How to Clean The Oven With Baking Soda and Without Detergents

If your oven has seen a lot of action lately—especially with all the roasting, baking, and broiling—it’s likely due for a serious deep clean. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive cleaning sprays to get the job done. Using just baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice, you can cut through grime, banish odors, and bring your oven back to sparkling—all in an eco-friendly, budget-conscious way.

Why Use Natural Cleaners for Your Oven?

Conventional oven cleaners often contain powerful chemicals that emit strong fumes, irritate skin, and leave residues behind. Natural ingredients like baking soda and vinegar not only degrease effectively, but they’re also safer for your household and the environment. Plus, they’re cheap, readily available, and gentle on your appliance.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Baking soda (about ¾ cup or 170g)
• White vinegar (distilled)
• Lemon juice (fresh is best)
• Warm water
• A sponge
• Soft cleaning cloth or rag
• Plastic or silicone spatula
• Spray bottle
• Rubber gloves

How to Naturally Deep Clean Your Oven

1. Remove racks, pans, and any loose crumbs or debris.
2. If your oven model allows, detach the oven door for easier access to gaskets and tight corners.
3. Boil water and add 1 cup of white vinegar.
4. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and then turn it off.
5. Place the pot of vinegar water inside and close the door. Let the steam work for at least 3 hours to loosen crusted-on residue.
6. Mix ¾ cup baking soda with 3–4 tablespoons of warm water.
7. Add a few drops of lemon juice to boost degreasing power.
8. Use a sponge to spread the paste generously on oven walls, avoiding the heating elements.
9. Scrub areas with tough stains using a non-abrasive sponge or spatula.
10. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and mist over the baking soda-covered areas.
11. Let the fizzing reaction break down grease and grime for at least 1 hour.
12. Use a clean sponge and hot water to thoroughly remove all baking soda and vinegar residue.
13. Dry all surfaces with a microfiber cloth, making sure no odors or debris remain.

How to Clean Oven Racks and the Door

1. Lay racks on a towel-covered surface.
2. Sprinkle them with dry baking soda, then spray with vinegar to form a foamy paste.
3. For a deeper clean, soak them overnight in hot water and vinegar or lemon juice.
4. Rinse and dry completely before returning them to the oven.

For the door:

1. Focus on the hinges and seals using a soft-bristle brush or sponge.
2. Avoid metal scrubbers, which may scratch the glass or metal.

Eliminate Any Lingering Odors

If the vinegar smell sticks around:

• Heat the oven to 250°F.
• Place a pan filled with 1 liter of hot water and the juice of two lemons on the lowest rack.
• Let it sit with the oven off and door closed to naturally deodorize.

Maintenance Tips for a Cleaner Oven

• Wipe your oven weekly if you use it frequently.
• Spot-clean spills as soon as the oven cools to prevent baked-on messes.
• Use gloves—even with natural cleaners—to protect your skin from irritation.
• When scrubbing, always work from the inside out to avoid pushing grime deeper into the crevices.
• Repeat the cleaning process for stubborn stains as needed.

Keep your kitchen fresh and safe with this all-natural method that’s easy on your budget, tough on grime, and gentle on the environment. Your oven will look great, smell clean, and be ready for your next cooking adventure—no chemicals required.