How to Clean an Oven Before the Holidays (Without Harsh Fumes)

Holiday cooking is the perfect reason to finally clean the oven. This method uses simple household ingredients and avoids strong chemical fumes.

What you need

• Baking soda
• White vinegar in a spray bottle
• Water, gloves and a scraper or old card
• Cloths and a non-scratch scrubber

Step by step

1. Remove racks and soak them in hot, soapy water.
2. Make a paste of half a cup of baking soda and a few tablespoons of water.
3. Spread the paste over the inside of the oven, avoiding the heating elements.
4. Leave it overnight, or for at least 12 hours.
5. Wipe and scrape away the paste with a damp cloth and scraper.
6. Spray with vinegar where white residue remains; it will fizz.
7. Wipe clean and dry.
8. Scrub the racks, rinse and replace.

Self-cleaning ovens

If your oven has a self-clean or pyrolytic function, follow the manual and ventilate the kitchen. Don't run it right before a big meal in case it locks or fails.

Keep it clean

Put a baking tray on a lower shelf to catch drips, and wipe up spills once the oven has cooled.