Baking Soda and Vinegar: The Powerful Duo for Deep Cleaning Your Oven

If your oven has fallen victim to grease, grime, and baked-on food residue, you’re not alone. Over time, wildfires of debris accumulate inside ovens, making them inefficient and hard to clean. Thankfully, a simple and natural solution exists: baking soda and vinegar. This dynamic duo doesn’t just remove stains—it deep cleans, deodorizes, and restores your oven to its former shine without harsh chemicals.

In this article, we’ll explore how baking soda and vinegar work together to conquer tough oven buildup, provide step-by-step cleaning instructions, and share tips to maintain a sparkling-clean oven long-term.

Understanding the Context


Why Baking Soda and Vinegar Work So Well

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild abrasive and excellent deodorizer, while vinegar (acetic acid) is a strong natural cleaner and antimicrobial agent. When combined, these two ingredients react to form carbon dioxide gas, producing bubbling and loosening dirt and grime. This chemical reaction safely dissolves tough residues like burnt food and grease without scratching your oven’s surface.

Here’s what makes this cleaning method so effective:

Key Insights

  • Natural and Non-Toxic: Safe for households with children and pets.
  • Environmentally Friendly: No harsh chemicals or pollution.
  • Cost-Effective: Baking soda and vinegar are affordable staples found in most kitchens.
  • Gentle Yet Powerful: Works on various oven surfaces, including stainless steel, enamel, and glass, without damaging finishes.

Step-by-Step Guide: Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Follow these easy steps to transform your oven’s interior:

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Turn off the oven and let it cool completely. Remove removable racks and place them aside. Clear the oven interior of loose debris—use a damp cloth or vacuum to clear the bottom and corners.

Final Thoughts

Step 2: Make the Baking Soda Paste

Mix ½ cup of baking soda with enough white vinegar to form a thick, thick paste. Apply evenly to all heavily soiled areas, focusing on corners, inside walls, and the bottom tray. Let the paste sit for 15–20 minutes—this gives the acetic acid time to react with baked-on grime.

Step 3: Activate the Cleaning Agent

Once the paste is dry, spray the entire area with a vinegar spray or pour undiluted vinegar over the baking soda layer—this creates the famous baking soda and vinegar fizz that loosens grime.

Step 4: Scrub Gently

Use a soft-bristle scrub brush or sponge to scrub the surface. Avoid steel wool or abrasive tools that can scratch. For stubborn spots, gently agitate with the paste.

Step 5: Rinse and Wipe

Wipe down the oven with a damp cloth or sponge to remove residue. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining baking soda and vinegar. Dry the interior with a towel to prevent water spots.

Step 6: Complete the Cleaning (Optional)

For an extra shine, rinse with a weak vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) and wipe immediately. Then dry thoroughly.


How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?

To keep your oven looking and performing its best, aim to clean it every 3–6 months, depending on usage. For heavy users—like those baking frequently—weekly light cleaning with warm soapy water can prevent heavy buildup. Regular maintenance avoids the need for intense deep cleaning and extends your oven’s lifespan.


Bonus Tips for Oven Maintenance