The Easiest Way to Clean an Oven When You're Out of Oven Cleaner (2024)

While cleaning an oven might not be your favorite kitchen task, it’s a chore that only gets harder the longer you put it off. Commercial oven cleaners are effective solutions, you may prefer to use less harsh chemicals when you clean. Luckily, there are a few natural solutions you can use to keep your kitchen appliance clean and prevent any smoking or charred smells coming from your oven as you cook.

Read on to learn two methods on how to clean an oven without oven cleaner.

How Often to Clean an Oven

This depends on how often you cook with your oven since more usage can lead to more spills and stains. As a general rule, if you create a large spill while cooking, clean it up immediately after the oven cools so it doesn’t cause smoking the next time you use the oven.

If you use the appliance regularly, give it a deep clean at least once every three months. If you use your oven less frequently, a deep clean once every six months should be enough. To motivate yourself to clean your oven, just remember that the more often you clean it, the easier each cleaning session will be.

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more!

Cleaning an Oven With Baking Soda and Vinegar

Break out the trusty household staples for this method using baking soda and distilled white vinegar.

1. Empty the oven. Remove oven racks and any pans inside the oven.
2. Create a paste with baking soda and water. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of baking soda with about two tablespoons of water.The solution should be thick like a paste. You may need more or less water to achieve the desired texture.
3. Spread on the paste. Using your hands or a damp cloth, spread baking soda paste all over the oven’s interior surface. Close the oven door and let the paste sit for eight hours or overnight.
4. Clean the racks. Place the racks in your kitchen sink or bathtub and spray with distilled white vinegar, then sprinkle dry baking soda over the racks. Foaming will form and eat away at baked-on grease and food. Once the foaming ceases, fill the sink or tub with hot water and soak the racks for eight hours or overnight.
5. Wipe down the oven. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the oven’s interior surface. For stuck-on stains, wet the spot with vinegar and sprinkle dry baking soda over top. Then, scrub the spot with a cloth or melamine eraser. Finish by drying the oven’s surface with a dry cloth.
6. Wipe down the racks. Remove racks from the water and wipe down with a clean damp cloth. Place clean racks back in the oven.
   
7. Clean the oven's exterior surface. Wipe down the oven door, handle, and the exterior surface of the oven with a damp cloth.
   

Cleaning an Oven With Borax

Borax is another household item that can be used for a variety of cleaning solutions, including an oven cleaner. Use it to clean your oven if you're on a shorter deadline than cleaning with baking soda and vinegar will allow.

1. Empty the oven. Remove oven racks and any pans inside the oven.
2. Dampen the oven's interior surface. Use a spray bottle filled with water to wet stains inside the oven. It doesn’t need to be very wet, just damp.
3. Sprinkle borax on stains. Sprinkle borax on stains inside the oven. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes. Then, scrub with a damp cloth or melamine eraser. Repeat the process as necessary until the stains are gone. Dry with a clean cloth.
4. Sprinkle borax on racks. Place oven racks in your kitchen sink or bathtub. Wet the racks slightly and then sprinkle borax on the stains. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes. Then, wipe down with a damp cloth or scrub stubborn stains with a melamine eraser. Place clean racks back inside the oven.
5. Clean oven's exterior surface. Wipe down the oven door, handle, and the exterior surface of the oven with a damp cloth.

Tips to Keep Your Oven Clean Longer

• Wipe down your oven with a damp cloth if any big spills occur while cooking.
• Use roasting bags to prevent foods from steaming and coating the oven’s interior with grease.
• Place an extra baking sheet or roasting pan on a lower rack to catch any spills.
• Heat a small baking dish filled with water for 20 minutes after cooking to loosen up any grease and spills.
• Use the oven’s self-cleaning option and wipe out any remaining crumbs after the self-cleaning process has finished and the oven is completely cool.