Baking soda is a miracle worker when it comes to oven cleaning. It's non-toxic, inexpensive, and incredibly effective at breaking down baked-on grease and grime. This guide will show you exactly how to use baking soda to get your oven sparkling clean — without harsh chemicals or expensive cleaners.

Why baking soda? It's a mild alkali that dissolves grease and grime naturally. Plus, it's safe for homes with children and pets.

What You'll Need

  • Baking soda (1/2 - 1 cup)
  • White vinegar (spray bottle)
  • Water
  • Rubber gloves
  • Microfiber cloths or sponges
  • Plastic or silicone scraper (non-scratch)
  • Small bowl for mixing paste

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Remove Everything from the Oven

Take out all oven racks, trays, thermometers, and any other removable items. Set them aside — you'll clean them separately.

2

Wipe Away Loose Debris

Use a damp cloth to wipe away any loose crumbs or debris from the bottom and sides of the oven. This helps the baking soda paste make direct contact with the grease.

3

Make the Baking Soda Paste

In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Add more water as needed to form a spreadable paste. The consistency should be like thick toothpaste — not too runny, not too dry.

Pro Tip: For extremely dirty ovens, add 1-2 tablespoons of salt to the paste. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive to help scrub away stubborn carbon deposits.
4

Apply the Paste to the Oven Interior

Wearing rubber gloves, spread the paste all over the inside of the oven. Focus on areas with heavy grease and baked-on food.

Cover these areas:

  • Bottom of the oven (avoid the heating element)
  • Side walls
  • Back wall
  • Oven door (glass and interior edges)
  • Corners where grease accumulates
Important: Avoid direct contact with heating elements. If you get paste on them, wipe it off carefully.
5

Let It Sit Overnight

Leave the baking soda paste on for at least 8-12 hours (overnight is ideal). The longer it sits, the more effective it will be. The baking soda needs time to break down the grease and carbon deposits.

For light cleaning, 4-6 hours may be enough. For heavily soiled ovens, leave it for a full 12 hours.
6

Wipe Away the Paste

Use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe away the paste. Most of the grease should come off easily. For stubborn areas, use a plastic scraper (never metal — it will scratch).

You may need to rinse your cloth several times as you work.

7

Spray with White Vinegar

Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar. Spray all interior surfaces where baking soda residue remains. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a foaming action that lifts the last bits of grease.

Pro Tip: The foam means it's working! Let it bubble for a few minutes before wiping.
8

Final Wipe Down

Wipe away the vinegar with a clean, damp cloth. Your oven should now be sparkling clean!

Cleaning the Oven Racks

While the baking soda paste works on the oven interior, clean the racks using this simple method:

1

Soak in Hot Water and Dish Soap

Fill your bathtub or a large plastic bin with hot water and a generous amount of dish soap. Submerge the racks and let them soak for 2-4 hours (or overnight for heavy buildup).

2

Scrub and Rinse

Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or brush. For stubborn spots, sprinkle baking soda directly on the rack and scrub. Rinse thoroughly and dry before returning to the oven.

Cleaning the Oven Glass Door

1

Apply Baking Soda Paste

Apply the same baking soda paste to the glass door. Let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2

Wipe with Vinegar

Spray with vinegar and wipe clean. For a streak-free finish, dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Warning: Never use metal scrapers, steel wool, or abrasive cleaners on oven glass — they will scratch and weaken the glass permanently.

Tips for Best Results

  • Warm the oven first: For stubborn grease, warm the oven to 50°C (120°F), then turn it off before applying the paste. The warmth helps soften the grease.
  • Use fresh baking soda: Old baking soda may not be as effective. For best results, use a fresh box.
  • Don't rush: The longer the paste sits, the easier the cleaning will be. Overnight is best.
  • Ventilate: While baking soda and vinegar are non-toxic, open a window for fresh air.

How Often to Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

  • Every 3-6 months: Regular deep clean
  • After spills: Clean up immediately to prevent baking on
  • When you notice smoke: Grease buildup burns and creates smoke
Important: Always check your oven manufacturer's instructions before cleaning. Some self-cleaning ovens have special requirements.