective
What do you need?
-
- 1 classic dishwasher tablet (without cover and without additional layers for shine),
- A container of very hot water,
- A pair of rubber gloves,
- A cloth or abrasive sponge (not metal),
- A steady hand and a bit of household motivation.
Step by step:
-
- Preheat the oven. to about 50°C. Once it reaches temperature, turn it off – the heat will help soften the dried-on fats.
- Wet the tablet in hot water until it becomes slightly soft and you can hold it in your hand without breaking it.
- Gently rub the oven surfaces with it, especially baked-on stains on the door, sides and bottom. Use the tablet directly as a cleaning aid – as if it were an abrasive sponge with super powers.
- Let the cleaner work. for a few minutes on the most stubborn stains (if necessary, add a drop of water to activate the reaction).
- Wipe everything down with a damp cloth.until all traces of cleaner and stains are gone. Repeat the process if necessary.
- For added effect You can also dissolve the tablet in a cup of hot water, place it in the oven and let the steam act on the inner walls (mini steam sauna for the oven).
Is this safe for all types of ovens?
Yes, mostly. But be careful:
-
- Do not use metal sponges.to avoid damaging the interior.
- Don't use trickery when self-cleaning (pyrolytic) ovens – these have a special coating that you don't want to damage.
- Rinse thoroughly. all detergent residues, as despite their safety, the tablets are not intended for direct contact with food.
What if the pill doesn't work?
If an ecosystem suitable for a documentary has been created in your oven David Attenborough, then even this trick won't magically restore your oven to its factory shine. But most "average" cases - burnt cheese, grease residue, tomato sauce stains from 2023 - will be easily overcome by the tablet.
For more stubborn cases, we recommend additional help with baking soda, vinegar, or - if really necessary - an organic oven cleaner.
Oven out of the box – no drama
If you still think cleaning your oven is like a punishment for past lives, let this simple yet ingenious trick change your mind. Dishwasher tablets aren't just for dishwashers anymore - they're now your new kitchen ally for ovens too. Sparkling, clean and effortless.