How to Clean an Oven Naturally with Bicarbonate of Soda
Step-by-step method to clean a dirty oven using bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, including racks, door glass, timings and when to call a professional.
You do not need harsh chemicals to get an oven back to a decent standard. Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar can lift most baked-on grease, provided you give them time. This guide takes you through the method, with extra tips for racks and glass, and notes on where it will and will not work.
What you need
- Bicarbonate of soda, about 100g to 150g.
- Water, and a small bowl.
- White vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Rubber gloves and a non-scratch sponge.
- A plastic or silicone spatula.
- Old towels or newspaper for the floor.
- Microfibre cloths.
- Washing-up liquid.
Step 1: Prepare
Make sure the oven is cool and switched off at the control, and remove racks, trays and any loose debris. Take out the oven thermometer if you have one. Lay towels on the floor in front of the oven.
Step 2: Make the paste
Mix bicarbonate of soda with a little water to form a spreadable paste, about the consistency of thick cream. For heavy grease, make it a little thicker.
Step 3: Apply and wait
Wearing gloves, spread the paste inside the oven, on the walls, floor and inside the door. Avoid heating elements and any fan or gas ports. The paste will turn brownish as it works. Leave it for at least 12 hours, ideally overnight.
Step 4: Wipe and spray
Wipe out as much paste as you can with a damp cloth and spatula for stubborn bits. Then spray vinegar where residue remains; it will fizz as it reacts with the bicarbonate. Wipe again with a clean damp cloth, repeating until the surfaces are clean. Finish with a cloth dampened with warm water and washing-up liquid.
Cleaning racks
Racks are best soaked. Put them in the bath or a large sink on a towel, so they do not scratch, and cover with hot water, washing-up liquid and a cup of bicarbonate of soda. Leave for a few hours or overnight, then scrub with a sponge or brush. Rinse and dry fully before replacing.
Cleaning the glass door
Apply the paste to the inside of the glass, leave for 20 to 30 minutes, then wipe off. Use a spatula or razor scraper held flat only if the manufacturer allows it. If grease is trapped between panes of glass, the door may need dismantling, which is better left to a professional or done following the manual.
Safety notes
- Never mix bicarbonate of soda with bleach or commercial oven cleaner.
- Ventilate the kitchen, and wear gloves.
- Do not use abrasive pads on enamel, which may scratch.
- Keep paste off heating elements, seals and fan vents.
- Check your manual before cleaning self-cleaning or pyrolytic ovens; they have specific care instructions.
Keep it clean
- Wipe spills once the oven is cool.
- Use oven liners or trays under dishes that bubble.
- Wipe the interior monthly with a damp cloth.
- Clean the door glass regularly to stop build-up.
When to hire a professional
Natural methods work for moderate build-up, but they will not shift years of carbonised grease. Professional equipment and products can restore ovens to near new. For costs, see oven cleaning prices. On Compito, you can search by postcode and compare ID-verified local providers for a fixed oven clean.
What this method can and cannot do
| Situation | Realistic result |
|---|---|
| Light splashes and a few weeks of grease | Usually comes away cleanly |
| Moderate build-up over six months | Likely needs a repeat application |
| Years of carbonised layers | Improves, but a professional product may be needed |
| Stained enamel or glass between panes | Limited; may not fully clear |
Worked example
A family oven used four to five times a week, last cleaned a year ago. Paste on in the evening, leave overnight, and wipe in the morning. You will probably need a second round for the roof and the back wall, which gets the most spatter. In total, perhaps 45 minutes of hands-on work and two rounds of waiting. Racks soak in the bath meanwhile.
Common mistakes
- Using too little paste. A thin layer dries and does little. It should be damp and visible.
- Not waiting long enough. The time is what does the work.
- Scraping with metal. Use plastic or silicone tools to protect the enamel.
- Getting paste into fan vents or door seals. Wipe the edges carefully.
- Using the oven before removing all residue. Smoke and smell result.
Different oven types
Fan ovens often have a removable back panel that your manual may describe how to take off. Self-cleaning and pyrolytic ovens usually need only a wipe of loose debris before the cycle, and abrasive methods can damage their coating. Gas ovens need extra care around burners and ignition parts. Take care not to block gas ports, and if you smell gas, turn off the supply, open windows and contact the gas emergency service. Any repair on a gas appliance must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Frequently asked questions
Does bicarbonate of soda damage ovens?
It is mild and generally safe on enamel when used as directed, but avoid scrubbing hard on delicate surfaces and keep it away from elements.
How long does this take?
About 30 minutes of hands-on work spread across an evening and the following morning, plus the waiting time.
Can I use lemon?
Lemon juice can help with light smells and surface grease, but bicarbonate of soda and vinegar do more for baked-on dirt.
How often should an oven be cleaned?
A quick wipe monthly and a full clean every three to six months suits most households. Heavy cooks or those who roast often may prefer more frequent cleaning.