A clean oven not only looks great but also performs better, and you don’t need to spend hours scrubbing to achieve it. These 13 easy oven cleaning hacks use common household items to tackle grease and grime efficiently, saving you time and money while keeping things eco-friendly. Perfect for busy households, these oven cleaning tips make maintenance straightforward, whether you’re dealing with minor spills or stubborn stains. Let’s explore practical ways to restore your oven’s shine with minimal effort.
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste
Mix baking soda with a little water to create a thick paste and spread it across the oven’s interior, avoiding the heating elements. Leave it overnight to break down tough, baked-on grease. The next morning, spray white vinegar over the paste to trigger a fizzing reaction that loosens grime, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth. This easy oven cleaning hack is affordable and chemical-free, though it requires planning due to the overnight wait.
2. Lemon Steam Method
Slice two lemons, place them in an oven-safe dish with water, and heat at 120°C for 30 minutes to create steam infused with citrus oils. The steam softens stuck-on food, making it simple to wipe away once the oven cools. For extra cleaning power, use the lemon halves to scrub any remaining spots. This method is eco-friendly and leaves a pleasant scent, but it may not fully tackle very heavy grease build-up.
3. Salt for Fresh Spills
When a spill happens, sprinkle table salt generously over it while the oven is still warm to absorb the mess. After the oven cools, scrape off the residue with a spatula and wipe the area clean. This oven cleaning tip prevents spills from hardening into tough stains, making it ideal for quick action. It’s less effective for older, set-in grime, so act fast for best results.
4. Dish Soap Rack Soak
Remove your oven racks and soak them in hot water with a few drops of washing-up liquid for about an hour. Scrub gently with a sponge to remove loosened grime, then rinse and dry thoroughly. This easy oven cleaning hack restores racks to a near-new condition with minimal effort. You’ll need a large enough sink or tub, which might be tricky for some households.
5. Bicarbonate of Soda for Glass
Make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it to the oven door glass, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Wipe it away with a microfibre cloth, rinsing as needed, to reveal a clear, streak-free surface. This gentle method works well for glass, offering a polished finish. Stubborn marks may require a second application for complete removal.
Also read :
- 10 Common Oven Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid You Might Be Making
- How to Clean a Heavily Soiled Oven? Ultimate Guide to Follow
6. Vinegar and Water Spray
Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist the oven’s interior thoroughly. Let it sit for 10 minutes to dissolve light grease and neutralise odours, then wipe down with a clean cloth. This oven maintenance trick is quick and great for regular upkeep between deeper cleans. It’s not as effective for thick, caked-on grease, so pair it with other methods for tougher jobs.
7. Aluminium Foil for Drip Trays
Line drip trays with aluminium foil before cooking to catch drips and spills. Once the oven cools, remove the foil and replace it with a fresh sheet—no scrubbing required. This easy oven cleaning hack saves time by preventing messes from sticking to trays. Be mindful to recycle the foil to reduce waste.
8. Toothpaste for Stubborn Marks
Apply non-gel toothpaste to tough stains on oven racks or surfaces using a cloth or old toothbrush, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Scrub gently, then rinse or wipe clean for a polished result. This grease removal method is surprisingly effective and uses a household staple, but it can be messy and may not suit all oven surfaces.
9. Cornflour Grease Absorber
Mix cornflour with water to form a paste, apply it to greasy areas, and let it dry to absorb the oil. Once dry, brush or wipe it away with a damp cloth for a clean finish. This method is excellent for tackling oily residues without harsh scrubbing. Very thick grease may need multiple applications to fully clear.
10. Soapy Steam Clean
Fill an oven-safe tray with hot water and a tablespoon of washing-up liquid, then heat at 100°C for 15 minutes to produce soapy steam. The steam loosens grime, allowing you to wipe surfaces clean after cooling. This oven cleaning tip is efficient for light messes and uses basic ingredients. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhaling the steam.
11. Razor Blade for Glass Stains
Dampen the oven door glass and carefully scrape off burnt-on marks with a razor blade held at a 45-degree angle. Work in small sections to avoid scratches, then wipe clean with a cloth. This precise hack targets tough stains on glass effectively, but it requires caution to avoid injury or damage to non-glass parts.
12. Dryer Sheets for Racks
Place oven racks in a tub of hot water with two or three dryer sheets and soak for several hours. The fabric softener helps break down grease, making it easy to scrub off with a sponge before rinsing. This unusual oven cleaning tip works well for greasy racks, though thorough rinsing is needed to remove any lingering scent.
13. Routine Wipe-Downs
After each use, once the oven cools, wipe the interior with a damp cloth to remove fresh residues, focusing on the base and door. This habit prevents grime build-up, keeping your oven cleaner for longer. It’s a simple oven maintenance step that pays off, but it requires consistency to be effective.
Always let your oven cool before cleaning to stay safe. For tougher grime, combine methods like baking soda paste with a vinegar spray for better results. These easy oven cleaning hacks use everyday items, reducing the need for expensive or harsh chemicals. Incorporate them into your routine for a consistently clean oven.
If these hacks feel like too much effort or you want a deeper clean, professional help is a great option. In Cambridge, AKTE Cleaning offers expert oven cleaning services, which you can add to their other cleaning packages such as house cleaning services Cambridge. Book now and let professionals bring your oven back to its best.
