How to Clean an Oven With Baking Soda and Vinegar (No Harsh Fumes)
You don’t need harsh oven cleaner to get through baked-on grease. A baking soda paste left overnight does most of the work, and vinegar helps wipe up what’s left. It takes very little effort. You just have to wait.
Quick answer
- Take out the racks and mix ½ cup baking soda with a few tablespoons of water into a spreadable paste.
- Coat the inside of the oven (avoid the heating elements) and leave it 12 hours.
- Wipe it out with a damp cloth and a plastic scraper.
- Spray vinegar on any white residue and wipe it clean.
In this guide
What you’ll need
- Baking soda
- Water
- White vinegar in a spray bottle
- Rubber gloves, a plastic scraper or spatula, a damp cloth
Cleaning the oven
- Cool and empty. Make sure the oven is off and cool. Take out the racks and the thermometer.
- Make the paste. Mix ½ cup baking soda with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Add more as needed until it spreads like frosting.
- Coat the inside. Spread the paste over the bottom, sides, and back. Skip the heating elements and the gas burner opening. The paste may turn brown on greasy spots. That’s normal.
- Wait. Leave it overnight, or at least 12 hours.
- Wipe out. Use a damp cloth to remove the paste. Scrape stubborn spots with a plastic spatula.
- Vinegar finish. Spray a little vinegar wherever white residue remains. It will foam. Wipe again with a damp cloth.
- Dry and replace the racks.
Oven racks
Lay the racks in a bathtub on an old towel to protect the tub. Sprinkle them with baking soda, pour vinegar over them, then cover them with hot water and a few squirts of dish soap. Soak overnight, scrub with a brush, and rinse.
Glass oven door
Spread baking soda paste on the inside glass, wait 20 minutes, then wipe. For grime between the panes, check your oven’s manual. Many doors come apart with a few screws.
Self-cleaning cycle?
It works, but it runs very hot, creates smoke and odors, and occasionally causes problems with some ovens. If you use it, open windows, remove the racks unless the manual says otherwise, and keep pets, especially birds, away from the fumes.
Keep it clean longer
- Wipe up spills once the oven cools.
- Put a sheet pan on the rack below messy dishes. Don’t line the oven floor with foil unless your manual allows it.
FAQ
Can I use this on a self-cleaning oven? Generally yes. Check your manual, since some coatings have specific instructions.
Always test a cleaner on a hidden spot first and follow the care label. Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaners. Ventilate the room and wear gloves when using strong products.