How to clean your oven easily and thoroughly: Tips that really work

Grease that seals in during cooking, spilled food and built-up deposits can create smoke, unpleasant odours and even reduce heating efficiency.

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Illustration, Photo: Shutterstock
Illustration, Photo: Shutterstock
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

A clean oven is not only aesthetically important – it directly affects the taste of food, the health of the household and the longevity of the appliance itself. Grease that seals in during baking, spilled food and accumulated deposits can create smoke, unpleasant odours and even reduce heating efficiency. Here's a simple guide on how to thoroughly clean your oven without using harmful chemicals.

1. Preparation: What you need

Before you begin, prepare the following ingredients and tools:

  • Baking soda
  • Alcoholic vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • Water
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sponge or cloth
  • Rubber gloves
  • Old toothbrush or soft brush
  • Optional – plastic or silicone spatula

2. Step One: Make a Cleaning Paste

Mix:

  • ½ cup of baking soda
  • 2–3 tablespoons water (add gradually until you get a thick paste)
  • Baking soda paste is a natural abrasive and is excellent at breaking down grease without damaging the interior surfaces of the oven.

3. Apply the paste and leave it to work.

Turn off the oven and let it cool completely. Apply the paste to all interior surfaces (except the heating elements). Pay special attention to the bottom of the oven and the side walls. Leave the paste to work for at least 8 hours – ideally overnight.

If you have removable grates, wash them separately in the tub using the same paste and hot water.

4. Remove the paste and refresh with vinegar

Once the paste has set, take a damp cloth and carefully remove the layers of baking soda. You may need to rinse more than once.

Then spray the inside of the oven with diluted vinegar (1:1 with water). The vinegar will neutralize the baking soda residue and further soften stubborn stains. If desired, you can use lemon juice instead of vinegar for a pleasant scent.

5. Final details

If some areas are still difficult to clean, use a brush or spatula to remove the deposits without scratching. Afterwards, dry all surfaces thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.

For oven door glass: use the same paste and leave for 15–20 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth.

BONUS TIPS

Prevent new deposits: Use baking paper and food covers whenever possible.

Clean immediately after baking: Heat helps to remove grease more easily if you act in time.

Freshen the smell of the oven: Place a bowl of water and a few lemon slices in the oven, heat for 10 minutes at 100°C.

Regular oven cleaning doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. With natural ingredients you already have in your kitchen and a little patience, your oven can shine again, and your culinary creations can be even tastier and healthier.

Bonus video: