88+ Must-Try Oven Cleaning Hacks​

Oven Cleaning Hacks​ can be a messy and time-consuming task, but with a few clever hacks, it can be much easier and more effective. From natural, non-toxic methods like baking soda and vinegar to using steam to loosen grime, there are plenty of Oven Cleaning Hacks​ to make your oven sparkle without harsh chemicals. Regular cleaning not only keeps your oven looking great, but it also ensures it works efficiently and safely. Try some simple, DIY Oven Cleaning Hacks​ to save time and effort while keeping your kitchen spotless!

Baking Soda and Vinegar Scrub

This classic cleaning combo is safe, effective, and easy to do. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive while vinegar helps dissolve grease.

Materials Needed:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Water
• A bowl
• A sponge or cloth

Steps:

1. Mix baking soda with water in a bowl to create a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste generously to the oven’s interior, focusing on greasy spots.
3. Spray vinegar over the baking soda paste. It will fizz and bubble.
4. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
5. Scrub the oven with a sponge, focusing on tough spots.
6. Wipe everything down with a clean, damp cloth.

Steam Cleaning with Water and Lemon

Using steam to clean your oven is a natural way to loosen up grime without harsh chemicals. Lemon adds a pleasant scent.

Materials Needed:

• 1-2 lemons
• Water
• Oven-safe bowl

Steps:

1. Cut the lemons in half and place them in an oven-safe bowl filled with water.
2. Place the bowl in the oven and heat it to 250°F (120°C).
3. Let it steam for about 30 minutes.
4. Once done, use a cloth to wipe away any loosened grease and residue.

Self-Cleaning Oven Cycle

Most modern ovens come with a self-cleaning feature that uses high heat to burn off food residues. This is the easiest option.

Materials Needed:

• Oven with a self-cleaning function
• Damp cloth

Steps:

1. Empty the oven of any racks or cookware.
2. Activate the self-cleaning cycle as per your oven’s instructions.
3. Once it finishes and cools, wipe the interior with a damp cloth to remove ash.

Commercial Oven Cleaner

For those tough, baked-on messes, a commercial oven cleaner can save the day. Just be sure to follow safety guidelines.

Materials Needed:

• Commercial oven cleaner
• Rubber gloves
• A sponge or scrubbing pad
• A damp cloth

Steps:

1. Apply the oven cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Allow it to sit for the recommended amount of time.
3. Scrub away grime with a sponge or scrubbing pad.
4. Wipe everything down with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Ammonia Cleaning

Ammonia can help break down grease and grime. This method works particularly well for tough, baked-on messes.

Materials Needed:

• Ammonia
• Oven-safe bowl
• Water
• A sponge

Steps:

1. Place a bowl of ammonia in the oven and leave the oven door closed.
2. Let it sit overnight, allowing the fumes to loosen the grime.
3. The next day, wear gloves and wipe down the oven with a sponge soaked in warm water.

Dish Soap and Water Soak

If you’re not keen on using harsh chemicals, dish soap and water are an easy way to clean your oven safely.

Materials Needed:

• Dish soap
• Warm water
• Sponge or cloth

Steps:

1. Mix dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
2. Soak a sponge in the soapy solution and use it to scrub the interior of the oven.
3. Wipe the oven with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue.

Citrus Oil for a Fresh Scent

Citrus oil not only cleans but also leaves a pleasant, fresh scent in your oven.

Materials Needed:

• Citrus essential oil
• Baking soda
• Water
• A small bowl

Steps:

1. Mix a few drops of citrus essential oil into a bowl of baking soda.
2. Sprinkle the mixture onto the oven’s surfaces and let it sit for 15 minutes.
3. Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining powder.

Hydrogen Peroxide Paste

Hydrogen peroxide works well for breaking down tough grease and stains without being too harsh.

Materials Needed:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Baking soda
• A bowl
• Scrub brush

Steps:

1. Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to create a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the greasy areas of your oven.
3. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then scrub with a brush.
4. Wipe away any residue with a clean, damp cloth.

