Cleaning an oven does not have to take hours. A simple baking soda paste removes grease and grime naturally, without harsh chemicals, in about 30 minutes of actual work.
Why baking soda works
Ovens are among the most challenging appliances to clean, as no one wants to spend hours scrubbing charred food or breathing in strong cleaner fumes. Food splatters harden and burn into the oven when constantly exposed to high temperatures, making stains increasingly difficult to remove the longer they are left.
After a particularly tough cleaning session last year, one person vowed to find an easier way to remove baked-on grease. Research online showed that one of the most popular recommendations was baking soda, an item already in the kitchen.
Baking soda is mildly alkaline, which helps break down organic matter in food, such as proteins, fats and oils. Its fine particles are gently abrasive, helping to physically loosen stains without scratching the surface or requiring hours of scrubbing.
Tested on a friend's oven
The method was tested on a friend's old oven that had hardly been used, with grime sitting for years. It took about 30 minutes of actual work, though the baking soda must sit in the oven for a long time to break down stains. Applying the solution takes about 10 minutes, and cleaning the next day takes about 20 minutes.
Step-by-step method
To start, remove any trays or racks from the oven and wash them at the sink with washing-up liquid. If they are really stained, fill the sink with hot soapy water and leave them to soak.
Next, take a mug and fill it with baking soda and a few drops of washing-up liquid. Place the mug inside the oven, then add a little water at a time while mixing. The baking soda will foam and spill out of the mug once water is added, so be careful not to do it on the kitchen worktop. Keep adding water until the baking soda forms a thick and spreadable paste.
Use a sponge to spread the paste all over the dirty oven surfaces, avoiding the fan, heating element and any other electrical components. Leave the paste in the oven overnight, ideally for 8 to 12 hours, to soften baked-on grease and grime.
The next day, use a damp cloth to remove the paste. A little white vinegar can help dissolve any remaining baking soda residue. Then use a non-scratch sponge to gently scrub the oven, and many tougher marks should come away easily. Dry the oven with a clean cloth, and make sure the racks and trays are completely dry before putting them back.
The oven should now look much cleaner, without the need for harsh chemical oven cleaners.
