An oven that accumulates layer upon layer of burnt-on grease and crumbs isn't just an aesthetic problem—it's also a generator of unpleasant odors and a potential saboteur of your favorite recipes. If you've been putting off cleaning your oven because the mere thought of commercial cleaners with the smell of industrial disinfectant makes your eyes water, we have good news: there's a way that's easy, effective, and completely natural.
Dirty oven? You no longer need a respirator mask and a chemistry lab to clean it! This is the easiest way to get a sparkling, fresh-smelling oven that won't cost you a single euro - if you have baking soda and vinegar at home. No scrubbing to death and no chemical smell.
It's not some miracle product from Instagram or a new $25-a-liter "eco" cleaning foam. It's old, reliable baking soda—a white powder you probably already have at home. Combined with plain white vinegar and a few household items, you can get your oven sparkling clean, without scrubbing until it's blistering and without chemical attacks on your nose.
How to clean the entire oven with baking soda – step by step
1. First things first: steam is your best friend
Instead of immediately attacking with a sponge, let the dirt soften a little first. Remove all racks, thermometers, baking trays and other “forgotten” items from the oven. Then pour cold water into an ovenproof container (at least 2 liters) and place it in the oven.
Set the temperature to 230°C (450°F) and leave the oven running 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the amount of “memory” stored. After switching off don't open the dooruntil it cools completely – the steam will work wonders, softening the fat and making it easier for you to work on it.
2. Mix a magic baking soda paste
In a small bowl, mix:
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- 1 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons of water
The result should be a smooth, spreadable paste – similar to toothpaste, but much kinder to the environment (and your oven). If your oven is larger or more… “lively”, you can double the amount.
Pro tip: You can replace the tablespoon of water with a tablespoon of dishwashing detergent labeled “removes fat” – for additional boom effect.
3. Pasta up, everything else down
Using a brush, sponge or your fingers, spread the paste evenly over the inside walls, bottom and door of the oven. Avoid heating elements and gas vents. Let the paste work at least one hour, ideally over the night – time is your ally, not your enemy.
4. Meanwhile: trellis treatment
Place the grates in a bathtub, shower stall, or strong plastic bag. Spray them with distilled white vinegar, sprinkle with baking soda and watch the spectacle: a natural chemical reaction will start bubbling and dissolving the dirt.
Then pour hot water over it and let it work. at least one hour (you can also stay overnight if you have another free evening).
5. Time to delete
Once the paste has done its job, take a sponge or microfiber cloth and thoroughly wipe down all surfaces. If there is any stubborn residue, sprinkle dry baking soda onto the sponge and rub gently.
For the final rinse, use a mixture of:
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- 50 % water
- 50 % distilled vinegar
This mixture will remove all traces of paste and leave the oven clean, shiny, and fresh-smelling.
6. Final assembly
Remove the racks from the bath, wipe them with a sponge, and dry them thoroughly. Then put them back in the oven. Take a step back, admire your work – and ask yourself why you didn’t do this sooner.
How often should the oven be cleaned?
It depends on how much you cook – and how often your dishes “become independent” from the baking pan. If you cook regularly, we recommend cleaning at least every seasonBut if a smoke screen or “the smell of burnt nostalgia” prevails in the kitchen when you turn on the oven, it's time to take immediate action.
Additional tips for a cleaner oven (and less cleaning in the future)
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- Always cover dishes with a lid, foil or baking paper – prevent splashing and splashing.
- Don't fill the baking pans to the brim - physics and gravity will punish you.
- If the oven has self-cleaning function, use it regularly – but ventilation will be essential.
- Wipe off minor stains as soon as the oven cools down – don't wait for them to develop into a "dirty character".
Natural, simple, brilliant
Baking soda We often underestimate this versatile household superhero, but it can do more than you think. When combined with white vinegar and a little patience, there's no grease that can escape it.
