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### Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Oven Cleaner
Here’s how to mix up your homemade oven cleaner:
#### 1. **Make the Baking Soda Paste**
– In a bowl, combine **1/2 cup of baking soda** with enough **water** (about 2-3 tablespoons) to create a thick paste. The paste should be spreadable but not runny.
– If you want a bit of extra cleaning power, add a few drops of **dish soap** to the paste.
#### 2. **Apply the Paste to the Oven**
– Remove the racks from your oven so you can focus on the inside surface.
– Spread the baking soda paste over the interior of the oven, paying extra attention to greasy or grimy spots. Be sure to avoid the oven’s heating elements or any exposed electrical parts.
– If your oven has heavy grease buildup, you can apply a thicker layer to these areas for maximum effectiveness.
#### 3. **Let It Sit**
– Once the paste is applied, allow it to sit for at least **30 minutes**. For tougher stains or baked-on grease, leave it on for up to **overnight**. This gives the baking soda time to break down the grease and stains.
#### 4. **Spray with Vinegar**
– After the paste has had time to sit, it’s time to activate it! Pour **white vinegar** into a spray bottle and lightly spray it over the baking soda paste. The vinegar will fizz and bubble, helping to lift away grime and dirt.
– If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can also pour the vinegar directly over the paste using a measuring cup or small bowl.
#### 5. **Wipe and Scrub**
– Once the bubbling action has stopped, use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the paste and any loosened dirt.
– For stubborn spots, you can use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad to gently scrub away any remaining residue.
#### 6. **Rinse and Dry**
– Once all the paste has been wiped away, rinse the cloth in clean water and wipe down the interior of the oven once more to ensure there’s no leftover cleaner.
– Allow the oven to dry before putting the racks back in and using the oven again.
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### Additional Tips for Cleaning the Oven
While the homemade oven cleaner we’ve just described is excellent for most everyday cleaning tasks, here are a few extra tips to tackle some of those more difficult spots:
1. **For Stubborn Grease**: If you have particularly stubborn grease spots, you can apply the baking soda paste, then cover it with **plastic wrap**. This helps keep the paste moist and in place for longer, allowing it to work more effectively.
2. **For the Oven Racks**: Don’t forget about the racks! You can soak them in a mixture of **hot water**, **dish soap**, and **baking soda** for an hour or two to loosen grime. After soaking, use a scrubbing brush or sponge to clean them.
3. **For Odor Removal**: If your oven has lingering odors, you can place a small **bowl of vinegar** in the oven and run the oven on low heat for about 15 minutes. The steam will help neutralize odors and leave your oven smelling fresh.
4. **Regular Maintenance**: To keep your oven cleaner for longer, consider giving it a quick wipe-down after each use. This will prevent grease from building up and make deep cleans much easier.
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### Why This Homemade Oven Cleaner Works
The combination of **baking soda** and **vinegar** creates a natural chemical reaction that lifts and loosens grease, grime, and baked-on food without the need for harsh chemicals. **Baking soda** is mildly abrasive, which helps scrub off residue without damaging the oven’s surface, while **vinegar** works as a natural degreaser and disinfectant.
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### Conclusion: Clean Your Oven the Natural Way
Using a homemade oven cleaner is a great way to keep your kitchen clean and safe without relying on harsh chemicals. With ingredients you likely already have on hand, you can create a powerful, non-toxic solution to tackle even the toughest oven stains. Not only will this save you money, but it’s a more environmentally friendly option that’s safe for your family and pets.
By using this simple recipe and following the steps outlined above, you’ll have your oven looking like new in no time—and you’ll feel good knowing you did it the natural way! Happy cleaning!
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