Cleaning an oven is widely regarded as one of the toughest chores in any kitchen. This appliance collects grime, grease, and baked-on residues, and the door can feel like a barrier to progress. With determination, it is possible to restore the oven to a like-new state, and the payoff is well worth the effort.
Keeping the oven clean matters beyond appearance. A dirty oven can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms that threaten food safety. Food waste left behind can contaminate meals prepared later. A clean oven, on the other hand, distributes heat more evenly, helping food cook more reliably and efficiently while reducing cooking times.
Over time, grease and food buildup can wear on oven components and shorten its lifespan. When the interior is free of grime, odors from previous dishes won’t transfer to new meals, and flavors stay true to the recipe you’re making.
Baking soda and vinegar cleaning?
The duo of baking soda and vinegar creates a fizzy reaction that helps break down grease and grime, which is why this combination is popular for DIY cleaning. These substances are natural, free from harsh chemicals, affordable, and easy to find in most home cupboards.
Discover how to keep towels soft and fresh with simple routines that can be adapted to kitchen cleaning tasks. A clean, fresh environment supports better cooking results and easier maintenance over time.
Step by step to clean the oven
- Preparation. Make sure the oven is turned off and has cooled completely.
- Empty the oven. Remove the grilles and other accessories inside.
- Prepare a paste. In a bowl, mix a glass of baking soda with a sufficient amount of vinegar to obtain a thick paste.
- Apply the paste. Spread the baking soda paste inside the oven, avoiding heating elements and electrical areas. Let it sit for about 20 minutes.
- Clean the grills. You can clean the shelves while the paste is working in the oven. Soak them in hot water and a glass of vinegar. Let it sit and then scrub it with a brush to remove any dirt.
- Remove the paste. After the paste hardens, remove it from the oven using a damp cloth or sponge. You may need to rinse the cloth several times.
- Scrub with a scrubbing sponge. If necessary and there is a lot of dirt, you should scrub it with a soft scouring pad.
- Rinse and dry. Using a damp cloth, wipe the inside of the oven to remove any traces of baking soda and vinegar. Then dry it with a clean cloth.
- Replace grilles. Once the racks are clean and dry, place them back in the oven.
- Ventilate. Before using it again, open the oven door for a while and let it air out.