Cleaning the oven is a job most people avoid. It takes time, smells bad, and often requires strong chemicals. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With just three simple kitchen ingredients, you can clean your oven easily and naturally.
This method breaks down grease and baked-on food without hard scrubbing or toxic cleaners.
What You Need
You only need three things:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- Water
That’s it. These are common items you probably already have at home. They are safe, natural, and very effective.
Step 1: Make the Cleaning Paste
In a small bowl, mix the baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. Stir until it forms a thick paste.
The paste should be easy to spread, not too watery and not too dry.
- If it’s too thick, add a little more water.
- If it’s too thin, add a bit more baking soda.
Step 2: Spread the Paste in the Oven
Spread the paste all over the inside of your oven. Focus on greasy and burned areas.
You can use your hands (with gloves if you like) or a sponge. Make sure the paste covers the dirty spots well.
Leave the paste on for at least 12 hours or overnight. During this time, it loosens grease and stuck-on food.
Step 3: Wipe Everything Clean
After the paste has sat, take a damp cloth and wipe the oven clean. The dirt should come off easily.
For tough spots, apply a little pressure and wipe again. Rinse your cloth often so you are not spreading the mess around.
Step 4: Spray With Vinegar
Put white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it over any leftover baking soda.
It will bubble and fizz. This reaction helps lift the last bits of grime. Wipe everything with a clean, damp cloth.
Enjoy Your Clean Oven
Your oven should now look fresh and clean, without strong smells or harsh chemicals. This method is safe, cheap, and very effective.
Other Ways to Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
These two ingredients can clean many areas of your home:
- Clogged drains: Pour baking soda down the drain, then vinegar. Let it fizz, then flush with hot water.
- Refrigerator odors: Keep an open box of baking soda inside to absorb smells.
- Bathroom cleaning: Use the mix on tile, grout, toilets, and showerheads.
- Laundry: Baking soda boosts detergent. Vinegar softens clothes naturally.
Why This Works So Well
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive and a mild base. It breaks down grease and stuck food.
Vinegar is a mild acid. It dissolves mineral buildup and grime.
When mixed, they bubble and foam. This action lifts dirt from surfaces, making it easier to wipe away. The reaction also reaches into small cracks where grease hides.
Best of all, they are non-toxic and safe to use around food.
I’m Emma Parker, the writer and founder behind Emma’s Home Guide. This blog was created to share practical ideas, honest experiences, and helpful guidance for everyday living. My goal is to make home life feel easier, warmer, and more enjoyable, without pressure or perfection.
