A simple bathroom item—shaving cream—has proven more effective than vinegar or baking soda at dissolving stubborn oven grease, according to a cleaning trial by lifestyle writer Shifrah Combiths from The Kitchn. The hack requires minimal effort and leaves ovens spotless in as little as 15 minutes.
How the Shaving Cream Method Works
According to Team Clean, the method involves spraying shaving foam evenly over the oven door, sides, and bottom, ensuring full coverage. The foam is left to sit for approximately 30 minutes to dissolve grease and grime, then wiped away with a damp cloth. Finally, the oven is heated while empty to eliminate any lingering odour.
Combiths, however, left the product for just 15 minutes. She said: "Using a plastic scraper, I wiped up the excess shaving cream—there was a lot of it! I grabbed a cleaning sponge and made a few passes over each treated area." She added: "The shaving cream itself had little visible effect on the grease-splattered areas... But then I used a scrubby sponge to wipe the shaving cream covering the burned, crusty mess, and I couldn't believe it: The mess slipped right off the oven's surface. The shaving cream magically penetrated the mess and softened it to the point that it let go of its hold. What a difference—with hardly any effort!"
Why Oven Grease Is So Stubborn
Oven grease accumulates rapidly due to constant exposure to high temperatures, which bakes oil and food debris onto surfaces. Over time, this forms a carbonised layer that can diminish oven performance and affect food flavour. Traditional cleaning often requires hours of scrubbing.
Alternative Natural Methods
An expert on Martha Stewart's website recommended vinegar as an ideal household product for tackling grease. The method: wipe away loose crumbs, mix one cup of white vinegar into a large bowl of water, heat the oven to 210°C, and let the mixture steam for 30–60 minutes. After cooling, spray the interior with a 1:1 vinegar-water solution and wipe clean.
Baking soda manufacturer Arm and Hammer also promotes bicarbonate of soda for cutting through grease. Its mildly abrasive nature tackles dried-on residue in about 15 minutes. To use: combine half a cup of bicarbonate of soda with three tablespoons of water to form a paste, apply to dirty surfaces (avoiding heating elements), leave for 15–20 minutes, then wipe away with a damp paper towel. Finish with a water or water-and-vinegar rinse.
Caution Against Harsh Chemicals
Arm and Hammer warned against "traditional oven cleaners," which often contain harsh chemicals like potassium hydroxide, monoethanolamine, sodium hydroxide, and butoxydiglycol. These substances can irritate the respiratory system and cause burns to skin, lungs, and eyes.
