How to Clean the Oven, Safely

I've been needing to clean the oven for some time.


But it's such a nasty job, I'm always putting it off.

This time, I thought I'd do a little research to see if I could find an easy--and safe--way to clean the oven. I found the answer immediately. Baking soda in a water bottle--what could be easier?

I made it up following the instructions: a full bottle of water (828ml or 28 oz) and four tablespoons (4 x 15 ml) of Baking Soda. The nozzle did clog a couple of times, but it was worth it!

I wanted to see how this method would work without turning on the oven--so I spritzed it and then left it to sit as I started working on the oven door. Here it is in all its soupy glory:

Did you know that I had no idea you can take the oven door off the oven? I discovered it by accident a few months ago. See the hinges at each side? The door just lifts out. Amazing.

Not having to reach over that door while on my hands and knees to wipe out the interior made my back much happier than it would be otherwise. (It's still not all that happy, however!)

For the oven door--and everything else--I made up a paste of equal parts dish detergent and baking soda--and then I added a smidge more baking soda. (I discovered this formula while watching a British TV show about cleaning absolutely filthy houses--it was a sort of fore-runner to A&E's Hoarders)

Here it is, all ready to go:


I smeared it on, thickly, with my bare hands. (Note: have lots of hand cream standing by. It dries out your hands like crazy!)


Then, I let that sit overnight.

Out of curiosity, I decided to wipe out the oven. I wanted to see how much I could get off after just having let it sit for a bit. (How long? I don't know. I was painting the foyer ceiling at the same time.)


Astonishing, isn't it? There were still a few stubborn spots, so I just smeared on the Baking Soda/Detergent goo and left it.

Sunday morning, I was rewarded:


The door took a bit of scrubbing with the nylon scrubber, but it, too, was all cleaned up in short order. My daughter walked into the kitchen right after I took this picture and said, "Mom! It's all shiny!"


We were impressed, to say the least.

To ready the oven for using, I put down some pieces of aluminum foil on the bottom of the oven. But before I did that, I spritzed it with the baking soda + water. So, as I use the oven, the heat should help bake off those stubborn left over bits.

I cleaned the oven racks, stove top, burner rings and trays with the Baking Soda+Detergent Goop but it was a much tougher job and I'm not completely happy with my results. I would post the after pictures--if I had them--but as I was trying to put the SD card back into the camera, I couldn't do it. It jammed somehow, and I couldn't fix it. So, I've had to take my camera in for service, and I don't know how long I will be without it! I am peeved to say the least.

Nonetheless, the Spring Clean/Cure continues! After a visit to my chiropractor, I'll be ready to tackle the cabinets under the counter!