How to Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

Does your oven look like a science experiment gone wrong? We've all been there—staring at the charred remnants of last week’s lasagna, wondering how to tackle the mess. Cleaning the oven is often a dreaded task, but it doesn't have to be. With baking soda, you can achieve a sparkling oven without the need for harsh chemicals or hours of scrubbing. Let’s show you how to clean your oven with baking soda—it’s easier than you think!

Why Use Baking Soda?

Baking soda is an all-natural, non-toxic cleaner that’s gentle on surfaces but tough on grime. Unlike store-bought oven cleaners that often contain harsh chemicals, baking soda is safe to use around food and your family. It's also incredibly affordable and eco-friendly, so you can feel good about cleaning without worrying about contributing to environmental waste. Whether it's baked-on grease or foul odors, baking soda can handle it all.

How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

Ready to make your oven shine? Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Clear Your Oven (10 minutes)

Begin by removing everything from the oven, including racks, trays, and any removable components. If your oven has a detachable door or inner glass panels, now is a good time to take them out (check your oven manual for instructions). Clearing the space will make it easier to clean all areas thoroughly.

• Tip: Lay down a towel or protective mat beneath your oven to catch any drips or debris as you clean.

Step 2: Pre-Treat the Oven Cavity (5 minutes)

Make a paste by mixing half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. You’re looking for a thick consistency that will stick to the oven’s interior surfaces. Wearing rubber gloves, apply this paste to the walls, floor, and ceiling of the oven, avoiding heating elements, vents, and light bulbs.

• Pro Tip: Apply extra baking soda paste to particularly grimy spots—like the areas around the door or where spills occurred.

Let the paste sit overnight, or for at least 12 hours. This will allow the baking soda to break down the grease and make scrubbing much easier.

Step 3: Clean the Oven Racks (15 minutes)

While the baking soda works its magic on your oven’s interior, turn your attention to the racks. Find a large container or tub where you can submerge the racks. Fill it with hot water, add a cup of baking soda, and let them soak for a few hours. The longer you let them soak, the easier it will be to scrub off the grime.

• Tip: If you don’t have a large enough container, your bathtub will work just as well—just make sure to clean it afterward.

After soaking, scrub the racks with a sponge or brush. For stubborn spots, use more baking soda paste. Rinse the racks thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel.

Step 4: Scrub the Oven Cavity (20 minutes)

Once the baking soda has had time to sit, grab a damp sponge or microfiber cloth and wipe away the paste. For tough, stuck-on residue, use a plastic scraper or an old credit card to gently lift the grime.

• Pro Tip: Spray a little white vinegar over the baking soda residue. The reaction between the vinegar and baking soda will cause fizzing, which helps lift off stubborn grime.

Use a toothbrush for corners and other hard-to-reach areas, and be thorough. After the scrubbing, wipe everything down with a clean cloth and allow the oven to air-dry.

Step 5: Clean the Glass and Exterior (10 minutes)

The oven door glass often gets overlooked, but it deserves attention too. Apply a mixture of baking soda and water to the glass, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

• Tip: For a streak-free finish, use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to clean the glass and exterior of your oven.
• Pro Tip: Don’t forget to wipe down the knobs, handles, and control panel using a microfiber cloth dampened with vinegar spray to remove fingerprints and smudges.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Use aluminum foil or oven liners at the bottom of the oven to catch drips and prevent future messes.
• If you want to reduce the smell of burnt food during cooking, place a small dish of water and lemon slices inside the oven on low heat for 30 minutes. This will help neutralize odors.
• If your oven has a self-cleaning function, run that first before applying the baking soda paste for extremely tough stains.

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?

In general, deep cleaning your oven every three to six months is a good rule of thumb, depending on how often you use it. However, frequent spot cleaning after spills can reduce the need for deep cleans and keep your oven looking its best year-round.

• Pro Tip: After cooking, sprinkle baking soda over any fresh spills while the oven is still warm. This will help absorb grease and make it easier to clean later.

Wrapping Up

And that’s how you clean your oven with baking soda! No more scrubbing for hours or worrying about toxic fumes from chemical cleaners. Baking soda offers a safe, natural, and effective way to maintain a spotless oven. Next time your oven looks grimy, grab that box of baking soda and get to work—your future baking projects will thank you!