Ovens often become the dirtiest areas in kitchens, posing a real challenge due to constant exposure to cooking splatters. Many homeowners neglect cleaning because persistent grease is exceptionally hard to shift. When dishes spill over, fats and oils spatter onto hot surfaces, forming resilient marks as the oven cools. Tackling accumulated grime is vital as it poses a fire risk and can impart an unpleasant, charred odour to food, according to the Express.
Natural Solution for Oven Grease
Shamsa, a domestic expert and founder of Officially Shamsa, has disclosed that cleaning a filthy oven needn't be a chore if you use one kitchen cupboard staple: bicarbonate of soda. She said: "A quick, cheap and effective method for cleaning the inside of a dirty oven is to use a homemade baking soda (or bicarbonate of soda) solution. Adding lemon juice or vinegar to the baking soda solution helps to clean the oven even further."
How Bicarbonate of Soda Works
Bicarbonate of soda functions as an excellent natural cleaner for ovens due to its alkaline properties, which efficiently dissolve grease's acidic and fatty components. Its absorbent attributes combat smells, while its abrasive consistency eliminates stubborn grease without damaging oven surfaces. Acidic substances such as white vinegar or lemon juice possess antimicrobial properties that help disinfect the oven. However, combining bicarbonate of soda with either triggers a fizzing reaction that neutralises both, diminishing their effectiveness against grease.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Method
For the best outcome, leave the bicarbonate of soda paste to work overnight. If short on time, four hours will do the job. Once the waiting period is up, pour white vinegar or lemon juice into an empty spray bottle and apply it generously across the oven interior. This sets off the fizzing reaction, helping to break down stubborn grease deposits. Take a clean sponge and wipe down the oven — the grease should come away with minimal effort. Follow up with another spritz of the solution to clear away any leftover paste. Ensure the oven is thoroughly dry before switching it back on. It should now be sparkling clean, with no trace of splatters, sticky residue or baked-on grease.
