Introduction:
Cleaning the oven is often one of those dreaded household chores that we all try to avoid. But what if I told you there’s a miracle way to get rid of grease, old food stains, and burnt marks without a robot cleaner or harmful chemicals? This simple and effective method requires minimal effort and time—just 30 minutes! Say goodbye to scrubbing and hello to a sparkling clean oven using an unexpected ingredient you likely already have in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this game-changing oven cleaning technique!
Ingredients:
1 cup baking soda
1 cup white vinegar
1 lemon (optional, for extra freshness)
1-2 microfiber cloths
Warm water (for rinsing)
A small bowl for mixing
Instructions:
Prepare the Cleaning Paste: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste. This paste will be the key to breaking down grease and grime inside your oven.
Apply the Paste: Spread the baking soda paste generously over the interior surfaces of your oven. Focus on areas with built-up grease or burn marks. Avoid covering heating elements or electrical components, as they could be damaged. Use a spatula or an old toothbrush for easy application, ensuring the paste reaches every corner.
Let the Paste Sit: Once you’ve coated the oven surfaces with the paste, close the oven door and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes. The baking soda will work its magic, loosening dirt, grease, and burnt food particles, making them easier to wipe away.
Add Vinegar and Lemon: While you wait, heat 1 cup of white vinegar in a microwave-safe container for about 1 minute until it’s warm (not boiling). Add the juice of half a lemon to the vinegar for a pleasant citrusy scent and extra cleaning power.
Steam the Oven: Place the warm vinegar and lemon mixture in a microwave-safe dish on the top rack of your oven. Set the oven to 200°F (90°C) and let it bake for 20-30 minutes. The steam will help loosen grime and odors, and the vinegar’s natural acidity will neutralize grease.
Wipe Down: After 30 minutes, carefully open the oven door and remove the vinegar mixture. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water to wipe away the baking soda paste. For any stubborn spots, use a sponge or an old toothbrush to scrub gently.
Final Touch: Once the oven is clean, wipe down all surfaces with a dry cloth to remove any leftover moisture. The result? A fresh, spotless oven with minimal effort.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Regular Maintenance: To keep your oven in tip-top shape, try this method every few months. It helps prevent excessive buildup and reduces the amount of scrubbing required for tougher stains.
Storage: If you have leftover baking soda paste, you can store it in an airtight container for later use. It can also be applied to other greasy surfaces around the house, such as stovetops or kitchen counters.
Variants:
Citrus Boost: Add more citrus elements to the cleaning process! If you love a fresh scent, add orange or lime peels to the oven’s steam cycle, or use essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus in the vinegar for a delightful aroma while cleaning.
Heavy-Duty Cleaning: For more stubborn, baked-on grease or carbon buildup, consider adding a tablespoon of salt or a few drops of dish soap to the baking soda paste to give it extra scrubbing power.
Eco-Friendly Option: Instead of using white vinegar, you can substitute with a mixture of lemon juice and water. The acidity of lemon juice works just as well for cleaning and leaves your oven smelling fresh.
the rest on next page
ADVERTISEMENT
