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Introduction
A dirty oven isn’t just unsightly; it can affect your cooking and even cause unpleasant odors in your kitchen. Over time, grease and food splatters can build up, creating a challenging mess to tackle. Fortunately, there are effective and manageable ways to degrease even the dirtiest ovens and make them look like new again. In this guide, we’ll share eight foolproof methods, along with practical tips for storage, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Ingredients (For DIY Cleaning Solutions)
Depending on the method you choose, you’ll need a combination of the following items:
Baking soda: An excellent natural cleaner for breaking down grime.
White vinegar: Works wonders with baking soda to dissolve grease.
Lemon juice: A natural degreaser with a fresh scent.
Dish soap: Cuts through grease effectively.
Salt: Helps scrub tough stains when mixed with other cleaners.
Ammonia: A heavy-duty solution for severe grime.
Commercial oven cleaner: For quick and effective cleaning.
Scrubbing pads, microfiber cloths, or sponges.
Spray bottle: For applying liquids evenly.
Rubber gloves: To protect your hands.
Directions
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar Magic
Remove the oven racks and soak them in soapy water.
Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with water to create a thick paste.
Spread the paste evenly on the greasy spots inside the oven.
Let it sit for 12 hours (or overnight).
Spray white vinegar over the dried paste to activate the cleaning reaction.
Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth.
2. Lemon Steam Cleaning
Slice two lemons and place them in a heatproof dish filled with water.
Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
Place the dish inside and let it steam for 30 minutes.
Turn off the oven, let it cool, and wipe away loosened grease with a sponge.
3. Ammonia Soak for Heavy Grease
Place a bowl of ammonia in a cold oven overnight.
The fumes will loosen baked-on grease.
Wipe the surfaces clean with a damp cloth.
4. Commercial Oven Cleaners
Follow the product's instructions carefully.
Ensure proper ventilation while using chemical cleaners.
Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
5. Salt and Baking Soda Scrub
Mix equal parts salt and baking soda with a splash of water.
Scrub the mixture on greasy areas using a sponge.
Rinse with a damp cloth.
6. Dish Soap Degreaser
Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water.
Scrub the oven interior using a sponge soaked in the solution.
Wipe away the grease with a clean cloth.
7. Vinegar Spray for Regular Maintenance
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water.
Spray it inside the oven after every use.
Wipe it down to prevent grease buildup.
8. Oven Liners for Prevention
Place a reusable oven liner at the bottom of your oven.
This will catch spills and make cleaning easier.
Serving and Storage Tips
After cleaning, leave the oven door open for a few hours to let it air out.
Store baking soda, vinegar, and other ingredients in a cool, dry place for future use.
Variations
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