Keeping your oven clean can be a challenge, especially when dealing with stubborn, burnt-on grease. However, with the right approach and some common household items, you can restore your oven to its former glory.
What will I need?
You’ll need baking soda, white vinegar, rubber gloves, a soft cloth or sponge, a plastic scraper, and a spray bottle. For tougher stains, you may also want to consider an oven-cleaning product like Mr Muscle, available in the UK.
Remove the racks
Take out the oven racks and soak them in warm soapy water with a bit of baking soda to loosen grease. Wipe away any loose crumbs or debris from the oven interior with a damp cloth. If you want to revamp the oven and you require new ovenable trays, stockists such as https://www.southerncrosspackaging.com/ovenable-trays have a wide range.
Create a baking soda paste
Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste. Spread this paste evenly over the grease inside the oven, avoiding the heating elements. Allow it to sit for at least 12 hours or overnight. The baking soda will help break down the stubborn grease. After the paste has been applied, spray white vinegar over the areas. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a fizzing action that helps lift the grease. A simple home solution involves mixing 1/2 cup of baking soda with one tsp of dish soap and a dash of water.
Scrub and wipe the oven clean
Using a cloth or sponge, scrub away the grease. For particularly stubborn spots, use a plastic scraper. Wipe down the oven interior with a damp cloth to remove any residue. Scrub the soaked oven racks with a sponge or brush to remove grease and grime. Rinse and dry them before placing them back into the oven. Wipe down the entire oven interior with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining baking soda or vinegar. With these simple steps, your oven will be sparkling clean and ready for use. Regular maintenance can help prevent future build-up, making cleaning much easier.