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Introduction
If you've ever roasted something delicious only to be greeted later by a smoky, grimy oven and the acrid scent of burned oil, you're not alone. Burned oil buildup not only makes your oven look bad—it can also affect the taste and smell of future dishes. But fear not! This guide offers a foolproof, low-effort way to clean that gunky mess using simple household items and a clever "set-it-and-forget-it" technique.
Ingredients:
1 oven-safe bowl (glass or metal)
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons baking soda (optional for extra power)
A sponge or cloth
A silicone spatula or plastic scraper
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) for 10 minutes, then turn it off. This warms the grime and helps loosen it.
Mix the cleaning solution: In your oven-safe bowl, combine the vinegar and water. If you're using baking soda, stir it in until dissolved.
Steam it out: Place the bowl on the middle rack of the warm oven. Close the door and let it sit for 30–45 minutes. The steam will soften the burnt oil residues.
Cool and wipe: After steaming, allow the oven to cool slightly. Using a damp sponge or cloth, wipe the interior. Most of the grime should lift easily. For stubborn patches, gently scrape with a plastic spatula.
Tips for Serving and Storing (Your Clean Oven, That Is):
To keep your oven clean longer, place a baking sheet beneath messy dishes.
Store a small dish of baking soda in the oven overnight (when off) to neutralize lingering odors.
Clean spills immediately after the oven cools—preventative maintenance is easier than scrubbing later.
Variant:
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