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Introduction
Cleaning the oven can often feel like a tedious and daunting task. Between stubborn grease, burnt-on food, and chemical cleaners that can be harsh or ineffective, many avoid deep-cleaning this essential kitchen appliance. However, with the right approach and simple ingredients, you can make your oven sparkle without hours of scrubbing or harmful fumes. This guide will walk you through an easy, natural, and efficient method to clean your oven — saving you time, effort, and frustration.
Ingredients
1/2 cup baking soda
2-3 tablespoons water (adjust as needed)
White vinegar in a spray bottle
A clean cloth or sponge
Rubber gloves (optional but recommended)
A plastic or silicone spatula (optional)
Preparation
Remove Oven Racks: Take out the racks and set them aside for separate cleaning.
Make the Baking Soda Paste: In a small bowl, mix the baking soda with water to form a spreadable paste.
Apply the Paste: Wearing gloves, spread the paste evenly all over the inside surfaces of the oven, avoiding heating elements. Pay extra attention to greasy or heavily soiled areas.
Let It Sit: Leave the paste to work for at least 12 hours or overnight. During this time, the baking soda breaks down grime and loosens burnt food residues.
Clean the Oven Racks: While waiting, soak the racks in hot, soapy water for a couple of hours, then scrub gently with a sponge or brush.
Wipe Off the Paste: After the waiting period, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe out the baking soda paste. For tough spots, gently scrape with a plastic spatula.
Spray Vinegar: Spray white vinegar over the surfaces where baking soda residue remains. The vinegar will fizz and help lift off any leftover grime.
Final Wipe Down: Use a clean damp cloth to wipe the oven interior thoroughly until all residues are gone.
Replace the Racks: Once everything is dry and clean, put the oven racks back in place.
Suggestions for Presentation and Conservation
Use a microfiber cloth for the final polish to give your oven a brilliant shine.
Regularly wipe your oven after use to prevent build-up and reduce the need for deep cleaning.
Keep a spray bottle with vinegar handy for quick spot cleaning.
Store baking soda in a cool, dry place to maintain its cleaning power.
Variation
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