3 Options to Get a Sparkling Clean Oven

Start by taking everything out of your oven. This includes the racks, thermometer, a pizza stone – whatever you have in your refrigerator. Then lay out newspapers or a drop cloth on the floor under your oven. Get gloves and safety glasses and put them on. Spray down the inside of your oven with the cleaner, including the back, side, corners, doors, etc. If it is an electric oven, be sure not to spray the heating element – just lift it up and spray. Do not spray where the gas comes out if you have a gas oven.

Then close the oven and let the spray sit for as long as the label says you should – generally this is about half an hour. While that’s working, clean off your racks. When enough time has passed, use a damp rag to wipe down the interior of your oven. If you have spots that are still not clean, use an abrasive tool to get rid of any grime. Then return everything to your oven.

Remove everything from your oven and place newspapers or a drop cloth under the oven. Get a small bowl and mix together ½ cup baking soda with two to three tablespoons of water. You are looking to create a spreadable past. Then put on your gloves and use your fingers to spread the paste inside the oven. Cover all the sides, back, corners, etc. If it is electric, do not clean the heating element. If it is gas, do not put the paste where the gas comes in.

Let the paste sit for at least 12 hours. While it is working, take your oven racks into a sink, sprinkle baking soda on them, and then pour vinegar on top. Let them sit for at least 12 hours. When time is up for the racks and oven, use a damp rag to wipe down all surfaces.

Find an oven-proof bowl and fill it with water. Cut two lemons in half and put them into the water. Turn the oven on to 250. When it is heated, put the bowl inside on the rack. Leave it there for an hour, then turn off the oven and open the door so it can cool. While the oven is still warm, wipe out the inside with a damp cloth.