If you’re looking for a simple old-fashioned way to clean an oven, a common household method uses baking soda, water, and a little patience.
Simple Baking Soda Oven Cleaning Method
You’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Water
- White vinegar (optional)
- A damp cloth or sponge
- A spray bottle (optional)
Steps:
- Remove oven racks and wipe away loose crumbs and debris.
- Make a paste by mixing about ½ cup baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until it forms a spreadable paste.
- Apply the paste to the inside surfaces of the oven, avoiding heating elements and electrical parts.
- Let it sit overnight (or at least several hours) so it can loosen baked-on grease.
- Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Spray a little vinegar on stubborn areas if needed—the fizzing action can help loosen residue.
- Rinse with a clean damp cloth until no baking soda residue remains.
Helpful tips:
- For oven glass doors, use a softer cloth to avoid scratching.
- Avoid mixing vinegar with commercial oven cleaners.
- For very heavy grease buildup, a purpose-made oven cleaner may work faster, but follow the product’s safety instructions.
This method works best for regular maintenance and moderate buildup; extremely baked-on carbon deposits may require stronger cleaning methods.
