How to Deep Clean Your Oven in 30 Minutes
A quick and effective method for removing baked-on grease and grime
Time-Saving Solution
This guide solves the common problem of spending hours scrubbing ovens. Perfect for busy homemakers, efficiency seekers, and anyone intimidated by this tough cleaning task.
Why This Method Works
Traditional oven cleaning can take hours of scrubbing. This method uses the power of baking soda paste and heat to loosen baked-on grime, making it wipe away easily in just 30 minutes of actual work.
What You'll Need
- Baking soda (1/2 cup)
- Water (3-4 tablespoons)
- White vinegar in spray bottle
- Rubber gloves
- Sponge or scrub brush
- Microfiber cloths
- Small bowl for mixing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Remove Oven Racks (2 minutes)
Take out all oven racks and set them aside. If they're greasy, place them in your bathtub or large sink with hot water and dish soap to soak while you clean the oven interior.
Step 2: Make Baking Soda Paste (1 minute)
Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 3-4 tablespoons of water in a bowl. Adjust water amount until you get a spreadable paste consistency - not too runny, not too thick.
Step 3: Apply Paste to Oven Interior (5 minutes)
Put on rubber gloves. Spread the baking soda paste all over the interior oven surfaces, avoiding the heating elements. Focus extra paste on heavily soiled areas. The paste will turn brownish as it absorbs the grease.
Step 4: Let It Sit Overnight (or 12 hours)
Close the oven door and let the paste work its magic for at least 12 hours or overnight. This waiting period does most of the work for you, breaking down the baked-on grime.
Step 5: Wipe Out the Paste (10 minutes)
Using a damp cloth or sponge, wipe out the dried baking soda paste. Use a plastic scraper for stubborn spots. You'll see the grease and grime come off easily. Rinse your cloth frequently.
Step 6: Spray with Vinegar (5 minutes)
Spray white vinegar all over the interior. It will foam when it hits any remaining baking soda - this reaction helps lift last bits of residue. Wipe everything down with a clean damp cloth.
Step 7: Clean the Racks (7 minutes)
Scrub the soaked oven racks with a sponge. The hot soapy water should have loosened most grime. Rinse and dry completely before returning them to the oven.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Do this cleaning at night so the paste can work while you sleep
- For extra stubborn spots, apply a thicker layer of paste
- Heat oven to 200°F for 15 minutes before applying paste for even better results
- Clean oven glass door with the same method
- Prevent future buildup by wiping spills immediately while oven is still warm (but not hot)
Pain Point Solutions
For Homemakers:
No more spending hours scrubbing! This method requires only 30 minutes of your active time - the rest happens while you sleep or do other tasks.
For New Cooks/Renters:
This gentle method won't damage your rental's oven like harsh chemical cleaners might. Perfect for getting your deposit back or maintaining a clean kitchen in your first home.
For Efficiency Seekers:
Maximum results with minimal effort. The overnight sitting period does 90% of the work, so you just wipe away the loosened grime - no hard scrubbing required.
Maintenance Schedule
To keep your oven this clean with minimal effort, wipe up spills immediately after the oven cools, and repeat this deep clean every 3-4 months depending on use.