Ovens can get very dirty, so knowing how to make a homemade oven cleaner is essential to return it back to its squeaky clean state. My oven had seen better days, so I searched high and low for a homemade oven cleaner that was safe to use and non-toxic so that I could cook my food in a clean oven without any risk.
I had been putting off cleaning my oven for a while because I thought it would be an intense, laborious process, but this homemade oven cleaner made the process quick and easy as it breaks down the grease and grime to the point where it can be wiped off with a damp cloth.
If you have one of the best ovens then knowing how to keep it clean is important so that it maintains its functionality. If you want to do a full clean of your kitchen then be sure to check out our guide on how to clean a microwave with lemon juice.
Why should you use homemade oven cleaner?
Store-bought oven cleaners can be quite expensive, whereas this homemade oven cleaner costs less than $1 in raw ingredients. Store-bought oven cleaners can also take longer to clean your oven, as you will often need to rinse your oven with water afterward to remove any residue - this homemade oven cleaner can simply be wiped away with a damp cloth or paper towel.
Homemade oven cleaner is just as effective as store-bought oven cleaners, and for the price, it is the obvious choice in this situation.
How to make homemade oven cleaner
Cleaning Expert Jessica Samson says, "Although store-bought cleaners can be useful, we advise that you always try to clean your home with homemade solutions first. When it comes to oven cleaners, you are going to want to use baking soda and water to make a paste to clean your oven."
To make homemade oven cleaner you will need only two basic ingredients and one optional ingredient:
• 3 tablespoons of baking soda
• 1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap
• 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide (optional)
If the homemade oven cleaner is too dry you can also add a splash of water to make it the correct consistency. You want to aim for a thick paste that can be easily spread around your oven.
How to use homemade oven cleaner
Jessica Samson, Cleaning Expert at The Maids says, "Coat the inside of the oven with the paste and let it sit. This mildly abrasive paste will take off the build-up in your oven and remove any grease or messy stains."
1. Check your oven is cool
To avoid burns or dry cakey cleaner, make sure your oven is cold and switched off. If it's hot, open the door and wait for it to cool.
2. Make sure your oven is dry
If your oven has recently been used then it might be a bit steamy and damp - this can stop the homemade oven cleaner from working, so give it a wipe with a dry cloth or some paper towels to dry it off.
3. Apply the homemade oven cleaner
Spread the homemade oven cleaner liberally around your oven. Make sure to completely cover heavily soiled parts.
4. Let it sit for 20 minutes
Let the homemade oven cleaner sit for 20 minutes so that it can penetrate the grease and grime in your oven.
5. Wipe the cleaner off with a cloth
Use a soft, damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away the oven cleaner. Due to the effectiveness of this cleaner, you won't need to scrub and tire yourself out.
For me, this process worked the first time and I didn't need to repeat it, but if your oven is heavily soiled then you might want to repeat these steps a second time to remove any lingering residue or stains.
Top tips for oven cleaning
If you follow the process above you should achieve a great clean every time, but for the most soiled ovens here are some top cleaning tips:
• Let the homemade oven cleaner sit overnight
If your oven is well and truly caked in grime, then letting the paste sit overnight can greatly boost the effectiveness and will give it a chance to break down even the toughest build-up. In the morning, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth.
• Don't use a wire brush or scourer
It can be tempting to use something like wire wool or a wire brush to clean your oven, but this is something that you should never do. A wire brush can scratch the glass or the inside of your oven, which can ruin the look and potentially even damage the inside. The homemade oven cleaner is mildly abrasive so it will easily remove any tough stains without the need to use any heavy-duty tools.
• Spray your oven with vinegar or lemon juice to remove odors
If your oven has a strong odor, then giving it a spray with lemon juice or vinegar after using your homemade oven cleaner can help to neutralize any offensive smells - a light spray followed by a quick wipe down is all it needs.
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