What’s the Easiest Way to Clean an Oven with Baked-On Grease?

Burnt bits of food and residue sticking to your oven are everyone’s nightmare to deal with. They’re sticky and stubborn, and they absolutely refuse to leave easily.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be that hard. You might even have everything you need in your home to tackle this right now. 

So, do you want to know how to do this? Keep reading and find out.

Baking Soda and Water Solution

When it feels that grease is permanently attached to your appliance’s walls, soda bicarbonate comes to the rescue.

Mix about half a cup with a few tablespoons of water and stir it until you’ve got a nice, thick paste that’s not too runny or too dry. Slather it over the greasy patches like you’re icing a cake!

Finally, let it sit for at least half an hour while it does the hard work for you. You won’t need to deal with scrubbing marathons or chemical clouds in your kitchen. Just come back, wipe it off, and admire how clean everything looks.

Adding Vinegar for Extra Power

Use it if soda bicarbonate isn’t enough to tackle the marks on its own. Trust us, this duo is one of the best and most eco-friendly cleaning combinations out there. 

Vinegar reacts with the baking soda, fizzing up in a way that feels weirdly satisfying to watch. It’s not just for show, though–it’s actually breaking down the gunk while it bubbles.

Grab a spray bottle, pour in plain white vinegar, and give the stained areas a generous spritz. Straight away, the bubbling will start.

Let the magic do its work, and once it’s done, wipe the area clean. The grease should come off more easily, leaving your appliance looking far less dirty. And the best part? No need for chemicals at all!

Using a Non-Abrasive Scrubber

You don’t need to break your back cleaning the oven every time. In fact, the right tools make all the difference. Skip anything metal or scratchy and stick with something soft, like a sponge that’s made for non-stick pans.

Use slow, light circles and take your time. You don’t need to apply too much pressure. The paste and acetic acid have already done most of the work, so you’re just finishing the job.

Once the gunk lifts off, grab a clean, damp cloth and wipe down every surface you touched. A second wipe helps make sure there’s no residue left behind. If you’re feeling fancy, use a microfibre cloth to bring out a subtle shine.

Cleaning the Racks

More often than not, the shelves slip through most homeowners’ radar. However, dirty racks mess with airflow, heat distribution, and your food ends up paying the price.

First, take them out. Yes, this will take an extra five minutes, but it is going to make everything else easier. Use your bathtub or a large basin, fill it up with hot water, and add a hearty squirt of dish soap.

Let the shelves soak for at least thirty minutes or longer if it’s been a while since they had a proper clean. The warm, sudsy water will loosen everything while you kick back and relax. After this, take a sponge or gentle brush and work off the softened dirt.

If the grease won’t move, let the rack sit longer instead of scrubbing harder. When you’re done, rinse them well with warm water.

Last but not least, dry them completely before putting them back. Remember, no shortcuts here! Damp racks can rust or leave watermarks, and that’s not the look we’re going for.

Trying Commercial Cleaners as an Alternative

If time’s short and you’re up against a truly filthy oven, commercial cleaners are there to save the day. They’re strong, they work fast, and they don’t require much effort. 

Just one caveat–be really cautious with them!

Pick a trusted brand and read the instructions carefully before you begin. Most importantly, don’t forget to always wear gloves and open a window to make sure you and your family don’t breathe in any of the toxic fumes.

Regarding the cleaning, you’ll usually need to spray the product on, wait a bit, and then wipe it all away. It’s quicker than the natural route, but as you might have guessed it, it’s not friendly to the environment. 

Still, sometimes, convenience wins, especially when you’re knee-deep in a mess and low on energy. Once you’re done, make sure every surface is rinsed well so there’s no residue left behind.

Calling in the Oven Cleaning Pros

Sometimes, the situation might be beyond saving, or you may just lack the time or energy to tackle it. That’s where using experts makes sense. They bring commercial-grade equipment and skills to strip years of baked-on grease without harming your appliance.

They will take apart sections, clean everything completely, then put it back together to ensure it works like new. It’s a hands-off method with impressive results and zero work from you. So, if you’re looking for the easiest way to clean an oven, this is it!

If you’re renting, have a home inspection coming, or need a fresh start, consider it. Professional cleaning costs money but spares you time, stress, and serious elbow grease. Often, that peace of mind justifies every penny.

Conclusion

Clean ovens run more efficiently, smell better, and don’t leave a burnt aftertaste on your food. So, tackle the gunk bravely with the above tips and watch your appliance shine once more! 

And, if things get out of hand, you can always call in specialists to handle things for you. Either way, you’ll end up with what you want–a clean oven and a sparkling kitchen.