Lots of people use vinegar and baking soda to remove dirt and grease from their ovens, but one cleaning expert says you should ditch these ingredients for a different one
Vinegar has become a go-to for stripping grease from ovens and appliances – but experts say there’s another secret weapon you should have in your arsenal.
Achieving a sparkling oven can seem like a Herculean task, with many of us spending hours scrubbing away at stubborn grime to little effect. While countless cleaning enthusiasts turn to the trusty combo of baking soda and vinegar to tackle tough stains when washing up liquid doesn’t cut it, these household staples fall short on cutting through fat and grease.
A top cleaning guru recommends reaching for soda crystals instead, hailing them as a “natural degreaser.” For those chasing the shiniest results, the expert suggests repeating the process thrice annually.
Jules Gordon, cleaning expert and founder of Eco Cleaning Fairies, said: “Soda crystals are the best natural degreaser…it’s quite hard work cleaning an oven, especially if it hasn’t been maintained. We recommend that you do it three times a year so it’s a lot easier to keep on top of.”
For this cleaning method, you’ll need washing-up liquid, soda crystals, wiry scrubbing balls, a damp cloth, and bin bags. Jules highlighted the importance of wearing gloves, saying: “We’re going to put gloves on because, although we’re not using toxic chemicals, the soda crystals can make your hands feel funny.
“Also, we’re going to be using the wiry balls on the grills which can be a bit sharp.” To get your oven racks and trays sparkling, start by filling a bucket with warm water and mix in some washing-up liquid and an equal measure of soda crystals to whip up a “de-greasing solution.”
Dunk the grimy grills or tray in a fresh bin bag and let them soak for about 20 minutes while you tackle the oven’s interior. If you’ve got trays or grills that are particularly scorched, they’ll need a longer bath in the mixture. When it comes to sprucing up the inside of your oven, repeat the initial step.
This time, use a damp cloth to wipe away the grime from the cooker. Jules advised: “Make sure when you are collecting the debris, that you are getting right into the cracks, especially the cracks between the door and the oven.” The combo of soda crystals and washing-up liquid is also ace for cutting through any grease clinging to the oven door.
