My nana always emphasized the importance of preparation. Start by making sure your oven is completely cool. Remove any loose debris and take out the oven racks for a separate cleaning.
2. The Magical Mixture
Mix half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until you have a spreadable paste. The consistency should be thick enough to adhere to surfaces but spreadable enough to smear across the bottom of the oven.
3. Application
Generously apply the baking soda paste on the brown grease and any other grimy areas inside your oven. The key is to cover every bit of grease thoroughly, ensuring no spot is missed.
4. Let It Sit
This is where the zero-effort part comes in. Let the paste sit overnight or for at least 12 hours. During this time, the baking soda will penetrate and loosen the grease.
5. Wipe Away with Ease
After the waiting period, take a damp cloth and simply wipe away the paste. You’ll find that the brown grease comes off effortlessly along with the dried baking soda. For an extra touch of cleanliness, you can follow up with a spray of vinegar diluted with water and wipe again.
Benefits of Nana’s Method
No Harsh Chemicals: This method uses baking soda and optional vinegar, both of which are natural and non-toxic. You won’t have to worry about harmful fumes or chemical residues lingering in your oven.
Cost-Effective: Baking soda is incredibly affordable, and you likely already have it in your pantry. This method saves you money on expensive oven cleaners.
Effortless Cleaning: The best part is the minimal effort required. The baking soda paste does the heavy lifting for you, breaking down grease and grime overnight so you can simply wipe it away.
Safe for Your Oven: This trick is gentle on your oven’s surfaces. Unlike some commercial cleaners that can be harsh and abrasive, the baking soda paste won’t damage your oven’s enamel or interior.
Additional Tips
Repeat as Needed: If your oven is particularly grimy or hasn’t been cleaned in a while, you might need to repeat the process a couple of times for the best results.
Prevent Future Buildup: To keep your oven clean longer, try placing a baking sheet or oven liner on the bottom rack to catch spills and drips before they bake on.
Maintain Regular Cleaning: Make this baking soda paste treatment a regular part of your kitchen cleaning routine to prevent the brown grease buildup from becoming overwhelming.
Having a clean oven without the toil and trouble is something we all dream about. Thanks to my nana’s trick, that dream can now be a reality. So next time you notice that brown grease building up at the bottom of your oven, remember this simple, yet effective method that requires zero effort on your part. Happy cleaning!