How to Clean Your Oven Naturally with Baking Soda before the Holidays.
Cleaning the oven can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to involve harsh chemicals or endless scrubbing. With just a few simple, natural ingredients, you can tackle grease, grime, and food stains effectively. Here's how to clean your oven using baking soda and a few easy steps.
1. Baking Soda Paste: Your Natural Cleaner
Baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to cleaning. It's non-toxic, gentle, and works wonders on tough oven stains. To create a cleaning paste, simply mix equal parts baking soda and water—about half a cup of each.
How to use it:
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Mix the baking soda and water into a paste.
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Apply the paste generously to the inside of your oven, focusing on areas with built-up grease or baked-on food.
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Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or longer for tougher stains) to allow the paste to break down the grime.
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Once the paste has had time to work, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the oven interior. You’ll be amazed at how easily it comes off!
2. Soak Your Oven Racks
While the paste works its magic on the oven interior, it's a good idea to remove your oven racks for a deep clean. Soak them in a mixture of warm water and dish soap.
How to do it:
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Fill your bathtub or a large sink with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap.
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Place the racks in the soapy water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (longer if they're particularly dirty).
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After soaking, use a soft scrub brush to remove any remaining food particles or grease.
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Rinse and dry the racks thoroughly before putting them back in your oven.
3. Vacuum the Oven
Before wiping down the oven, take a few moments to vacuum the inside. This is especially helpful if there’s any loose food, crumbs, or debris at the bottom of the oven. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, gently suck up the debris. This step will make the cleaning process much easier!
4. Avoid Chemical Cleaners
Many oven cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be toxic and irritating to your skin and lungs. Plus, the strong fumes can linger for hours. By using natural ingredients like baking soda and avoiding commercial cleaners, you can protect your health and the environment.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to involve toxic chemicals or harsh scrubbing. With baking soda and a little elbow grease, your oven can look sparkling clean without the hassle. Give it a try next time you need to freshen up your kitchen! To make things easier going forward, dont forget to wipe down your oven after every use.
