That’s a great and effective recipe for a non-toxic, fume-free oven cleaner. The combination works well because each ingredient tackles different types of grime.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use it, along with some crucial safety tips to ensure it works effectively without damaging your oven.
How to Make & Use the Oven Cleaner:
1. Mix the Paste:
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In a bowl, combine 1 cup of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
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Add the lemon juice slowly—it will react with the baking soda and start to fizz. Stir until it forms a spreadable paste. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of water. Do not add the vinegar yet.
2. Apply the Paste:
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Remove oven racks and clean them separately (soak in hot soapy water or a vinegar solution).
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Wipe out any loose crumbs from the oven.
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Using gloves and a sponge or brush, liberally apply the paste to the interior of the cold oven. Avoid the heating elements. Focus on greasy areas and baked-on spills.
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Let it sit overnight (8-12 hours). This is key—the baking soda and soap will slowly loosen and lift the grime.
3. Activate and Wipe:
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The next day, take a spray bottle with 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
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Spray the vinegar over the dried paste. It will fizz and help dissolve the residue.
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Using a damp cloth or sponge, scrub the interior. The grime should wipe away much more easily. You may need a plastic scraper for stubborn spots.
4. Final Rinse:
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Wipe down the entire interior thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaning residue. A final pass with a vinegar-water solution (1:1) can help cut any leftover soap film and leave it shiny.
⚠️ Important Pro Tips & Warnings:
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ALWAYS test a small, inconspicuous area first (like a corner of the door) to ensure no damage to your oven’s specific surface.
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NEVER use on self-cleaning oven liners. This paste (and any other cleaner) can damage the special porous coating of these liners. Check your manual.
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Do not use on heating elements. Apply only to the interior walls, floor, and door.
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Vinegar and Lemon Juice are Acids: While effective, they are mild acids. Avoid using this paste on natural stone or aluminum, as it can cause etching or discoloration. It’s safe for standard oven interiors (enamel, stainless steel, glass).
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For Extra Tough Grease: You may need to repeat the application for heavily soiled ovens.
This method requires some elbow grease and patience, but it’s a powerful, cost-effective, and chemical-free way to deep clean your oven. Good luck