Keeping your oven clean doesn’t have to mean inhaling harsh fumes or exposing your kitchen to dangerous chemicals. If your oven smokes or smells bad when you cook, it’s a clear sign that grease and grime have built up. The good news? You can get your oven spotless using natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly ingredients you already have at home.
Here’s the best way to naturally clean your oven from top to bottom — no commercial cleaners required.
1. Clean with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Mix ½ cup (170 g) of baking soda with 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of water to form a paste. Spread it across your oven interior (avoid the heating elements) and let it sit for at least 40 minutes — or overnight for tougher grime.
Wipe the paste off with a damp cloth, then spray distilled white vinegar inside your oven. When vinegar reacts with baking soda, it fizzes and breaks down residue naturally. Finish by wiping clean with a damp rag for a fresh, chemical-free shine.
2. Remove Stains with Salt and Vinegar
For burnt spills and stubborn stains, sprinkle salt across the oven floor while it’s still slightly warm (around 150 °F / 66 °C). Spray vinegar over the salt, then scrub gently with a sponge. The salt acts as an abrasive while vinegar disinfects and removes odor — leaving your oven sparkling clean.
3. Steam Away Grime with Vinegar Water
Fill a baking dish with water and ¾ cup (180 ml) of vinegar. Heat your oven to 450 °F (232 °C) until the mixture boils, then turn it off. Let the steam loosen baked-on residue for 30 minutes before wiping the surfaces clean. This vinegar-steam method cuts through grime fast and sanitizes your oven naturally.
4. Use Lemons for a Fresh, Natural Degreaser
Lemons are powerful natural cleaners. Slice two lemons, squeeze the juice into a baking tray, and fill it one-third with water. Bake at 250 °F (121 °C) for 30 minutes. The citric acid breaks down grease while leaving your oven with a refreshing citrus scent. When cooled, use a sponge dipped in the lemon water to scrub remaining spots.
5. Scrub Glass Doors with a Magic Eraser or Dishwasher Tablet
Dampen a Magic Eraser or a dishwasher tablet and gently scrub the oven door in circular motions. This removes grime buildup without scratching the glass. For extra safety and grip, wear gloves while cleaning.
6. Scrape Off Residue with a Razor Blade
For heavy residue on the oven glass, make a baking soda paste and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wipe clean, then carefully use a razor blade held at an angle to scrape away loosened grime.
7. Soak Oven Racks in the Bathtub
Line your tub with a towel, fill it with hot water, and add ¼ cup (59 ml) of dish soap. Submerge your oven racks overnight to loosen baked-on food. Scrub with a brush, rinse, and dry before returning them to your oven.
8. Clean Knobs with Soapy Water
Remove the knobs, soak them in warm soapy water for a few minutes, then wipe clean and dry. This simple step restores shine and removes hidden grime around your controls.
🌿 Why Choose Natural Oven Cleaners?
Natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, salt, and lemon are eco-friendly, affordable, and safe for your health. Unlike store-bought cleaners, they don’t emit toxic fumes or leave chemical residue near your food.
Switching to these DIY oven cleaning methods means a cleaner, fresher, and healthier kitchen.
