Creating your own natural oven cleaner is a great way to avoid harsh chemicals and still effectively clean your oven. Here's a simple DIY recipe using natural ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons salt
- Water
- Vinegar
- Dish soap (optional)
- Essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
Instructions:
1. Remove oven racks and any other removable accessories from the oven and set them aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix the baking soda and salt together. Gradually add water to the mixture until you achieve a spreadable paste consistency. If desired, you can also add a few drops of dish soap for extra degreasing power or a few drops of essential oils for a pleasant fragrance.
3. Ensure that the oven is cool before you begin. Using a brush or sponge, spread the baking soda paste evenly over the interior of the oven, focusing on areas with stubborn stains or grease buildup. Avoid applying the paste to the heating elements.
4. Allow the baking soda paste to sit on the oven surfaces for several hours or overnight. This will give it time to break down any grime and grease.
5. After the waiting period, dampen a cloth or sponge with vinegar and use it to wipe away the baking soda paste. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, causing a bit of fizzing, which helps to loosen dirt and grime.
6. For any lingering residue, you can dip a cloth or sponge in vinegar and scrub the affected areas.
7. Once all the interior surfaces are clean, rinse out the cloth or sponge and wipe down the interior with plain water to remove any vinegar residue.
8. Thoroughly dry the oven with a clean towel.
9. Clean the oven racks separately by soaking them in hot, soapy water or using the baking soda paste and vinegar method described earlier.
10. Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the oven by placing the racks and accessories back inside.
This natural oven cleaner is an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to commercial oven cleaners. It may require a bit more elbow grease than harsh chemicals, but it will leave your oven clean and safe to use.
Article By: Heather Campa, Wyoming Wildflower
