Transform Your Oven Cleaning Routine Naturally with Essential Oils

Transform Your Oven Cleaning Routine Naturally

Before I discovered the power of natural cleaning solutions, I made the mistake of using a store-bought oven cleaner that claimed to be fume-free and safe. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Just moments after applying the Easy Off cleaner, I found myself with a sore throat, difficulty breathing, watery eyes, and my air purifiers working overtime. It was clear that this product was anything but fume-free.

Determined to find a better solution, I researched and experimented until I created my own natural oven cleaner. What I’ve joyfully discovered is that you don’t need harsh chemicals to achieve a sparkling clean oven. By utilizing simple household ingredients like baking soda, essential oils, and vinegar, you can effectively tackle grease, baked-on food, and spills.

This homemade cleaner is not only natural and fume-free but also non-toxic, making it a safer choice for your home. Curious for more ways to harness the power of essential oils for cleaning? Be sure to check out my posts on cleaning your washing machine, dishwasher, and glass stovetops using essential oils.

Which Essential Oils Are Best for Cleaning Ovens?

When it comes to cleaning tough grease and stubborn, baked-on food, citrus oils, pine, and tea tree essential oils are your best allies. Here’s a list of the most effective options:

• Orange
• Lemon
• Grapefruit
• Lime
• Bergamot
• Pine
• Tea Tree (also known as Melaleuca)

Can a Homemade Cleaner Really Work?

Absolutely! Just take a look at the before and after photos of my oven door. The image on the right shows the oven door before I cleaned it—truly an embarrassing sight, covered in grease and burnt-on food.

On the left, however, you can see the transformation after using my baking soda and vinegar mixture, along with lemon and pine essential oils. The results are remarkable: the oven door is now spotless, allowing a clear view of my black and white granite kitchen floor. The shine is so impressive that you can even see reflections of my kitchen cabinets!

* Get a free printable of the recipe & instructions here *

Now, let’s dive into the cleaning process:

Step 1: Clean the Inside of the Oven

• Start by emptying the oven completely. Remove racks, pizza stones, and any other items inside.

• Soak the oven racks in hot, soapy water while you tackle the oven’s interior.

Tip: You can make your own homemade dish soap using essential oils—check out my recipe for that!

• Next, prepare the cleaning paste. This paste will be used for scrubbing the oven walls and door.
  • Combine 1 ½ cups baking soda, 10 drops lemon essential oil, and 5 drops pine essential oil in a bowl.
  • Add enough hot water to create a paste with a spreadable consistency. Start with ½ cup hot water and add more as needed.
  • Mix thoroughly.

Tip: If the mixture is too wet, simply add more baking soda; if it’s too thick, add more water until you reach the desired consistency. Depending on how dirty your oven is, you may need to make additional cleaning paste—don’t worry, it’s easy to whip up more if needed.

• Use a paintbrush or sponge to apply the cleaning paste all over the oven’s interior, ensuring you cover the walls, bottom, and corners. Don’t forget to give the oven door a generous coat as well!

Tip: To speed things up, scoop the paste onto the sides and bottom of the oven, then use the paintbrush to spread it out. Stir the cleaning paste as you apply it to maintain a uniform consistency; the baking soda will settle over time, so give it a quick stir to keep it mixed.
Tip: Avoid applying the cleaner to the heating elements. If necessary, lift the heating element out of the way to clean beneath it. If any paste accidentally gets on the heating element, wipe it off with a damp cloth immediately to prevent it from drying.

• Let the paste sit for about an hour. You can close the oven door, but I left mine open for demonstration purposes.

• Dip a sponge in hot water, ring it out, and use it to gently scrub the paste in a circular motion, rinsing the sponge in hot water frequently.
• Wipe away as much paste as possible.

• If necessary, use a plastic scraper to loosen stubborn bits.
• If burnt-on food is particularly challenging, you can carefully use a razor blade to scrape it off.

• Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz it over any remaining paste. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a foam that helps dissolve the residue.
• Wipe down with a sponge dipped in hot water.
• Repeat the process until all baking soda residue is removed.

• Perform a final wipe down with a sponge and hot water.

Tip: For any stubborn gunk or burnt-on food on the oven door, consider using my homemade degreaser spray before scrubbing again with baking soda.

• Behold the transformation! The power of baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils is truly remarkable. It’s incredible to see my oven go from grimy to gleaming.

• Don’t forget to scrub the oven racks that have been soaking in soapy water, then rinse, dry, and return them to the oven.

Step 2: Clean the Stovetop and Oven Front

• For regular daily cleaning of the stovetop, I recommend using my DIY citrus kitchen degreaser. Just spritz it on and wipe it off for a quick and easy clean-up after meals.
• For a deeper clean of a neglected stovetop, follow my stovetop deep cleaning guide.
• To clean the oven control panel, door front, and broiler pan, use this DIY stainless steel polish. It effectively cleans, shines, and protects the surface.

Where to Find Your Cleaning Supplies

Baking Soda: I go through so much baking soda that I buy it in bulk at Costco. You can also find it at grocery stores, Walmart, and Target.

Vinegar: Like baking soda, I purchase large bottles of vinegar at Costco, but smaller bottles are available at grocery stores.

Cleaning Gloves: I found my cleaning gloves at Target.

Sponge: I bought a large pack of sponges at Costco, which include a scrubbing side for tackling tough oven messes.

Spray Bottle: Any spray bottle will do. You can repurpose an old one, or convert a small glass vinegar bottle into a spray bottle if needed.

Click here for a free printable guide on how to clean your oven with essential oils.

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Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your medical doctor regarding any medical care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on something you read here.

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