If the thought of cleaning your oven makes your eyelids twitch, you're not alone. It's understandable - dried-on grease, burnt-on food residue, and stubborn stains are usually accompanied by the suffocating smell of store-bought cleaners, which makes you feel like you're cleaning your oven with rocket fuel. And after every third swipe with the sponge, you're already out of breath like you've just finished a workout. And that's for results that often aren't particularly impressive.
Fortunately, there is a better, cheaper and, above all, friendlier solution for your oven – for both your lungs and your oven. A natural mixture of three ingredients that you almost certainly already have at home will thoroughly clean even the most stubborn dirt. No coughing, no gloves and no feeling of guilt for the environment. Sounds too good to be true? Read on.
A Natural Homemade Oven Cleaner That Actually Works
There's science (well, kitchen science) behind this simple yet incredibly effective recipe. It features two classic household ingredients with powerful cleaning powers: bicarbonate of soda and vinegarWhen you combine the two, you get a reaction that softens dried-on food residue and dissolves grease – almost like someone turned on the “erasing history” feature in your oven.
What you need:
-
- 4 tablespoons baking soda
- A little of waterto form a thick paste
- 1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent (optional, but recommended for oily stains)
- White vinegar in a spray bottle
Process:
-
- Mix it up baking soda with some water to make a thick but spreadable paste.
- Add a drop or two of dishwashing detergent – this helps break down stubborn grease.
- Paste evenly apply to the interior surfaces of the oven, avoiding heating elements.
- Let it work at least 4–6 hours or overnight for best results.
- Then the surfaces spray with white vinegar, which will react with the soda and create foam – a sign that the dirt is softening.
- Wipe with a warm, damp cloth or a sponge – no rubbing and no swearing.
For stubborn stains, repeat the process as needed or use a non-abrasive sponge for extra help.
Why is this method effective?
bicarbonate of soda It acts as a mild abrasive and natural degreaser, while also neutralizing odors. Vinegar dissolves mineral residues and activates soda, which accelerates the breakdown of dried-on dirt. Dish detergent In combination with them, it acts as a fat decomposer, ensuring that the oven is not only clean but also shiny after cleaning.
Additionally, this method is safe for almost all types of ovens (even pyrolytic ones) as it does not contain harsh chemicals that could damage the interior or leave behind unpleasant fumes.
Bonus tip:
If you have glass oven door, which have long since lost their transparency, use the same process – just leave the paste on a little longer and wipe with a microfiber cloth. The difference will be obvious – and yes, you will be able to watch the lasagna bake without a blurry “filter” again.
This non-toxic homemade cleaner wins the oven battle
The best solutions are often already in your kitchen – literally. This simple, homemade recipe is not only effective, but also friendly to your health and the environment. If you want to clean your oven without tears and protective gear, it's time to baking soda and vinegar you rise to the star of kitchen hygiene.
Save this recipe, share it with your friends, and say goodbye to chemicals. The next time something goes wrong in the oven – you'll be ready.
