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#### 3. **Wipe Off the Paste**
After the baking soda has had time to work its magic, grab a damp cloth or sponge and start wiping away the paste. You’ll notice that much of the grease will come off easily with a bit of elbow grease. For any stubborn spots, you can use a scrub brush to gently scrub away any remaining buildup. Most of the grime should come off, leaving behind a cleaner oven.
#### 4. **Spray with Vinegar**
Now for Nana’s secret touch—vinegar. Once you’ve wiped away most of the baking soda paste, take a spray bottle and fill it with white vinegar. Lightly spritz the vinegar onto any areas that still have baking soda residue. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, fizzing up and helping to lift any leftover gunk. Wipe away the fizzing mixture with a damp cloth or sponge.
#### 5. **Final Wipe Down**
Give the oven one last wipe-down to remove any remaining cleaning solution. At this point, your oven should be looking much cleaner, and you’ll have rid it of any lingering grease and grime.
### Why Nana’s Trick Works:
– **Baking Soda**: This versatile ingredient is mildly abrasive, which makes it great for scrubbing off grease and grime without scratching your oven’s surface. Plus, it neutralizes odors, leaving your oven smelling fresh.
– **Vinegar**: Vinegar is a natural degreaser that works wonders when combined with baking soda. It helps break down tough grease and food residues, while also adding a pleasant shine to your oven.
– **Water**: Simple, clean water helps activate the baking soda and makes the paste easy to spread and remove.
### Tips for Success:
– **Oven Temperature**: If you want to speed up the cleaning process, heat your oven to about 200°F (93°C) for 10 minutes before applying the baking soda paste. Once you turn off the oven, let it cool slightly before applying the paste, as the warm oven will help loosen the grime.
– **Don’t Forget the Racks**: You can also clean your oven racks by removing them and soaking them in a tub of warm water and baking soda for a few hours. Scrub them gently, and they’ll look as good as new!
– **Repeat if Necessary**: For really stubborn spots, you may need to repeat the process. But in most cases, this simple trick will do wonders!
### Benefits of This Method:
– **Natural & Non-Toxic**: Unlike many commercial oven cleaners that contain harsh chemicals, this method is completely natural. It’s safe for you, your family, and the environment.
– **Inexpensive**: No need to buy expensive cleaners—just grab some basic baking soda, vinegar, and water, and you’re good to go. It’s a budget-friendly way to keep your oven looking great.
– **No Fumes or Strong Odors**: Many oven cleaners have strong fumes that can be overwhelming. With this method, you won’t have to deal with any of that. The vinegar smell dissipates quickly, leaving your oven clean and fresh.
– **Easy to Do**: It takes a little time, but this method is practically foolproof. There’s no complicated scrubbing or hard-to-find ingredients—just a bit of patience and minimal effort.
### Final Thoughts:
Cleaning the oven doesn’t have to be a dreaded task, and with Nana’s no-fuss trick, it’s easier than ever to keep your oven spotless without any harsh chemicals. Just grab some baking soda, vinegar, and water, and you’ll have a sparkling oven in no time. This method is effective, safe, and budget-friendly—a true kitchen hack passed down from generation to generation. So, next time your oven needs a little TLC, try Nana’s trick, and you’ll be amazed at how clean and fresh your oven looks!
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