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**Step 1: Make the Baking Soda Paste**
Start by mixing **1/2 cup of baking soda** with enough **water** to form a thick paste. You want the consistency to be spreadable, not runny. Aim for a paste that sticks to your oven surfaces without dripping.
**Step 2: Apply the Paste**
Once the paste is ready, spread it generously over the interior of your oven, focusing on the areas with heavy grease or baked-on food. Be sure to cover the oven walls, bottom, and any spots where stains have built up. Avoid the heating elements and gas burners if you have a gas oven. Let the paste sit for at least 30 minutes, or for more stubborn stains, even overnight.
**Step 4: Wipe Away the Grime**
Using a damp cloth or sponge, begin to wipe away the paste and loosened grime. For any spots that require a little extra elbow grease, reapply a bit of vinegar to the cloth and scrub gently. The combination of baking soda and vinegar will have broken down most of the stubborn grease, making it easy to wipe away without harsh scrubbing.
**Step 5: Rinse and Dry**
Once you’ve removed all the paste and grime, give the oven a final rinse with a clean damp cloth to remove any leftover residue. Dry the oven with a clean towel to reveal a shiny, sparkling clean surface.
### Additional Tips for Success:
– **For Tough Stains**: If your oven has particularly stubborn stains, apply a thicker layer of the baking soda paste and let it sit longer—overnight if needed.
– **For a Fresh Scent**: To leave your oven smelling fresh, add a few drops of lemon essential oil or a small amount of lemon juice to the vinegar before spraying it. The citrus will cut through any remaining odors.
– **Regular Maintenance**: Regularly wipe down the oven after use to prevent grease buildup. This will make your cleaning sessions much easier in the long run.
By using these natural ingredients, Nana’s no-fuss oven cleaning method avoids the need for toxic commercial cleaners that can release harsh fumes and chemicals into your home. Plus, it’s affordable and gentle enough for regular use.
Try this trick the next time your oven needs a good clean, and you’ll see why it’s been passed down for generations!