What’s not to love about the oven? It roasts meals to perfection, crisps up your Friday pizza, and bakes goodies to a delicious golden brown. But when was the last time you gave your oven a little TLC? If you’ve been putting off this task—and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?—these oven-cleaning hacks are here to save the day without turning your cleaning session into a chemistry experiment.
A clean oven isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about better-tasting food and a healthier home. Those charred remnants of meals past can alter the aroma and flavor of your current culinary masterpiece. Plus, a clean oven is less likely to set off the smoke detector.
Hack 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are your best friends for a chemical-free clean that won’t leave your kitchen smelling like a science lab. Here’s how to put them to work:
Make a Paste
Mix half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to create a spreadable paste. Adjust the water as needed.
Coat the Oven
Spread the paste inside your oven, avoiding the heating elements. Let it sit overnight. Yes, go ahead and take that well-deserved Netflix break.
Spritz with Vinegar
The next day, spray vinegar over the baking soda. Don’t be alarmed by the fizzing—it’s just the sound of grime surrendering. Wipe it all away with a damp cloth, and voila! Your oven is back to its sparkling self.
Hack 2: Steam Clean with Citrus
Looking for a natural way to tackle stubborn grease? Try steam cleaning with a citrus twist. Not only will your oven be cleaner, but it’ll also smell like a citrus grove.
Fill a Baking Dish
Fill an oven-safe dish with water and add the juice of two lemons (or oranges if you’re feeling adventurous). Toss in the peels for extra zest.
Heat It Up
Place the dish in the oven and turn the heat to 250°F. Let it steam for about 30 minutes. The steam from the citrus water will loosen the grime.
Wipe Away with Ease
Once it’s cool enough to handle, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. Enjoy the fresh, zesty scent as you marvel at your cleaning prowess.
Hack 3: Use Salt on Spills
Caught a spill in action? Don’t let it bake into a stubborn mess. Here’s where a little salt can save the day.
Sprinkle Immediately
As soon as you notice a spill (easier said than done when you’re in the middle of a cooking frenzy), sprinkle salt over the area.
Let It Cool
Allow the oven to cool, and then wipe away the salted spill with a damp cloth. This method is surprisingly effective at preventing burnt-on stains.
Hack 4: Keep Racks Shiny
Oven racks can be just as guilty of grime build-up. Here’s an easy way to clean them without scrubbing until your arms ache.
Use a Bathtub or Large Sink
Fill your bathtub or a large sink with hot water. Add a few squirts of dish soap and a cup of white vinegar.
Let Them Soak
Place the racks in the soapy water and let them soak for at least four hours or overnight if possible.
Scrub and Rinse
Use a scrub brush to remove any remaining grime, then rinse and dry. Your racks will gleam like new.
Hack 5: Line Your Oven with Foil
Prevention is the best cure, right? To prevent future spills, line the bottom rack with foil. Don’t cover the oven floor, as it can interrupt airflow and affect cooking performance.
Create a Drip Catcher
Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack (not directly on the oven floor) to catch drips and spills. Replace it as needed, and enjoy a cleaner oven with minimal effort.
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