Salt Scrub

Salt is an effective abrasive that works to scrub away tough dirt and stains in your oven.

Materials Needed:

• Coarse salt
• Water
• A cloth

Steps:

1. Sprinkle coarse salt directly on greasy spots in the oven.
2. Dampen a cloth with water and use it to scrub the salt into the stains.
3. Wipe clean with a dry cloth.

Baking Soda and Cornstarch

Combine baking soda and cornstarch for a gentle scrub that is perfect for delicate oven surfaces.

Materials Needed:

• Baking soda
• Cornstarch
• Water
• A sponge

Steps:

1. Mix equal parts of baking soda and cornstarch in a bowl.
2. Add enough water to form a paste.
3. Apply the paste to the oven and let it sit for 20 minutes.
4. Scrub with a sponge and wipe clean.

Cornstarch for Grease Removal

Cornstarch is an excellent grease-fighter, helping to break down oils in your oven.

Materials Needed:

• Cornstarch
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Water

Steps:

1. Mix equal parts of cornstarch and baking soda with a small amount of vinegar and water.
2. Apply the paste to greasy areas of the oven.
3. Scrub the surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth.

Borax for Deep Cleaning

Borax can cut through the most stubborn grime, but should be handled with care due to its strength.

Materials Needed:

• Borax
• Water
• Scrub brush or sponge

Steps:

1. Mix borax with water to create a paste.
2. Apply it to greasy areas inside the oven.
3. Scrub thoroughly, then wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Vinegar Spray for Quick Cleaning

Vinegar alone can do wonders for loosening grease and grime without much effort.

Materials Needed:

• White vinegar
• Water
• Spray bottle

Steps:

1. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Spray it generously inside your oven.
3. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Cream of Tartar Paste

Cream of tartar is a mild abrasive that can help remove stains and buildup from your oven.

Materials Needed:

• Cream of tartar
• Water
• A cloth

Steps:

1. Mix cream of tartar with water to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste to stains and baked-on food in your oven.
3. Scrub gently with a cloth or sponge.
4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Dryer Sheets for Grease

Dryer sheets are an excellent way to break down greasy spots and soften residue.

Materials Needed:

• Dryer sheets
• Warm water

Steps:

1. Place a few dryer sheets inside the oven.
2. Spray them with warm water.
3. Let them sit for 30 minutes to soften the grease.
4. Wipe clean with a cloth.

Vinegar and Water Soak for Oven Racks

Oven racks can get incredibly dirty, but a vinegar soak makes it easy to clean them.

Materials Needed:

• White vinegar
• Water
• A bathtub or large basin

Steps:

1. Fill a bathtub or large basin with warm water and add a cup of vinegar.
2. Place the oven racks in the solution and let them soak for a few hours.
3. Use a scrubbing brush to remove any remaining grime.
4. Rinse and dry the racks before returning them to the oven.

Soda Paste for Stubborn Grime

A soda paste is a strong yet safe option for tougher cleaning jobs in your oven.

Materials Needed:

• Baking soda
• Water
• A sponge

Steps:

1. Mix baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste to greasy and grimy areas.
3. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then scrub with a sponge.
4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Lemon and Baking Soda for Stains

Lemon and baking soda can be combined to tackle stains and smells in your oven.

Materials Needed:

• 1 Lemon
• Baking soda
• Water
• Sponge

Steps:

1. Squeeze the juice of the lemon into a bowl and mix with baking soda.
2. Apply the paste to stains inside the oven.
3. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing with a sponge.
4. Wipe away with a damp cloth.

Toothpaste for Small Oven Stains

Toothpaste can be a surprising yet effective cleaner for smaller stains and spots in your oven.

Materials Needed:

• Toothpaste (non-gel)
• Sponge

Steps:

1. Apply a small amount of toothpaste directly to stains.
2. Scrub the area with a damp sponge.
3. Wipe clean with a cloth.

