Cleaning the oven is one of those jobs around the house that we all tend to put off for as long as possible. Part of this is the preparation involved – buying specialist products, making sure you have gloves, and putting a day aside where you can ventilate the kitchen for a few hours.
A straightforward solution is to use everyday substances that many homeowners already have around the house. The tried and tested approach is to use baking soda and vinegar to clean the inside of the oven with minimal scrubbing.
As the UK’s largest oven cleaning franchise, we understand the convenience that comes from using household cooking products like baking soda and vinegar to clean an oven. Read on for our tips on getting the best results from this method.
Cleaning your oven with baking soda – how it works
When baking soda is combined with vinegar, they cause an acid – alkali chemical reaction. This produces fizzing foam and bubbles, which help remove grime and grease from surfaces. This is perfect for cleaning your oven at home, as it requires minimal scrubbing and can simply be left to do its thing while you do other chores around the house.
While this seems straightforward, there are a few considerations if you want to get the best results and avoid potential mishaps when cleaning your oven.
*note that this is general advice and not specific to any make or model of household oven. Ovenu isn’t responsible for any damage as a result of this advice. Always refer to your oven’s user manual if you’re unsure*
Guide to Cleaning an Oven With Baking Soda and Vinegar
Using natural cleaning alternatives can be a great way to restore your oven to its original shine and function, without having to rely on toxic and potentially harmful chemicals.
What you’ll need:
| 7 tbsp of baking soda (120g) |  |
| 200ml of vinegar |  |
| 4 tbsp of water (60ml) |  |
| Plastic spatula or other soft scraping tool |  |
| Spray bottle |  |
| Rubber cleaning gloves |  |
| A kitchen sponge |  |
*note that these measurements can be doubled if you have a large oven, or you’re planning to clean the oven and grill separately.
Step 1
Ensure the inside of your oven is empty, scraping any crumbs and large pieces of dirt out with a plastic spatula or paper towel.
Step 2
Create a paste from the baking soda and water by combining them in a mixing bowl.
Step 3
Put on your rubber gloves and spread to coat the inside of the oven. Be careful to avoid the heating elements. Leave overnight or for close to 12 hours.
Step 4
At this point, the paste should have turned a brownish colour from the dirt. Put on your gloves again and use a damp dishcloth to wipe up the paste. Use the spatula for any hard-to-reach areas.
Step 5
Pour the vinegar into the spray bottle and spray it onto the interior surfaces of the oven. You should notice a fizzing reaction.
Step 6
Use a damp cloth to wipe the oven and remove any foamy areas. You can repeat this process of spraying vinegar and wiping down to produce a brilliant shine.
Important: do not leave any traces of baking soda residue inside the oven, as this can cause damage once hot.
If you want to clean the door of your oven, we have an in-depth guide on how to clean your glass oven door using various methods.
How do you steam clean an oven with vinegar?
What you’ll need:
- Medium size oven-safe bowl or pot
- Kitchen sponge
- ¾ cup of water (180ml)
- ½ cup of vinegar (120ml)
- 2 tbsp of baking soda
If your oven doesn’t have any strong stains or difficult-to-remove residue, it may be possible to clean it using vinegar steam. Using the same measurements of 3 parts water and 2 parts vinegar, follow this process:
Step 1
Ensure your oven is empty, apart from one oven rack. Place this rack on the lowest shelf and then preheat your oven to its highest temperature.
Step 2
Combine the water and vinegar in the oven-safe bowl.
Step 3
Place your pot or bowl in the middle of the oven and leave for at least 20 minutes. It can take up to an hour for the steam to do its job in removing grease and dirt from the oven, so it’s best to check periodically.
Step 4
Once you’re happy with the result, switch off the oven and allow it to cool completely. Then use a dry cloth to wipe down the oven interior.
Is it safe to clean my oven naturally?
These methods are designed to remove grease from any commercial oven. For instance, you can clean a fan-assisted oven using baking soda and vinegar in the same way we covered earlier. However, undertaking natural oven cleaning yourself will always produce more varied results than sourcing professional services.
If you need a high-quality finish for your oven within a short time, we wouldn’t recommend cleaning your oven with baking soda or other substances. But if you do go down this route, you should always do proper research to ensure you don’t damage your oven.
Specialist services may be required to clean heavy grease and burnt-on food. We offer oven cleaning services designed for different types of ovens, including AGAs, Lacanche, and Range Style ovens. We can also clean cooking appliances where natural methods wouldn’t be an option, such as microwaves and extractor hoods.
Eco-friendly professional oven cleaning solutions
Many people associate professional cleaning services with industrial-grade chemical solvents, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Ovenu has developed a line of patented cleaning products free from caustic soda, which are highly effective on removing oven dirt.
Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to come with a load of stress and mess. Our eco-friendly products and specialist oven cleaning technicians understand everything that’s needed to get your oven looking like new again. Zero risk and zero disruption to your everyday routine. Get in touch today to book your slot.