Cleaning guides / Kitchen
How to clean an oven without harsh fumes
Baking soda method, self-clean cycles and what to avoid.
A dirty oven smokes, smells and can affect how food cooks. A baking soda paste left overnight handles most ovens without strong fumes.
Baking soda method
- Remove the racks and soak them in hot, soapy water in the tub or a large bin.
- Mix about half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water into a spreadable paste.
- Spread it over the inside of the cold oven, avoiding the heating elements and gas openings.
- Leave it overnight.
- Wipe it off with a damp cloth and a plastic scraper; spray a little vinegar on any leftover powder and wipe again.
- Scrub, rinse and dry the racks, and put them back.
Self-clean cycles
They work by heating the oven very hot, which turns residue to ash. Follow your manual, remove racks if it says to, ventilate well, and keep pets (especially birds) away from the kitchen, since the fumes can harm them.
General cleaning information. Read product labels, test in a hidden spot first, and never mix bleach with ammonia or acids. Household Service Masters isn't paid by any product brand.