Cleaning an oven can feel like a battle especially when burnt-on grease, caramelized spills, and months-old grime refuse to budge. Fortunately, several DIY oven cleaning solutions work surprisingly well without relying on harsh chemical cleaners.
Based on real testing and years of home-cleaning experience, here are 7 trusted methods that make tough oven stains easier to remove.
1. The Baking Soda + Vinegar Paste (The Classic That Still Works)
This remains one of the most powerful natural solutions for tough oven buildup. Mix ½ cup baking soda with 2–3 tablespoons of water until it forms a spreadable paste. Apply it over baked-on grease, leave it for 10–12 hours, then spray vinegar on top.
The fizzing reaction helps lift burnt food naturally.
For extremely stubborn areas, gently scrub using a soft scrub sponge like this non-scratch Scotch-Brite sponge (Amazon link recommended for reliability).
2. Lemon Steam Cleaning for Melted Grease
If the stain is greasy or sticky, steam loosens everything. Cut two lemons, squeeze them into an oven-safe bowl with water, place it in the oven, and heat at 250°F for 30 minutes.
When you wipe afterward, grime comes off easily. It’s also great for removing strong burnt-food smells.
3. Dawn Dish Soap Degreaser Solution
For thick grease layers, a mix of Dawn dish soap + hot water works better than most people expect. Dawn cuts through oil quickly and safely.
Use a microfiber cleaning cloth (Amazon basics microfiber pack works great) for streak-free wiping.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide + Baking Soda for Burnt Sugar & Sticky Stains
When something sugary spills and bakes onto the oven surface, it becomes extremely hard to remove.
Mix:
- 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide
- 1 tbsp baking soda
Spread on stains, let sit 15 minutes, and wipe. This combo breaks down caramelization better than regular vinegar.
5. Salt + Baking Soda Scrub for Fresh Spills
If something spills while cooking, sprinkle salt + baking soda directly onto the hot stain (after turning off the oven). When it cools, wipe with a damp cloth.
This prevents burnt layers from forming and saves hours of scrubbing later.
6. Razer Scraper for Extremely Tough, Stuck-On Spots
Sometimes DIY solutions loosen stains, but a thin layer still remains. A razor scraper helps safely remove the final layer—but only use it on glass oven doors, not metal interior surfaces.
Use gentle pressure and short strokes.
(Choosing a scraper with safety covers and replaceable blades from Amazon is helpful.)
7. Overnight Oven-Spray Alternative (DIY Version)
Instead of commercial sprays, make your own:
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Heat until slightly thick, pour into a spray bottle, and shake. It sticks to vertical surfaces similarly to store-bought oven sprays and works well when left overnight.
⭐ Final Thoughts
DIY oven cleaning doesn’t have to be exhausting—these simple, inexpensive solutions can remove even the toughest stains without chemicals. From baking soda pastes to lemon steam, each method targets a different type of grime, making your oven cleaner, safer, and fresher.