Alcohol for Glass Door Cleaning

Rubbing alcohol is perfect for cleaning the oven’s glass door without streaks.

Materials Needed:

• Rubbing alcohol
• Water
• Cloth

Steps:

1. Mix rubbing alcohol with water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray on the oven’s glass door.
3. Wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and fingerprints.

Baking Soda and Castile Soap for Deep Cleaning

Castile soap adds an extra level of cleaning power when paired with baking soda.

Materials Needed:

• Castile soap
• Baking soda
• Water

Steps:

1. Mix baking soda and Castile soap to form a paste.
2. Apply to tough stains in the oven.
3. Scrub and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Towel Method for Overnight Cleaning

Letting the oven sit overnight with a towel can help break down grime for easier cleaning.

Materials Needed:

• A towel
• Water
• Baking soda or cleaner of choice

Steps:

1. Soak a towel in warm water and place it inside the oven.
2. Sprinkle baking soda or a cleaner of your choice on the towel.
3. Let it sit overnight and wipe down the oven the next morning.

Use a Power Scrubber

A power scrubber can take the elbow grease out of your cleaning routine for larger messes.

Materials Needed:

• Power scrubber
• Cleaning solution (e.g., baking soda paste)

Steps:

1. Apply a cleaning solution to your oven’s surfaces.
2. Use the power scrubber to scrub away grime.
3. Wipe clean with a cloth.

Using a Razor Blade for Glass Stains

Stubborn stains on the glass door can be scraped off with a razor blade for a smooth finish.

Materials Needed:

• Razor blade
• Warm water
• Sponge

Steps:

1. Soak the stained glass area with warm water.
2. Use a razor blade to carefully scrape away stains.
3. Wipe clean with a damp sponge.

Olive Oil for Shiny Finish

Olive oil can leave your oven with a shiny, polished look after a deep clean.

Materials Needed:

• Olive oil
• Cloth

Steps:

1. Apply a small amount of olive oil to a clean cloth.
2. Buff the oven’s interior surfaces to add a natural shine.

Baking Soda Paste for Oven Walls

When dealing with tough grease on the oven’s walls, a thick baking soda paste can work wonders.

Materials Needed:

• Baking soda
• Water
• Scrubbing brush

Steps:

1. Create a thick paste of baking soda and water.
2. Apply it generously to the oven walls.
3. Let it sit for 20 minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Rice and Vinegar Mixture for Stubborn Areas

Rice can help scrub out tough dirt when paired with vinegar for a gentle abrasive action.

Materials Needed:

• Rice
• Vinegar
• Sponge

Steps:

1. Mix rice with vinegar to create a paste.
2. Apply to stubborn areas in the oven.
3. Scrub gently with a sponge.

Lemon and Baking Soda for Freshness

The combination of lemon and baking soda neutralizes odors and freshens your oven.

Materials Needed:

• Lemon
• Baking soda
• A sponge

Steps:

1. Sprinkle baking soda around the oven.
2. Rub with a lemon half to activate the cleaning power.
3. Wipe clean with a sponge.

Alcohol and Baking Soda for Deep Cleaning

A mixture of alcohol and baking soda can give your oven a deep clean with ease.

Materials Needed:

• Rubbing alcohol
• Baking soda
• Water

Steps:

1. Mix rubbing alcohol with water and a bit of baking soda.
2. Apply the solution to your oven’s surfaces.
3. Scrub away the grime.

Use a Commercial Oven Liner

An oven liner can help keep your oven clean and prevent stubborn messes from forming.

