(GoHealthier.com) – A special occasion is coming up, and it’s our turn to host the party. From shopping and decorating right down to baking, everything is coming along smoothly, except that caked-on debris at the bottom of the oven. We want to avoid smoking out our guests and setting off fire alarms on the day of the party. We’re also not crazy about using harsh chemical cleaners. Here are some super-safe, non-toxic ways to clean an oven.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
A popular tried-and-true method, this is a baking soda paste that targets tough stains. Use a 1/2 cup of baking soda and add a few tablespoons of hot water. Work along the inside of the entire oven. Let it sit overnight.
In the meantime, clean the racks and set them aside. Wipe out the paste residue. Then spray vinegar on the surface. The remaining baking soda will create an activated foam that self-cleans. Do a final wipe down, and it’s done!
Lemons
Never underestimate the power of lemons, especially when it comes to fighting grease and grime. This lemon cleaner may do the trick for cleaning the entire oven or is a good precursor to releasing stubborn grime before an additional cleaning. All you need is an oven-safe bowl.
Fill the bowl with water and the juice of two or more lemons. Place the bowl in the oven, close the door, and turn the oven to 300 degrees. Once it starts to boil, turn off the temp. The lemon water will steam clean the oven. Once it cools enough, wipe it down to remove grease and grime.
Dish Soap
A good working alternative to harmful chemical-based oven cleaners is to use concentrated dish soap. It’s already superb at attacking and breaking down grease. Make up a solution using a cup of hot water and two tablespoons of dishwashing soap.
Apply by rubbing the solution onto the surface. Let it sit for about 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with a washcloth and paper towels.
Castile Soap Method
Slightly different from traditional dish soap, another option is Castile soap. It is oil-based soap and often contains herbal compounds. It is safe, mild and effective. It’s also all-natural.
Use a 1/3 part Castile soap and 2/3 part water to make an oven solution. Apply to the base and walls of the oven. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then wipe with a wet cloth.
These natural methods protect our cooking spaces, and they don’t release harmful chemicals like commercial oven cleaners. The best part? Most are self-cleaning, eliminating elbow grease. These suggestions are perfect for homes using natural products preferentially. We can rest easy knowing our clean kitchens will be in top form for baking and entertaining.
~Here’s to a Healthier Life!
Copyright 2024, GoHealthier.com