Won’t purchase another oven cleaner from the store again. This homemade one is amazing!

Cleaning the oven is one of those dreaded household chores that many of us put off until absolutely necessary. Whether it’s baked-on grease, burnt food spills, or just general grime, oven cleaning is never fun—and store-bought cleaners, while effective, often come with strong fumes, harsh chemicals, and a hefty price tag.

That’s why I was absolutely amazed when I discovered a homemade oven cleaner that not only worked better than the commercial products I’d been buying for years but was also safer, cheaper, and incredibly easy to make with ingredients I already had in my kitchen. After one use, I decided I would never go back to store-bought options again.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making and using this powerful homemade oven cleaner—from ingredients and steps to safety tips and additional cleaning hacks. If you’ve been looking for a more natural, cost-effective, and efficient way to tackle oven grime, keep reading. You may never look at oven cleaning the same way again.

Why Homemade Oven Cleaners Are Gaining Popularity

The rising trend in DIY home cleaning solutions isn’t just a passing fad. Homeowners are becoming more conscious of what goes into their cleaning products, not just for environmental reasons but for personal health and safety as well.

High-Cost and Harsh Chemicals of Store-Bought Products

Most commercial oven cleaners contain harsh chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and butane. While these ingredients are effective at cutting through grease and grime, they can also cause respiratory irritation, skin burns, and dangerous fumes. Even with proper ventilation, many users report headaches or discomfort after use.

Natural Ingredients Offer a Safer Alternative

Homemade oven cleaners often rely on simple, natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and dish soap. These everyday items are not only safe to use around children and pets but also biodegradable and non-toxic. Making the switch can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful substances without compromising on cleanliness.

Cost-Effective Cleaning That Delivers Results

A single bottle of name-brand oven cleaner can cost anywhere between £5 to £10, and most require multiple applications for a full clean. In contrast, the homemade version costs mere pennies per use and can be whipped up in minutes. The savings add up quickly over time, especially for those who clean their ovens regularly.

What You’ll Need: Simple Ingredients, Powerful Results

You don’t need a shopping list of complicated or specialty items. Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need to make this highly effective oven cleaner:

• ½ cup of baking soda
• 2 to 3 tablespoons of water
• 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid
• 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
• Optional: a few drops of lemon juice for fragrance

Each of these items has unique properties that contribute to the overall effectiveness of the cleaner. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and odor neutralizer, vinegar breaks down grease, and dish soap lifts grime from surfaces. Lemon juice adds a refreshing scent and has antibacterial properties.

Step-by-Step: How to Make and Use This Homemade Oven Cleaner

This method is incredibly easy and can be completed in under an hour, depending on the level of grime.

Step 1: Mix Your Cleaner

In a small bowl, combine the baking soda and water until you form a spreadable paste. Then, stir in the dish soap and vinegar. If you’re using lemon juice, add it last to preserve its scent and potency.

Step 2: Apply the Paste

Wearing gloves, use a sponge or your hands to spread the paste evenly throughout the inside of your oven. Avoid the heating elements and focus on the areas with the most buildup. Let the paste sit for at least 30 minutes. For tougher jobs, leave it overnight.

Step 3: Wipe It Clean

After the cleaner has had time to work its magic, use a damp cloth to wipe down the oven’s interior. You may need to use a plastic scraper for stubborn spots, but most grime should come off easily.

Step 4: Optional Final Rinse

To finish, you can spritz the interior with a bit more vinegar and wipe it down again. This helps remove any lingering residue and gives your oven a sparkling finish.

Tips to Maximize Effectiveness and Safety

Always Use Gloves

Even though the ingredients are natural, vinegar and baking soda can dry out your skin. Wearing gloves also makes cleanup easier.

Ventilate When Using Vinegar

While not toxic, vinegar can still be pungent. Open a window or turn on a fan for better air circulation.

Do a Spot Test First

If your oven has a non-stick or special coating, do a spot test with the cleaner on a small area to ensure it doesn’t affect the finish.

Reapply As Needed

If it’s been a long time since your last deep clean, don’t be afraid to repeat the process. This homemade cleaner is gentle enough to use as often as needed.

Bonus: Additional Uses for This DIY Cleaner

One of the best things about this homemade oven cleaner is its versatility. You can use the same paste for other kitchen cleaning tasks, making it a true multitasker in your home.

Clean Stovetops and Burner Trays

Apply the paste to burner trays and let it sit for 20 minutes before scrubbing. It lifts stuck-on food and grease like a charm.

Restore Shine to Kitchen Sinks

Baking soda and vinegar work wonders on stainless steel sinks. Use the paste to clean and deodorize your sink, then rinse thoroughly.

Microwave Cleaning

Place a small bowl of vinegar and water inside your microwave and heat for 2–3 minutes. Then wipe down the interior using the baking soda paste for any stuck-on stains.

Environmental and Health Benefits of Going Homemade

Choosing a homemade cleaner doesn’t just save money—it’s a win for your health and the environment. By reducing your use of chemical-laden products, you cut down on indoor air pollution and protect water systems from toxic runoff.

Safer for Kids and Pets

Unlike commercial cleaners that require caution and storage out of reach, the homemade version uses ingredients that are generally recognized as safe, giving you peace of mind if you have little ones or animals in the home.

Reduced Plastic Waste

Buying fewer store-bought cleaning products also means less packaging waste. You can store your homemade cleaner in a reusable jar or container, helping to reduce your household’s plastic footprint.

Conclusion: The Smarter, Safer Way to Clean Your Oven

After discovering this homemade oven cleaner, I genuinely can’t imagine going back to harsh store-bought products. Not only is it more affordable, but it’s also safer, eco-friendly, and just as effective—if not more so. The process is simple, the ingredients are familiar, and the results are truly impressive.

So if you’re tired of spending money on expensive oven sprays that leave your kitchen smelling like chemicals, give this DIY method a try. It’s an easy switch that delivers long-lasting benefits. Plus, you’ll have a sparkling clean oven without the health risks or environmental guilt. Once you see the results for yourself, you’ll understand why I won’t purchase another oven cleaner from the store again.