Choose one of the Following Techniques
Depending on how dirty your oven is and how long the mess has been sitting there, one of these solutions may be more ideal than another. However, you may also prefer one method over another, especially if you happen to already have the ingredients on hand.
Sprinkle Borax Powder on Dirty Surfaces
If you're looking for a way to clean your oven without using oven cleaner, Borax powder may be the answer. Sprinkle the powder on the dirty surface, then use a damp cloth to scrub away the grime. You may need to do this a few times to get the oven sparkling clean, but it's worth it to avoid harsh chemicals. Plus, Borax is inexpensive and easy to find at most stores.Make Your Own Oven Cleaner Spray With Vinegar and Baking Soda
One of the safest and most non-toxic solutions you can use to clean your oven is a vinegar and baking soda mixture.- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of white vinegar.
- Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture onto the dirty areas of your oven, making sure to cover all surfaces evenly.
- Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the dirt and grime.
- Rinse with water and dry with a clean towel or cloth.
Mix Lemon Juice and Water
Lemon juice has a ton of benefits for cleaning. For one thing, it will naturally polish stainless steel and other metals in your kitchen. And secondly, it’s excellent for removing stains and odors from countertops and other surfaces. To make this great-smelling homemade oven cleaner, pour half a cup of lemon juice into a bowl and mix it with an equal amount of water. Submerge a clean cloth into the mixture and wring it out so that it's damp but not dripping. Wipe the entire inside of your oven with the cloth, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Let the lemon juice sit on the oven surface for at least 15 minutes. Rinse your oven with clean water (you can use a spray bottle for this). Dry it off with a clean towel, and voilà! A sparkling clean oven and no harsh chemicals required.Oven Cleaning Hacks
While each solution might require a slightly different technique, there are some additional steps you can take if your oven is still not completely clean.
- Spray on your solution and let it sit overnight. Then, use a non-abrasive scouring pad to wipe away the grime.
- Make a thick paste with your chosen solution and spread it heavily over the surface of your oven. Let this sit for a couple of hours or overnight, then wipe it away.
- If you need to know how to take care of a self-cleaning oven, it’s best to read the owner’s manual. These types of ovens often require that you do not use a cleaner at all, but a little oven cleaner DIY is usually okay.
- If all else fails, a product like Easy-Off Oven Cleaner is still a good option.
