Get A Squeaky Clean Oven Using Baking Soda

Cleaning ovens is probably one of the most dreaded household tasks, but you can do it effectively and easily using a kitchen staple that's affordable and non-toxic: baking soda.

Baking soda is alkaline with a pH of about 9, while the baked-on food and grease in the oven are mostly acidic. So, it neutralizes baked-on residue, ensuring easy cleaning.

Start by making a paste of baking soda and water, mixing them in a ratio of 3 to 1, or using 1/2 cup baking soda to 3 tablespoons of water. Next, remove the oven racks.

Unless you have aluminum racks, which will be oxidized by baking soda, use a sponge to scour the racks, or soak them in soapy water for a few hours. Then, apply the paste.

Using a sponge or even a paintbrush, apply the paste to the inside of the oven, including all metal and glass surfaces. Avoid lights, heating elements, wires, or openings.

Let it sit overnight, or 12 to 24 hours. Next day, use a spatula, scraper, or wet paper towels to remove the hardened paste, then clean any remaining streaks with a damp towel.