Materials Needed:

• Commercial oven liner

Steps:

1. Place an oven liner at the bottom of the oven.
2. Clean it regularly to avoid buildup.

Preventative Tips to Keep Your Oven Clean Longer

Maintaining a clean oven can be time-consuming, but with a few simple habits, you can keep it in top shape for longer. These preventative tips help reduce the buildup of grease, food, and spills, making it easier to maintain your oven’s cleanliness and performance. Here’s how:

1. Use a Spill Tray or Baking Sheet: Protect the bottom of the oven by placing a spill tray or baking sheet underneath your food. This will catch any spills, crumbs, or drips, preventing them from staining or sticking to the oven.
2. Regularly Wipe Down: After each use, take a few minutes to wipe down the oven’s interior surfaces with a damp cloth. This will help prevent grease and food buildup from accumulating, making deep cleaning easier.
3. Cover Food While Cooking: Covering your food with foil or a lid while cooking can prevent grease splatters, spills, and burnt-on food. This will reduce the amount of mess inside the oven.
4. Self-Cleaning Mode Maintenance: If your oven has a self-cleaning function, use it occasionally to keep things in check. Running this mode helps break down food residue and stains, saving you time and effort for deeper cleans.

Bonus Hacks for Stubborn Spots

Cleaning stubborn spots in your home—whether on your oven, floors, or other surfaces—can sometimes feel like an ongoing battle. However, with the right techniques, tools, and a bit of know-how, you can tackle even the toughest stains. Below are some bonus hacks that will help you efficiently clean stubborn spots in your home.

1. Steam Cleaning with Vinegar: How to Steam Clean with Vinegar to Loosen Tough Stains

• Vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner that can break down grease, grime, and stains when used with steam.
• To steam clean with vinegar, simply mix equal parts of water and vinegar in your steam cleaner’s tank.
• As the steam is released, the vinegar will help loosen tough stains and sticky residues, making it easier to wipe away.
• This method is particularly useful for kitchen surfaces, bathroom tiles, and even upholstered furniture.

2. Self-Cleaning Oven Function: Pros and Cons, and When It’s Safe to Use

• Pros:
  • The self-cleaning function uses high heat (up to 900°F) to burn off food debris and grease.
  • It’s a hands-off method, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your oven cleans itself.
• Cons:
  • The high heat can produce unpleasant smells and smoke, especially if food spills are left too long.
  • It can put a strain on older ovens and may even trigger a fire alarm if not properly ventilated.
• When to Use:
  • Use the self-cleaning function when the oven is heavily soiled, and you don’t want to spend hours scrubbing.
  • Ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated and that there are no items left inside the oven that could catch fire.

3. Cleaning the Oven’s Fan and Vent: Keeping the Airflow Clean

• A clean oven fan and vent help ensure your oven operates efficiently and prevents the buildup of grease, which can lead to odors or smoke.
• Turn off the oven and disconnect it from power before attempting to clean the fan and vent.
• Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a soft cloth to remove any dust and grease buildup.
• For a deeper clean, use a damp cloth with mild dish soap to wipe down the vents, ensuring no residue remains that could affect airflow.

4. Using Commercial Oven Cleaners: When to Use and How to Safely Apply

• When to Use:
  • Commercial oven cleaners are ideal for heavily soiled ovens that cannot be cleaned with standard methods.
  • They’re effective for baked-on grease, tough stains, and burnt food that’s hard to remove manually.

FAQ

What’s the easiest Oven Cleaning Hacks​?

The easiest Oven Cleaning Hacks​ is to create a cleaning paste using baking soda and water. Spread the paste on the oven’s interior surfaces, let it sit for several hours or overnight, and then scrub off with a sponge or cloth. You can also use vinegar to help remove any remaining residue.

What are Oven Cleaning Hacks​ glass without streaks?

To clean oven glass without streaks, use a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the glass and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth or paper towels. For tough stains, you can use baking soda as a gentle abrasive.

 Are there any natural Oven Cleaning Hacks​?

Yes! A mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and water works well for natural cleaning. Baking soda acts as a scrubber, while vinegar helps break down grease. You can also use lemon juice for a fresh scent and additional grease-cutting power.

How do I clean oven racks?

Soak oven racks in a bathtub or large basin filled with hot water, baking soda, and a little dish soap. Let them soak for several hours, then scrub away grease and grime using a scrubbing brush or sponge.