When cleaning a dirty oven, we often rely on commercial cleaners to get the job done. But these products may contain chemicals that are harmful to you or this hard-working appliance. So, what can I use instead of oven cleaner and its harsh chemicals? This recipe for the best homemade oven cleaner uses baking soda and vinegar to be safe and naturally effective.

How to Make and Use the Best Homemade Oven Cleaner 

While commercial oven cleaners can get the job done quickly, they may contain harsh chemicals. The simple steps below detail how to make natural oven cleaner and use it effectively without chemicals.

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Oven cleaning doesn’t have to involve special tools or ingredients. The following supplies are all you’ll need to make the best homemade oven cleaner:

  • Baking soda
  • White Vinegar
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
  • Plastic spatula
  • Damp dish towel
  • Rubber gloves

Step 2: Remove Loose Components

Remove loose items like oven racks, pizza stones or thermometers that can hinder access to the oven’s interior. Set them aside to be washed separately or replaced once cleaning is done.

Step 3: Mix a Baking Soda Paste

To make this DIY oven cleaner, combine ½ cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Mix the ingredients together to form a thick paste. It may take 2-3 tablespoons of water to create a paste that’s easily spreadable.

Step 4: Apply Paste to Oven

How do you clean a dirty oven? Your two hands make the best tools! After donning rubber gloves, spread the paste on all of the oven’s interior surfaces, excluding the heating elements. Coat the entire oven with an even layer, adding extra to areas that are especially dirty and reaching every nook and cranny.

Step 5: Leave Overnight

The best homemade oven cleaner takes some time to be effective. After applying the baking soda paste, close the oven door and allow it to sit for 12 hours or overnight. The natural salt and bicarbonate in the baking soda will slowly break down dirt and stains without harming the oven’s interior.

Step 6: Clean Oven Racks

If your oven racks are dirty, they can be cleaned while the paste sits. Place the racks in the bathtub and completely submerge them in hot water. Add ½ cup of dishwasher detergent and swirl it around before letting the racks soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Remove the racks and scrub with a non-abrasive brush before rinsing and drying completely. 

Step 7: Remove Oven Paste

In the morning, or after 12 hours, wipe away baking soda paste with a damp dishtowel. Try to remove as much paste as possible, using a plastic spatula for hard-to-reach areas.

Step 8: Spray With Vinegar

To clean an oven with baking soda and vinegar you need the reaction of the two compounds to break down lingering stains. Pour a little vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the oven’s interior. The reaction of the baking soda and vinegar will create a mild foam.

Step 9: Wipe Down Interior

Using the damp dish towel, wipe down the oven until all residue is removed. You may need to re-dampen the towel or add more vinegar for complete cleaning.

Step 10: Replace Oven Racks

Now that the best homemade oven cleaner has done its job you can replace the oven racks, along with any other removed components.

The oven experts at Same Day Appliance Repair have all your cleaning answers. From how to use the best homemade oven cleaner to removing Thanksgiving food stains, we’ve got the right technique for any job.