How to Clean Oven Easy and Chemical-Free

This post is all about How to clean oven easy!

If we’re being honest, cleaning the oven is one of those chores we all secretly avoid until it’s way overdue.

But here’s the thing it doesn’t have to be a dreaded task or involve harsh chemical smells that make your kitchen feel like a science lab.

With a few natural ingredients and some clever tricks, you can have your oven sparkling again (without tears or toxic fumes).

Over time, baked-on grease, spills, and splatters can make even the most beautiful oven look tired.

I’ve tried every “miracle cleaner” out there, and trust me, the best results always come from simple, natural methods.

These chemical-free cleaning ideas are safe, effective, and actually kind of satisfying.

Ready to make your oven shine again?

Let’s dive in!

1. Start With a Fresh Slate: Remove Everything

Before you do anything else clear out the oven completely.

Take out the racks, trays, and even the thermometer if you use one.

You’ll get a much better clean when you’re not trying to scrub around metal grates.

This also prevents cleaner (even natural ones!) from drying onto surfaces they shouldn’t.

Lay down an old towel or newspaper nearby so you have a clean spot to place everything.

It might sound obvious, but this little prep step makes the rest of the process so much smoother.

2. Make a Simple Baking Soda Paste

Here’s where things start getting good.

Baking soda is honestly a miracle worker for ovens, cheap, safe, and tough enough to cut through all that gunk.

Just grab about half a cup and mix in a few spoonfuls of water until it turns into a thick, spreadable paste.

Don’t overthink it. You just want something that looks a bit like cake frosting.

Once it’s ready, slather it all over the inside of your oven, but skip the heating elements if you can see them.

Then forget about it for the night. The longer it sits, the easier your cleanup will be tomorrow.

3. Add a Splash of Vinegar Magic

When it comes to how to clean an oven easily, the combo of baking soda and vinegar is unbeatable.

After your baking soda paste has worked its magic overnight, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and lightly mist the inside of your oven.

Watch as it fizzes and bubbles!

That’s the reaction, lifting away all the grime.

After a few minutes, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe everything clean.

The fizzing makes the job so much easier-and it’s strangely satisfying to watch 🙂

4. Tackle Oven Racks Separately

Those racks hold a lot of grease, so they deserve their own little spa treatment.

Fill your bathtub or a large sink with warm water and add a half cup of baking soda plus a few drops of dish soap.

Let the racks soak for several hours or even overnight if they’re really grimy.

After soaking-scrub gently with a soft brush or an old toothbrush to remove residue.

Rinse and dry them completely before putting them back.

It’s amazing how shiny they’ll look afterward!

5. Don’t Forget the Oven Door (Especially the Glass)

Oven doors are tricky because the glass can get coated with sticky, baked-on grease that’s tough to remove.

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spritz it on the glass, and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Then use your baking soda paste (yep, that same one!) to gently scrub in circular motions.

Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.

You’ll be shocked at how much brighter the inside looks once that glass is crystal clear again.

6. Use Lemon Steam for Stubborn Stains

Here’s a trick that feels like magic but smells way better.

Slice two lemons in half, squeeze the juice into an oven-safe bowl, and toss the rinds right in.

Fill the bowl halfway with water and pop it into the oven at 250°F for about 30 minutes.

When you open the door, that lemony steam will have loosened up all the gunk and baked-on bits.

Just wipe everything down with a damp cloth and enjoy how fresh your kitchen smells, clean, citrusy, and chemical-free.

7. Try Salt for Fresh Spills

If you ever have an oven spill (like that overflowing lasagna or pie), don’t panic.

While the oven is still warm, sprinkle a generous amount of table salt over the spill.

Once it cools, the salt will have absorbed most of the mess and made it easier to scrape up later.

This trick has saved me countless times!

It’s especially handy during baking marathons or big holiday dinners.

The key is to catch it while it’s still soft enough to absorb.

8. Clean Oven Knobs and Handles Too

We often forget that those knobs and handles collect grease, too.

Wipe them with a cloth dipped in equal parts vinegar and water, or make a quick paste using baking soda and a drop of dish soap.

Scrub gently, no harsh scouring pads!

These areas may look minor, but cleaning them really finishes off the whole oven refresh.

Plus, it feels so good when everything looks (and smells) clean from top to bottom.

9. Freshen the Oven Seals

You’d be surprised how much gunk hides in those rubber seals around your oven door.

