How to Clean a Burnt Oven Bottom

Mix baking soda with water to make a paste to make a simple cleaner. Mix 1/2 cup (260 g) of baking soda and 2-3 tablespoons (30 -45 ml) of water in a small bowl, put on gloves, and spread the mixture over the burned area. Leave it on overnight for the dirt to soften. ^[7]

• When applying the mixture, you should try to rub into the most stubborn stains. The baking soda mixture will turn brown. ^[8]
• Add vinegar to the baking soda mixture to increase the effectiveness. Another way is to spray vinegar on the mixture just before scrubbing it off. The vinegar will react with the baking soda and increase the cleaning power.

Bake lemons in the oven to clean the oven naturally. Cut 2 lemons in half and squeeze the juice into an oven-safe bowl or baking dish. Place the whole lemon zest in a bowl and add water to fill 1/3 of the bowl or baking dish. Install a griddle in the center of the oven, place a bowl of lemon juice on it and bake for 30 minutes at 120 degrees Celsius. The steam from the lemon juice will soak through the burnt residue, making it easier to clean. ^[9]

• It is normal for the oven to smoke during this process. You can ventilate by turning on the fan in the oven and opening a window nearby.
• Wait for the oven to cool and remove the grill before wiping away any stains.

Use store-bought cleaning products if you don’t mind using harsh chemicals. These products will be more effective than other methods, so you’ll probably want to use them if your oven is too dirty. However, these cleaners can be toxic, so you need to clean them thoroughly before cooking food in the oven. Spray the cleaning solution on the burned area and let it soak for at least 20-30 minutes. ^[10]

• Wear safety glasses and thick gloves to prevent chemicals from splashing on your face or soaking through your skin if you use harsh cleaners.
• Read the directions for use on the package to find out how much to use and how long to wait for it to absorb.

Avoid spraying any cleaners on the oven’s heating element. Whether using natural or chemical cleaners, you should try not to spray on the heating elements. When you turn on the oven for cooking, the heating rods can heat the cleaning product and release gases that can change the taste of food. ^[11]

• For electric ovens, lift up the thick metal rod (also the heating element) and spray the cleaner underneath. If it’s a gas oven, don’t spray any cleaners on the gas valve or igniter.
• If you accidentally get the cleaner on the heating rods, wipe it off with a rag dipped in water.

Wipe off detergent and residue with a damp rag. Wash and wring the rag several times during the cleaning process. Remember to clean the cleaner from every nook and cranny in the oven. ^[12] Read product labels and follow directions if you use commercial cleaning products.

• If using a baking soda mixture, pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the mixture before wiping it off. The salt and vinegar mixture will bubble up making it easy to see. ^[13]
• If using lemon to clean the oven, you can use the remaining lemon juice to scrub the burnt areas. ^[14]
• The plastic spatula can also help you scrape off burnt food. ^[15]

Use a scouring pad to scrub away any remaining dirt. Moisten the scouring pad and scrub away stubborn stains that are not easy to remove. Microfibre sponges or steel rods are also effective. ^[16]

Wipe one last time with a wet rag and wait for it to dry. Use a clean rag to wipe the bottom of the oven again to ensure that all dirt, food particles, and detergent are completely removed. Let the oven air dry or use a clean towel to dry. ^[17]

• If you use a strong detergent, you may want to clean it again with a little dishwashing liquid to make sure no harmful chemicals are left.
• If you see any remaining stains, spray vinegar on and continue wiping with a wet rag. Vinegar will help you clean stubborn stains.