How to Clean Your Oven Naturally (No Harsh Chemicals Needed!)

If your oven has become a smoky, smelly, grease-covered mess, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Oven cleaning is one of those chores we all dread, but there’s a natural, non-toxic way to get your oven sparkling clean without exposing yourself (or your food) to harsh chemical cleaners.

Ready to ditch the store-bought sprays and go green with your cleaning routine? Here’s everything you need to know about cleaning your oven naturally and effectively.

Why Clean Your Oven Naturally?

Commercial oven cleaners are loaded with strong chemicals like lye and ammonia. While they’re powerful, they can be hazardous to your health—especially if you’re sensitive to chemical smells, have kids or pets, or just prefer to keep things natural.

Using everyday household ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon, you can clean your oven safely and effectively—no gloves, gas masks, or open windows needed.

What You’ll Need:

Before we dive in, gather these supplies:

• ½ cup baking soda

• White vinegar (in a spray bottle is best)

• Water

• A small bowl

• A sponge or dishcloth

• Plastic or silicone spatula (optional)

• Old toothbrush (optional for crevices)

• Lemon juice or essential oils (optional, for scent)

Step-by-Step: Natural Oven Cleaning

Step 1: Remove Oven Racks

Take out your oven racks and set them aside. If they’re especially grimy, you can clean them separately by soaking them in hot water and baking soda in your bathtub or sink.

Pro Tip: Lay an old towel in the tub first to prevent scratches.

Step 2: Make the Baking Soda Paste

In a small bowl, combine:

• ½ cup baking soda

• 2–4 tablespoons of water

Stir until it forms a thick, spreadable paste. You can add a few drops of lemon juice or essential oil (like tea tree or lavender) if you want a fresh scent while you clean.

Step 3: Apply the Paste Inside the Oven

Spread the paste all over the interior surfaces of your oven, avoiding the heating elements. Make sure to coat the back wall, sides, bottom, and inside of the door.

Use a gloved hand or sponge to smear it into the corners and around burnt-on food.

Let it sit for 8 hours or overnight. This gives the baking soda time to break down grease, carbon buildup, and stains.

Step 4: Clean the Oven Racks

While the baking soda is doing its thing, soak your oven racks. Use hot water with a sprinkle of baking soda and a splash of dish soap. Let them soak for a couple of hours, then scrub with a sponge or old toothbrush.

Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Step 5: Wipe Out the Baking Soda Paste

After the paste has sat for 8+ hours, take a damp sponge or cloth and wipe out as much as you can. You may need to use a plastic spatula to gently scrape off the gunk—don’t use anything metal that could scratch the surface.

Step 6: Spray with Vinegar

Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and lightly spritz the entire oven interior. The vinegar will react with any leftover baking soda, causing a fizzy, foaming effect that helps lift residue.

Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe everything clean with a damp cloth.

Step 7: Give It a Final Wipe

Go over the interior one more time with a clean damp cloth to remove any leftover paste or vinegar. Dry with a towel and admire your sparkling clean oven.

Bonus: Natural Deodorizing with Lemon

Want to freshen up your oven after cleaning? Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a small oven-safe bowl of water, and place the bowl in the oven. Heat at 250°F (120°C) for 30 minutes.

This trick will leave your oven smelling citrusy clean—and loosen any leftover grime for easy wiping.

How Often Should You Clean Your Oven?

• Light Clean: Every 1–2 months

• Deep Clean: Every 3–6 months (more often if you bake or roast a lot)

• Quick Wipe: After spills or splatters

Keeping up with regular maintenance will make the deep cleans much easier and prevent smoke and odors from building up.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your oven naturally is effective, affordable, and so much better for your health and the environment. All it takes is a little baking soda, vinegar, and patience—and you’ll have a fresh, clean oven without the toxic fumes.

So skip the chemical-laden sprays and give this natural method a try. Your future self (and your next dinner) will thank you.