A mum and lifestyle writer was left stunned after discovering that a common bathroom staple — shaving cream — could cut through baked-on oven grease more effectively than traditional methods like vinegar or baking soda.
Shifrah Combiths, writing for The Kitchn, decided to test the unusual technique after hearing it worked wonders. She coated her oven door, sides, and base evenly with shaving foam, ensuring every area was thoroughly covered. She then let it sit for just 15 minutes, half the recommended time from cleaning experts.
Using a plastic scraper, she wiped up the excess shaving cream, then used a scrubby sponge to wipe the treated areas. To her amazement, the burnt-on mess slipped right off the oven's surface with hardly any effort. 'The shaving cream magically penetrated the mess and softened it to the point that it let go of its hold,' she said.
How the Hack Works
According to Team Clean, the method involves coating the oven with shaving foam, leaving it for 30 minutes, then wiping clean with a moist cloth. Afterward, heating the empty oven eliminates any residual chemical smell, ensuring food tastes as it should.
Shifrah's shorter soak time still delivered impressive results. She noted that the shaving cream had little visible effect on grease-splattered areas initially, but once scrubbed, the buildup dissolved instantly.
Comparison to Other Methods
Vinegar and baking soda are popular natural alternatives. A cleaning guru on Martha Stewart's website recommended brushing loose debris, then steaming a vinegar-water mixture at 210°C for 30–60 minutes. After cooling, a 1:1 vinegar-water spray and wipe down restores sparkle.
Arm & Hammer suggests a paste of half a cup of baking soda and three tablespoons of water, applied for 15–20 minutes before wiping away. Both methods are effective but require more steps or waiting time compared to shaving cream.
The manufacturer cautioned against traditional oven cleaners containing harsh chemicals like potassium hydroxide, monoethanolamine, sodium hydroxide, and butoxydiglycol, which can irritate airways and cause burns to skin, lungs, and eyes.
Expert Tips for Best Results
For the shaving cream hack, ensure even coverage and avoid heating elements. After wiping, run the oven empty at a high temperature for 15 minutes to remove any residue. This method is especially useful for spot-cleaning stubborn patches.
Shifrah's experience demonstrates that with minimal effort, a common bathroom item can outperform specialized products, saving time and reducing exposure to harsh chemicals.