Crumbs, grease, and mystery bits somehow find their way in there!

Mix about a tablespoon of baking soda with some warm water to make a gentle cleaner.

Use a small cloth or an old toothbrush to gently clean into the creases, but avoid saturating it too much; excessive water can compromise the seal.

Wipe everything dry when you’re done.

It’s a small step that makes your oven smell fresher and work more efficiently.

10. Use a Natural Degreasing Spray for Quick Maintenance

Now that your oven’s sparkling clean, let’s keep it that way!

Mix up a simple little spray: one cup of vinegar, one cup of water, and a few drops of lemon essential oil in a spray bottle.

After you’ve cooked something a bit splattery, wait until the oven cools, then give it a quick spritz and wipe.

That’s it!

This tiny habit keeps grease from building up and saves you from those deep-clean days we all dread.

11. For Stubborn Spots: The Scraper Trick

Okay, let’s be honest, some spots just don’t come off without a little fight.

After the baking soda and vinegar have done their job, grab a plastic scraper or even an old gift card and gently work on those tough bits.

It’s oddly satisfying when they start to lift.

Just don’t reach for anything metal that’ll scratch the surface and undo all your hard work.

Take your time, keep it gentle, and when you’re done, you’ll open that oven and actually smile at how clean it looks.

12. Add a Little Steam Power

If you don’t want to use lemons, plain steam works wonders too.

Place a heatproof bowl of water inside your oven and heat it to 300°F for 20 minutes.

The steam will loosen debris, making it super easy to wipe away.

This is one of my favorite tricks for keeping the oven fresh between deep cleans.

It’s fast, chemical-free, and honestly feels like a little spa session for your oven.

13. How to Clean Oven Easy Using Only Vinegar

If you’re out of baking soda (it happens!), vinegar alone can still do the job.

Spray undiluted white vinegar all over the oven interior, then close the door and let it sit for 30 minutes.

The acidity helps break down grease naturally. Afterward, wipe everything with a damp sponge or cloth.

For extra shine, finish by buffing with a dry microfiber towel.

14. Use Cornstarch for Greasy Spots

This one sounds a little odd, but it actually works.

Suppose you’ve got a greasy patch that won’t wipe off, sprinkle a bit of cornstarch on it and leave it alone for 10 to 15 minutes.

The powder soaks up the oil on its own.

After that, just wipe it with a damp cloth, and the spot usually comes right off.

It’s especially handy on the oven glass or around the hinges where grime always builds up.

It’s a simple little trick, but it really helps.

15. Avoid Aluminum Foil on the Bottom

A lot of us grew up thinking aluminum foil at the bottom of the oven was the trick to keeping it clean.

I used to do it too.

But it actually isn’t great for the oven.

The foil can mess with the heat and even damage the surface underneath.

A much better fix is to use a reusable oven liner or just put a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch spills.

It works well and keeps your oven protected at the same time.

Little habits like this make life so much easier later.

16. When to Deep Clean Your Oven

A good rule of thumb is to deep clean every 3 months or whenever you notice smoke or smells.

Light maintenance in between helps too.

If you bake often or cook greasy foods, aim for once a month.

Trust me, staying on top of it makes a huge difference.

It’s much easier than tackling six months of buildup later.

17. Bonus Tip: Keep It Fun!

Okay, cleaning an oven will probably never be your favorite hobby, but it doesn’t have to be miserable.

Play your favorite music, light a candle nearby, and treat it as a reset moment for your kitchen.

There’s something oddly satisfying about seeing a dull, grimy oven turn spotless again.

A little effort now means happy baking sessions ahead (and no judgment from guests peeking inside during holidays!).

Final Thoughts: How to Clean Oven Easy and Chemical-Free

Learning how to clean your oven the easy, chemical-free way isn’t just about making it look good.

It really does make your whole kitchen feel fresher.

You don’t need strong cleaners or hours of scrubbing.

A few basic ingredients and a little time, honestly, go a long way.

Whether you use the baking soda and vinegar routine, try a quick lemon steam, or stick with a simple vinegar soak, these gentle methods really do the job.

So the next time your oven starts looking a bit neglected, just grab what you already have at home and take it step by step.

A clean oven always makes cooking feel nicer, and it brings a little extra warmth and coziness into your home.

FAQs: How to Clean Oven Easy and Chemical-Free