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Non-Toxic Oven Cleaner

posted by Annie B. Bond Apr 5, 1999 6:53 am
Non-Toxic Oven Cleaner
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By Annie B. Bond, Care2 Green Living Executive Producer

You don’t have to use toxic commercial cleaners that can contaminate your food to clean your oven. There is a better way!

Commercial oven cleaners is very hard to rinse and the taste of it gets into food. Yum: Roast turkey a la Oven Cleaner. Many also get headaches when using commercial products.

Believe it or not, you can clean your oven safely with nothing
but baking soda and water. Give this a try, because it really works!

Most people can hardly believe that all I use for cleaning the oven is baking soda and water, and that the project requires no scrubbing. I suppose we have all been so brainwashed by household products companies that we mistakenly believe we
require powerful chemicals for cleaning. But most people don’t know that simple household minerals such as baking soda can clean like magic. The key is using enough of the mineral.

To clean my oven, I sprinkle baking soda all over the bottom
until it is covered completely with about 1/4 of an inch of baking soda. Then, using a clean spray bottle, I spray the baking soda with water until the baking soda is thoroughly damp but not
flooded. After that, this lazy cleaner goes off and does other things. When I think of it, I dampen the baking soda again if it is drying out. Before I go to bed, I do that again. When I
wake up in the morning, the baking soda can effortlessly be scooped out of the oven with a sponge, bringing all the grime with it. That’s it! The only downside is that you need to rinse
out the white residue left by the baking soda, but it sure beats Turkey à La Oven Cleaner because there are no fumes!
More on Non-Toxic Cleaning (109 articles available)
More from Annie B. Bond (3187 articles available)

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Better Basics for the Home

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28 Comments       add a comment »
Torrey Shannon

That's great news! I am glad to hear that the suggestions were helpful. Just make sure you use water with the pumice stone. It needs moisture when you use it on the stuck-on grime. Enjoy sparkling clean racks by using the pumice stone. You'd be amazed at the results.
For those interested, you can purchase high-quality pumice stones in the cosmetic section of most major drug store chains. The ones found in the cleaning aisle tend to fall apart quickly and crumble. Go for the cosmetic pumice stones for better results. Also, you can purchase bulk microfiber towels in Sam's Club, or buy packages in your auto detailing section of any major variety store. The auto detailing towels are larger and thicker. That's where we get ours.

Enjoy green cleaning!
Torrey
www.tailoredmaid.com

DC S.
  • DC S. says
  • Mar 12, 2008 12:44 PM

I used the baking soda paste this weekend and my oven is gleaming....and trust me, that is really something!! I found that less is more. And I left if overnight. The next morning I had to do a bit of scrubbing, but most of it came off with just a wipe. I used a microfibre cloth and that seemed to get it all. I will try a pumice stone on the bits that are still stuck on. To finish, I wiped the oven with vinegar and that seemed to get the rest of the residue. Nice thing is, if you don't get it all, it doesn't smell like chemicals burning!!

Torrey Shannon

Jennifer,
Not knowing how much you used, the age of your oven, or the technique you used...there are many variables. I would guess that you used too much baking soda or used too much water in the cleaning/wiping/scubbing process.
The trick is: Less is more. Use in small sections and thoroughly wipe down before adding more and moving to the next section. It takes time and patience, but it works. I am sorry to hear that you had difficulties. Try using a putty knife (not a paint scraper!) to the edges to help pull it off the corners. Be VERY gentle when doing this so you do not gouge or scratch the surface and make sure to moisten it first. It may also help to use microfiber towels when cleaning your oven so that you can use less water and pull more product off the surface. That's what we use.

Jennifer Olson

I found spreading the paste a real problem; how do you do it? I also found the baking soda residue a real pain to get out; it's stuck in all the corners of the oven. Also using the paste on the oven ceiling around the broiler, light, etc. created real problems. In fact, after doing this, my oven light no longer works, even after changing the bulb.

Torrey Shannon

I own a an all-natural maid service so I will give you some free advice for those asking about the sides and top:
Make a paste and smear on. :)
Also, I do not recommend using foil on the bottom simply because it reduces the efficiency of the oven and reduces air flow.
Lastly, you can use a pumice stone (wet) on your racks and stuck-on grime. For other great tips, see my site!
Torrey (www.tailoredmaid.com)

Sandra Seegert

Thank you, thank you, thank you all! My problem dirty oven is solved!

Olivia Geri

I use vinegar, water and a drop or two of dish detergent in a spray bottle. I love it ,it literally softens all the icky burnt stuff. I do have to scrub a bit but minimal scrubbing required. I also use this in place of windex and bleach.

Cynthia P.

Thank you Annie for the cleaning the oven with baking soda. Did you all know that you can also use baking soda to brush your teeth, it's a great whitener, but don't swallow it friends please. Big Hugs to all of you! :o)
Sincerely, Cynthia P.

Joan Szymanski-mills

what about the sides of the oven as they sometimes get dirty too

Elly Yule

Good one Annie, I was concerned that it might scratch the enamel but it seems to be okay. www.GrassdancerEssences.com

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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