How to Clean Your Entire Oven (Including the Window) With Minimal Effort – A Game-Changing Hack 🧼🔥

 

Let’s be honest — cleaning the oven is one of those chores we all put off until it looks like something out of a science experiment.

Grease buildup.

Burnt-on splatters.

Carbonized crusts from last year’s casserole mishap.

And don’t even get me started on that stubborn grime behind the glass on the oven door.

I used to rely on the self-clean function — until I realized it only gets you halfway there.

The real magic happens when you go beyond the button.

Thankfully, there’s a simple, natural way to clean your oven top to bottom — using ingredients most of us already have in the pantry.

Let’s explore how to tackle your oven from the inside out — with less elbow grease and more smart strategy.

 Why You Should Deep Clean Your Oven Regularly

Your oven works hard — but rarely gets the love it deserves.

Over time:

Grease builds up and becomes harder to remove

Food residue can burn and smoke during future baking

Odors linger, affecting how your food smells

Thick grime makes the self-clean cycle less effective

A clean oven isn’t just about looks — it improves performance, reduces fire risk, and keeps your meals tasting fresh.

So if you want your baked chicken to smell like herbs and not old cheese…

It’s worth the effort.

Even better?

This method works on:

Interior walls

Racks

Door window

Burner area

No toxic sprays required.

 Step-by-Step: The Effortless Way to Clean an Oven

What You’ll Need:

Baking soda

Baking ingredients

Natural abrasive that lifts grime

White vinegar

Activates baking soda and dissolves grease

Spray bottle

For misting and soaking

Sponge or soft cloth

Gentle scrubbing power

Old toothbrush

For tight corners and crevices

Microfiber cloth

For polishing the glass

Optional: lemon juice or essential oils

Adds freshness and shine

Step 1: Apply Baking Soda Paste Inside the Oven

Baking ingredients

Mix ½ cup baking soda with 2–3 tbsp water to create a thick paste.

Spread it liberally on the interior walls, floor, and around the edges — avoiding heating elements if possible.

Leave it overnight (or at least 8 hours).

 Why it works: Baking soda softens grime so it wipes away easily — no scraping needed.

Baking ingredients

Step 2: Add Vinegar for the Magic Reaction

Spray white vinegar directly onto the baking soda paste — watch it fizz and foam like a science fair project.

The reaction helps break down stuck-on gunk faster.

Use a sponge or cloth to wipe everything away — and marvel at how little effort it takes.

Step 3: Clean the Oven Window Like a Pro

The oven door glass is often the worst part — a foggy, greasy film that just won’t budge.

Here’s how to make it sparkle:

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle

Spray directly onto the glass

Wipe with a microfiber cloth in circular motion

For extra buildup, apply baking soda paste , let sit, then wipe again

 Pro Tip: Use crumpled newspaper for streak-free shine — seriously!

Step 4: Polish the Outside and Knobs

Wipe the oven exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap or vinegar solution.

For stainless steel surfaces:

Use a small amount of olive oil on a cloth for polish and protection

Buff in the direction of the grain for a showroom finish

Don’t forget the knobs — soak them in warm, soapy water and scrub gently.

Step 5: Reinsert Racks and Shine the Burners

While the oven dries, give the racks a quick wipe or soak in hot water and dish soap.

If they’re really stained:

Sprinkle baking soda and scrub lightly before reinserting

For gas burner caps:

Remove and rinse under warm water

Use a cotton swab to clear debris from tiny holes

Dry thoroughly before replacing

 Bonus Tips for Keeping Your Oven Cleaner Longer

Line oven racks with aluminum foil

Catches drips and makes cleanup easier

Wipe spills immediately after cooling

Prevents carbonization

Use oven-safe drip trays

Keeps mess contained

Avoid cooking sprays

They leave behind sticky residue that attracts grime

Clean oven monthly

Prevents extreme buildup

Also, consider placing a heatproof bowl of vinegar on the top rack while baking — it absorbs lingering odors and softens grime as you cook.

 When to Call in the Pros (Or Upgrade Your Routine)

If your oven has:

Heavy carbon buildup

Persistent burning smells

Electrical issues or faulty heating

It might be time to call a technician or upgrade your appliance.

But for everyday use?

This method will keep your oven sparkling — and smelling fresh — with minimal hassle.

 Final Thoughts: Cleaning the Oven Doesn’t Have to Be Gross — Just Smart

Oven cleaning may never make your list of favorite things to do…

But now you know how to do it quickly, safely, and without chemical fumes invading your home.

From the inside walls to the glass window — this hack covers it all.

So next time you catch a glimpse of that grimy oven door and feel defeated…

Don’t reach for gloves and a scraper.

Reach for baking soda and vinegar.

Because sometimes, the best cleaning tools aren’t expensive — they’re right in your pantry.

And once you open the oven to find it gleaming?

You’ll wonder why you ever feared this chore.