How to Clean Your Oven Without Chemicals
Commercial oven cleaners work, but the fumes are harsh and the products require serious ventilation. Here's how to get a clean oven using just baking soda and vinegar.
What You'll Need
- Baking soda (about ½ cup)
- White vinegar in a spray bottle
- Water
- Rubber gloves
- Damp cloths or sponge
- Plastic scraper (optional)
Step 1: Remove Oven Racks
Take out the oven racks and soak them in the sink with hot water and dish soap. Let them soak while you clean the oven interior.
Step 2: Make the Baking Soda Paste
Mix ½ cup baking soda with 2–3 tablespoons of water to make a thick paste. Adjust as needed — it should be spreadable but not runny.
Step 3: Apply the Paste
Spread the paste over all interior oven surfaces, avoiding the heating elements. The paste will turn brown as it contacts grease — that's normal. Pay extra attention to the bottom of the oven and the back wall where grease accumulates.
Step 4: Let It Sit Overnight
Leave the baking soda paste in the oven for at least 8 hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the better it works at breaking down baked-on grease.
Step 5: Wipe It Out
Use a damp cloth to wipe out as much of the paste as possible. Use a plastic scraper on stubborn spots — avoid metal scrapers which can scratch the oven lining.
Step 6: Spray with Vinegar
Spray white vinegar over any remaining baking soda residue. It will foam — this is the reaction neutralizing the baking soda and loosening remaining residue. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Step 7: Clean the Oven Racks
Scrub the soaking racks with a scrub brush or steel wool pad. Rinse and dry before returning to the oven.
Self-Clean Cycle: Is It Worth It?
The self-clean cycle heats the oven to 500°C+ to burn off grease. It works, but it produces smoke and fumes, can trip smoke detectors, and puts stress on oven components. In apartments or condos with limited ventilation, the baking soda method is a better choice.
Oven cleaning is included in every Maidless deep clean. Book at maidless.ca.