HOMEMADE OVEN CLEANER – A NATURAL AND EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR A SPARKLING KITCHEN

RECIPE 2: LEMON JUICE AND SALT SCRUB

Lemon juice is perfect for removing grease and deodorizing the oven.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lemons
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1/2 cup warm water

Instructions:

1. Squeeze the juice from the lemons into a bowl.
2. Mix the lemon juice with salt to create a gritty paste. Add a little warm water if needed.
3. Remove the oven racks.
4. Apply the lemon-salt paste to the oven interior, scrubbing stubborn spots gently with a sponge or cloth.
5. Let the paste sit for 30 minutes to an hour to loosen grime.
6. Use a damp cloth to wipe the oven clean.
7. For an extra fresh finish, wipe the interior with a clean cloth dipped in warm water.

Benefits:
The acidity of lemon juice breaks down grease, while the salt acts as a natural abrasive. This method leaves your oven clean and smelling citrus-fresh.

RECIPE 3: DISH SOAP AND BAKING SODA SPRAY

For a quicker solution, this spray helps tackle light oven grime.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 tablespoon dish soap
• 2 cups warm water
• Optional: 5 drops essential oil (tea tree or citrus)

Instructions:

1. In a spray bottle, mix baking soda, dish soap, and warm water. Add essential oil if desired.
2. Shake well to combine the ingredients.
3. Spray the solution generously inside the oven, focusing on greasy or dirty areas.
4. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
5. Wipe away the grime with a damp cloth or sponge.
6. For stubborn spots, scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge.

Benefits:
This method is quick and effective for light cleaning or maintenance between deep cleans.

4. HOW TO CLEAN OVEN RACKS NATURALLY

Oven racks are often overlooked but can accumulate significant grime. Here’s a simple way to clean them:

1. Remove the oven racks and place them in a bathtub or large sink.
2. Sprinkle baking soda over the racks and spray with vinegar. Let it foam for a few minutes.
3. Fill the tub with hot water until the racks are submerged. Add a few drops of dish soap.
4. Let the racks soak for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight.
5. Scrub the racks with a brush or sponge to remove loosened grime.
6. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly before placing them back in the oven.

5. TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL OVEN CLEANING

• Wear gloves to protect your hands while scrubbing.
• Avoid harsh scrubbers like steel wool, as they can scratch the oven’s enamel coating.
• Ventilate the kitchen by opening windows or turning on the range hood during cleaning.
• Regular maintenance: Wipe spills and splatters promptly to prevent them from baking on.

6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How often should I clean my oven?

It’s best to deep clean your oven every 1-3 months, depending on how frequently you use it. Wipe spills immediately after the oven cools to reduce buildup.

Q: Can I use baking soda on a self-cleaning oven?

Yes, baking soda is safe for self-cleaning ovens. However, avoid commercial cleaners, as they can damage the oven’s coating.

Q: What can I use instead of vinegar if I don’t like the smell?

You can substitute vinegar with lemon juice. It provides a similar acidic cleaning effect with a fresher scent.