If you mean “Nana’s no-fuss trick to cleaning an oven using 3 ingredients”, here is the detailed method:
The 3 ingredients you need:
- Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) – helps break down grease and burnt-on food.
- White vinegar – reacts with baking soda to loosen dirt and cut through grime.
- Warm water – helps make a spreadable cleaning paste and softens stuck-on residue.
Step-by-step oven cleaning method:
1. Prepare the oven
- Turn off the oven completely and make sure it is cool.
- Remove oven racks, trays, and any loose crumbs.
- Place an old towel or newspaper on the floor to catch drips.
2. Make the cleaning paste
- Mix:
- ½ cup baking soda
- A few tablespoons of warm water
- Add water slowly until you get a thick paste (similar to toothpaste).
3. Apply the paste
- Spread the baking soda mixture inside the oven:
- On the bottom
- On the sides
- On the oven door glass
- Avoid covering heating elements, gas burners, or electrical parts.
4. Let it work
- Leave the paste on for at least 4–6 hours.
- For a very dirty oven, leave it overnight.
- The baking soda will soften grease and baked-on stains.
5. Spray with vinegar
- Put white vinegar into a spray bottle.
- Spray it over the dried baking soda paste.
- It will fizz, helping lift the loosened dirt.
6. Wipe everything away
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to remove the mixture.
- For stubborn spots, gently scrub with a non-scratch sponge.
- Repeat wiping with clean water until no residue remains.
7. Clean the oven racks
- Soak racks in warm water with a little baking soda for a few hours.
- Scrub off grease and rinse well.
Extra Nana-style tips:
- Clean spills as soon as possible because burnt sugar and grease become much harder to remove.
- Put a baking tray underneath messy dishes to catch drips.
- Avoid harsh chemicals if you prefer a simple homemade cleaner.
Note: Never mix vinegar with bleach or other strong chemical cleaners, as this can create dangerous fumes.