The Best DIY Oven Cleaner Recipes to Get Rid of Grime
Shop the household cleaning products aisle and you'll see dozens of commercial oven cleaners. Some of them work great but you don't need to buy one because you can create DIY oven cleaner recipes with products you probably have on hand in the pantry! Whether you have a self-cleaning oven or not, there will come a time when you'll need to hand-clean a stubborn spill or a glass oven door.
How Often to Clean an Oven
The frequency of cleaning an oven depends upon your cooking routine. Spills and overflows should be cleaned as soon as possible. If the oven is used frequently, it should be thoroughly cleaned at least seasonally or when you encounter:
- Smoke when the oven is turned on
- The bottom of the oven is covered with crusty food or burned residue
- A burning or greasy odor when the oven is turned on
- The door splattered with grease or baked-on grime
Warning
Since cleaning an oven requires reaching into a small, enclosed space, it is best to wear safety glasses or protective eyewear in case cleaning supplies splatter. Protective gloves are also recommended to keep your hands safe.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Protective gloves and eyewear
- 1 to 2 Microfiber cloths or sponges
- 1 Melamine sponge (Mr. Clean Magic Eraser)
- Plastic bucket or large tub
- Small bowl
- Paintbrush (optional)
- Large, ovenproof dish
- Large sink, bathtub, or garden hose
- Spray bottle
Materials
- Baking soda
- Distilled white vinegar
- Dishwashing liquid with degreaser
- 1 to 2 Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags
- 1 roll Newspapers or dropcloth
Instructions
Baking Soda and Vinegar Oven Cleaning Recipe
Baking soda works as a gentle abrasive to scour away baked-on grime while the distilled white vinegar helps cut through greasy residue on the oven racks.
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Mix a Baking Soda Paste
In a small bowl combine:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons water
Stir well to make a thin, spreadable paste. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly.
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Empty the Oven
- Remove the racks and any other items in the oven.
- Protect the floor with newspapers or a drop cloth.
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Spread the Paste and Wait
- Wearing gloves and protective eyewear, use a sponge or an old paintbrush to spread the paste.
- Cover all surfaces, including the door, except for electrical heating elements and gas vents.
- Close the oven door and allow the paste to sit for at least an hour or overnight.
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Clean the Racks
- Place the racks in a large sink, bathtub, or heavy-duty plastic garbage bags.
- Spray the racks with distilled white vinegar.
- Sprinkle with baking soda and watch the foaming action.
- When the foaming stops, add hot water to the sink, tub, or plastic bag until the racks are fully submerged.
- Allow them to soak for at least one hour or overnight.
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Clean and Reassemble the Oven
- When the paste has had time to work, open the oven and wipe down all of the surfaces with a damp sponge or microfiber cloth.
- If stuck-on food remains, scrub it away with a melamine sponge (Mr. Clean Magic Eraser).
- Finish by dipping a clean sponge or microfiber cloth in a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent distilled white vinegar and wipe away any remaining cleaning products.
- Remove the racks from the soaking water and wipe with a sponge to remove the grime on each side.
- Dry the racks and put them back in the oven.
Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Dishwashing Liquid Oven Cleaning Recipe
If your oven hasn't been cleaned regularly and it is heavily soiled with a greasy film, use a cleaning recipe that includes a good dishwashing liquid that contains degreasing agents.
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Make a Paste
In a small bowl combine:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid
Stir well to make a thin, spreadable paste. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly.
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Clean the Oven
Follow the cleaning steps listed above.