A dirty oven not only affects the taste of food, but can also be a health hazard.
Burnt fat residue, smoke and unpleasant odors can contaminate food and produce irritants.
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Luckily, there’s no need to use chemicals or spend hours scrubbing: there’s a trick inspired by an ancient Japanese method that lets you clean your oven in minutes, using ingredients you already have at home.
First step: basic cleaning and safety
Before you begin, unplug your oven and make sure it is completely cold.
Remove racks, trays and everything inside.
Even better, if you can remove the oven door (many models allow this), this will make it easier to reach those hard-to-reach places.
The first step to make the trick really work is to clean the oven empty and clean.
Japanese Steam Cleaning Method: Vinegar and Hot Water
In Japan, the use of steam combined with natural ingredients is an ancient technique for disinfecting and removing stubborn dirt.
Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add a cup of white vinegar.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 160°C. Once it reaches this temperature, turn it off, place the pot with the mixture inside, and close the door.
The steam will work for at least three hours, softening the grease and preparing everything for a quick clean.
Baking Soda, Lemon, and Vinegar Mixture
After the steam treatment, make a homemade paste by mixing 170g of baking soda, three tablespoons of warm water, and the juice of half a lemon.
Apply the paste with a sponge to the oven surfaces, especially where there is grease or black stains. Leave for 15 minutes.
Then spray a small amount of vinegar using a spray bottle on the areas where you applied the paste.
This will create an effervescence that will help loosen the dirt.
Remove residue with a damp sponge and rinse with hot water.
The effect is immediate: surfaces are clean, odorless and free from chemical residues.
Cleaning the racks and oven door
Place the racks in a sink or large bowl of very hot water.
Sprinkle with baking soda, then spray with white vinegar. Let sit for at least an hour.
If they’re very dirty, you can soak them overnight. The next day, rinse them thoroughly and dry them with a cloth.
Use the same baking soda and lemon paste for doors and joints.
Apply with a soft brush and rinse with a damp cloth. Grout lines tend to accumulate grease, so pay special attention to them.
