Problem

Not only is that crusty, burned-on residue on the inside of your oven unsightly, it can also become a fire hazard. Most ovens have a “self-cleaning” function and if you’ve ever used it, you know it takes a long time and smells terrible! There are also variety of chemical products out there to clean up the mess, but those also release disgusting (and some dangerous) odors. Try our method for a less-stinky, just as effective non-toxic oven-cleaning!

Attack Plan

Make a paste out of the following ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons of baking soda
  • 3 drops of Dawn dish soap
  • Juice of a citrus fruit (lemon, lime, orange – your preference)
  • 5 tablespoons of white vinegar (**add this sloooowly to avoid the “volcano effect” when it hits the baking soda)

After removing the racks from the oven (we’ll talk about how to clean those in another post), wipe that paste all over the inside of the oven – left and right sides, bottom, even the door and window. Let it soak for 2-3 hours.

Using a sponge (the kind with the green scrubby side), scour away the crusty spots. Then use a damp washcloth to wipe out the paste. This will take several rounds of rinsing the cloth and wiping up paste

After the final wipe-down, use a dry towel or microfiber cloth to wipe up any remaining moisture.

Clear lungs. No chemical headache. Clean oven. You’re welcome!