Make sure that if you have used your oven recently, it is turned off and completely cooled before cleaning it with baking soda. Apply the baking soda liberally, up to ¼ inch thick in areas that are stained. [1] X Research source For the sides and top surfaces of the oven where you can’t easily sprinkle on baking soda, add enough water to the baking soda to make a paste that can be spread on to the oven surface. [2] X Research source You can mix baking soda and warm water to make the paste. [3] X Expert Source Raymond ChiuHouse Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
A spray of water should be enough for a light layer of baking soda, while pouring on water may be needed for a thicker coating. The goal is for a paste-like consistency, with no dry powder but no pooled water either. You may also spritz plain white vinegar over the baking soda with a spray bottle. Take care if using this method, as the combination of vinegar and baking soda creates a chemical reaction that can be explosive in large quantities. Use only a spray bottle for vinegar in this case. [5] X Research source
You can spritz the baking soda with water again if you find it has become dry, but otherwise you can leave the mixture alone until the next day. You’ll find that the damp baking soda turns black or brown as it picks up the grease and stains from your oven. If you used a vinegar spray, the mixture will bubble. These signs are normal and show the effect of the baking soda in picking up food stains.
You can use a plastic or silicone spatula to gently remove paste that may have become hardened or stuck in a hard-to-reach place. [6] X Research source Don’t worry about getting oven surfaces completely clean and dry in this step. Focus on removing the built-up food and residue and most of the baking soda paste.
If using vinegar, spray it lightly onto any areas that have some remaining baking soda. The mixture will foam slightly from the resulting chemical reaction. Make sure to remove all signs of baking soda as best as possible before using your oven again. Baking soda left in contact with a heating element tends to smoke badly when the oven is turned on. [7] X Research source
You can try applying baking soda directly to a wet sponge, a soft-bristled brush, or other scrubbing material to rub right on the stain for removal. [8] X Expert Source Raymond ChiuHouse Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 15 October 2019. If scrubbing is unsuccessful, re-treat with the baking soda paste overnight. Use another oven cleaning product if you wish, but the combination of baking soda, water, and 12+ hours to sit is typically effective for nearly all stubborn oven stains. Baking soda is great because it is abrasive enough to remove tough marks. It does not damage the material. [9] X Expert Source Raymond ChiuHouse Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
Keep the oven door open and horizontal to best allow the damp baking soda to sit on stains. You may want to spot-treat stains to use less water, or apply a premixed baking soda and water paste, to avoid the possibility of the mixture getting in between oven doors that have double panes of glass.
You can also scrub at the racks using baking soda and a wet sponge or toothbrush for smaller grates. It typically works best to soak before scrubbing. You can try soaking oven racks in a bathtub protected by old towels. Allow them to sit submerged in hot water with ½ cup of dishwasher detergent for 4 hours or overnight. This will loosen grime and make scrubbing easier, or in some cases not even necessary. [11] X Research source Make sure to wipe down the racks with a clean damp cloth once treated with baking soda, soaked, or scrubbed, to ensure they are free from any residue before placing them back in the oven.
Remove grates if possible on a gas stove. Also note that you want to avoid allowing baking soda and water to drip down into the ignition area, so keep baking soda to a paste and apply carefully on gas stoves. Remember to wipe down the cooking surface thoroughly with a clean damp cloth once the baking soda and grime is removed, then let dry. A glass-top electric stove will smoke easily from any baking soda residue or other moisture when it is turned on.
