You've Been Cleaning Your Oven The Wrong Way

Aside from the microwave and the fridge, it’s safe to say that one of the convenient appliances you can find in the kitchen is the oven. You can use it to make sweet treats, bake savory dishes and even reheat ready-to-eat meals. However, there is one downside to it: it can be very hard to clean. To save you from the trouble of buying countless cleaners and scrubbing until your arms are sore, we’ve put together a handy guide for degreasing your precious must-have. The big bonus? You can find everything you need in your pantry. Check it out below:

IMAGE kitchn

What you need:

Baking soda

White vinegar

Spray boittle

Silicone spatula

Microfiber cloth

Sponge

IMAGE kitchn

How-to:

Remove your oven racks, thermometer and anything else you have inside the oven. Set aside.

In a bowl, mix half a cup of baking soda with about three tablespoons of water to form a paste. Add more baking soda or water as needed.

Spread the paste on the interiors of the oven without going over the heating elements. The baking soda might turn brown in the process as it absorbs grease but that’s okay. Coat the walls as much as you can, paying attention to the dirtiest spots. Let it sit overnight.

Wash your oven racks over the sink with an antibacterial dishwashing liquid and a slightly abrasive sponge. Dry with a microfiber cloth.

Rinse off the baking soda using a damp dish cloth. For stubborn spots, try using a silicone spatula to scrape off dried up paste. Spray a little white vinegar to remove any odors and leftover foam.

Put the racks and other elements back before doing a final wipe down. Buff your oven with a dry sponge and you’re good to go!