If you mean a home hack for cleaning an oven that works well enough that you won’t want to try anything else, here is a detailed method using common household items.
The baking soda + vinegar oven cleaning hack
You will need:
- Baking soda (about ½–1 cup)
- White vinegar (in a spray bottle)
- Warm water
- Dish soap (optional)
- A sponge or scrub brush
- A microfiber cloth or old towel
- Rubber gloves
Step 1: Remove everything
- Turn the oven off completely and let it cool.
- Remove oven racks, trays, and any loose crumbs.
- Put a towel under the oven door area to catch drips.
Step 2: Make the cleaning paste
Mix:
- ½ cup baking soda
- A few tablespoons of warm water
Add water slowly until it becomes a thick paste (like toothpaste).
For extra grease-cutting power, add a few drops of dish soap.
Step 3: Apply the paste
- Spread the paste inside the oven:
- Bottom surface
- Side walls
- Back wall
- Inside of the door glass
- Avoid putting the paste directly on:
- Heating elements
- Gas burners
- Electrical parts
- Oven vents
Step 4: Leave it overnight (best result)
Let it sit for 8–12 hours.
The baking soda breaks down baked-on grease and softens burnt food.
Step 5: Wipe it away
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to remove the dried paste.
- For stubborn black spots:
- Spray vinegar over the remaining baking soda.
- Let it foam for a minute.
- Scrub gently.
Step 6: Clean the racks
For oven racks:
- Put them in a bathtub or large container.
- Cover with hot water.
- Add:
- ½ cup baking soda
- A little dish soap
- Leave for a few hours.
- Scrub and rinse.
Step 7: Final polish
Wipe the oven with clean water until no residue remains. Dry with a cloth.
Extra trick for the oven glass door
Make a paste of:
- Baking soda + a little water
Spread it on the glass for 20–30 minutes, then wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh scraping because it can scratch the glass.
How to keep it clean longer
- Put a baking tray under messy dishes.
- Wipe spills when the oven is still slightly warm (not hot).
- Do a quick baking soda wipe every few weeks.
Important: Avoid mixing vinegar with commercial oven cleaners or bleach. Also avoid using metal knives or rough steel wool on modern oven surfaces because they can damage the coating.