5 Easy and Effective Oven Cleaning Hacks

Having a clean oven is not only important for hygiene but also for its efficiency. Sure a dirty oven is easy to hide. . . until you need to use it.  As soon as the oven starts to heat up you remember that pizza cheese that dripped on the bottom of the oven last week. Instead of resorting to harsh chemicals, you can try these five eco-friendly oven cleaning hacks to keep your oven sparkling clean and reduce your environmental impact. Let’s explore five easy and effective methods!

1. Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

• Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste.
• Spread the paste inside your oven, avoiding the heating elements.
• Let it sit overnight or for a few hours.
• Spray vinegar over the baking soda paste and watch it foam.
• Scrub the oven surfaces with a sponge or non-abrasive brush.
• Rinse with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

2. Lemon Juice and Water Method

• Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
• Spray the mixture onto the oven surfaces.
• Let it sit for about 30 minutes to loosen the grime.
• Scrub the oven surfaces with a sponge or non-abrasive brush.
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
• Enjoy the fresh and citrusy scent left behind by the lemon juice.

3. Salt and Baking Soda Method

• Mix equal parts of salt and baking soda in a bowl.
• Sprinkle the mixture over the oven surfaces.
• Spray water to dampen the mixture and form a paste.
• Let it sit for a couple of hours.
• Scrub the surfaces with a sponge or non-abrasive brush.
• Rinse with a damp cloth.

4. Essential Oil Infused Oven Cleaner

Aromatherapy for cleaning the oven.

• Essential oils not only add a pleasant fragrance but also have antibacterial properties. I like Lemon, Tea Tree, and Rosemary essential oils when it comes to cleaning an oven.
• Create an essential oil cleaner using eco-friendly liquid dish soap, vinegar, essential oils, and water.
  

  Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons eco-friendly liquid dish soap
  • 10 drops of lemon essential oil
  • 10 drops of rosemary essential oil
  • 10 drops of tea tree essential oil

  Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 150°F (65°C). This will help loosen any stubborn grease or grime.
  2. In a spray bottle, combine the white vinegar and water. Shake well to mix.
  3. Add the eco-friendly liquid dish soap to the vinegar and water mixture. Shake the bottle gently to combine the ingredients.
  4. Carefully add the drops of lemon, rosemary, and tea tree essential oils to the mixture in the spray bottle. Shake again to incorporate the essential oils.
  5. Open the oven door and generously spray the inside surfaces, including the walls, floor, and door, with the cleaning solution. Pay extra attention to any greasy or dirty areas. Place oven racks in a large heavy-duty trash bag and spay them making sure to cover both sides of the racks.
  6. Close the oven door and let the solution sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow it to penetrate and loosen the grime.  For tough cooked-on messes, you need to let it set overnight.
  7. After waiting, take a damp cloth or sponge and wipe away the loosened dirt and grime. For stubborn stains, you may need to scrub a bit more.
  8. Once you’ve cleaned the oven thoroughly, rinse the cloth or sponge and wipe down the surfaces again to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.
  9. Finally, rinse the oven with clean water to ensure that no cleaning solution or residue remains.
  10. The process may need to be repeated for really tough greasy grimy messes.

  Please note: It’s always a good idea to spot-test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of your oven before using it on the entire surface. Additionally, be careful when using essential oils, as they can be strong and may cause skin irritation or sensitivities.

5. Precautions and Tips for Eco-Friendly Oven Cleaning

• Always check your oven’s manufacturer guidelines before cleaning.  If you have a self-cleaning oven do not use anything abrasive to clean your oven.
• Test any cleaning solution on a small area to ensure compatibility.
• Avoid applying the cleaning solutions to the heating elements.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands during the cleaning process. Even eco-friendly products can be drying for the hands and cause irritation.

6. Additional Tips for Maintaining a Clean Oven

• Wipe up spills immediately to avoid stubborn stains. As soon as the oven cools down wipe up spills with a rag and hot water.
• Perform routine cleaning to keep your oven in top shape.  I recommend giving an oven a good deep cleaning twice per year if you use your oven 3-4 days per week.
• By using these eco-friendly oven cleaning hacks, you can achieve a sparkling clean oven without resorting to harsh chemicals. These methods not only benefit your health and the environment but are also easy to implement. Give them a try and enjoy a clean and efficient oven in your home!

Want a sparkling clean dishwasher?  Use this easy homemade dishwasher cleaner made with essential oils.

Have fun creating a life that naturally makes scents!

Read Next:

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Essential Oil Cleaning Recipes 

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