5 Easy Oven Cleaning Hacks—The Homestead Way

“There’s peace in knowing your home shines because of the simple things—vinegar, baking soda, and a little love.”
Joys of Homemaking

Cleaning the oven isn’t anyone’s idea of a cozy afternoon. But lately, I’ve been leaning back into simpler, gentler ways to care for my home—the kind our grandmothers might’ve used. No harsh chemicals, no eye-watering fumes—just honest ingredients that already live in your pantry and still work like a charm.

There’s a quiet satisfaction in cleaning this way. Maybe it’s the scent of warm vinegar lemon or baking soda doing their dance, or maybe it’s knowing that what you’re using is safe for your home, your hands, and your family.

Studies even show that too many chemical cleaners can hurt the air quality inside your house—and over time, they can take a toll on your breathing. Around here, I’d rather fill my kitchen with the smell of bread rising or stew simmering than bleach and chemical fog.

So, whether your oven needs a good deep clean or just a little spruce-up before company comes, these old-fashioned, natural tricks make it simple. No endless scrubbing, no chemical haze—just good, wholesome cleaning that works.

If you’re ready to bring back that warm, well-loved shine to your oven, gather your simple supplies and let’s get started. We’ll make that oven gleam again, the homestead way.

1. Use Lemon Steam to Clean and Freshen Your Oven

Skip the chemical sprays—this lemon steam method is a quick and natural way to loosen grease and freshen up your oven. It uses ingredients you already have in the kitchen and takes very little prep. Best of all, there’s no scrubbing needed—just wipe and go.

Steps:

Cut two lemons in half and squeeze the juice into a baking dish.
Place the lemon halves in the dish and fill it about one-third full with water.
Set the dish on the middle rack of the oven.
Heat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes.
Turn off the oven and let it cool slightly.
Wipe the inside with a damp cloth or non-scratch scouring pad to remove loosened grime.

2. Vinegar and Lemon Peel Spray

Don't throw away your lemon peels! Collect them in a jar and mix with white vinegar. This one’s as simple as it is satisfying—a little patience, a few lemon peels, and you’ll have a natural cleaner that smells like sunshine.

Steps:

Save your peels. After using lemons for cooking or tea, don’t toss those peels. Place them in a clean glass jar.
Add vinegar. Pour white vinegar over the lemon peels until they’re fully covered. Seal the jar and let it sit for about 5 to 7 days in a cool, dark spot—your pantry works perfectly.
Strain and store. After it’s infused, strain out the peels and pour the golden liquid into a spray bottle.
Use it to clean. Spray the mixture inside your oven (avoiding the heating elements), let it sit for about 10–15 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. For tougher spots, sprinkle a little baking soda first, then spray the solution over it—the fizzing action helps lift grime naturally.

The vinegar cuts through grease while the lemon oils add a fresh scent and a touch of natural antibacterial power. No fumes, no chemicals—just a clean, citrusy oven that smells like home.

3. Lift Tough Oven Messes with Baking Soda Paste and Vinegar Spray

If you’ve got a bit of extra time, the baking soda and vinegar method is a great way to deep clean your oven– no heavy scrubbing needed. It's gentle and super effective, and the fizzy reaction helps break down burnt-on food and grease like magic.

Steps:

Remove oven racks, pizza stone, and anything else inside. Set them aside.
Mix ½ cup baking soda with about 3 tablespoons of water. Adjust to make a spreadable paste.
Put on gloves if your oven is especially dirty. Spread the paste all over the oven interior, avoiding the heating elements.
Let it sit overnight, or at least 12 hours.
Use a damp cloth to wipe out the dried paste. A spatula can help loosen stubborn spots.
Spray white vinegar on any leftover baking soda. It will bubble and lift grime.
Wipe everything clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Repeat if needed.
Put the racks and other items back once the oven is dry.

4. Freshen Oven Smells with Vanilla

Want your oven to smell fresh naturally? After giving it a good clean with vinegar and baking soda, try adding a little vanilla. Just a splash can leave a warm, inviting scent behind. It’s not really for cleaning, but it’s the perfect final touch to make your oven smell amazing.

If you are choosing between vanilla extract and vanilla essence, both will do a good job, but vanilla essence is often the better choice because its scent is more concentrated and lasts longer.

Steps:

Rinse a clean sponge in warm water.
Wring the sponge out to prevent dripping.
Apply some vanilla to the sponge.
Thoroughly wipe down the inside oven walls with the sponge.
Dry the oven with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Related: Homemade Vanilla Extract

5. Polish Your Oven with Cream of Tartar and Baking Soda

Cream of tartar isn’t just for baking—it also works as a gentle, natural cleaner. When you mix it with baking soda, it forms a mild paste that lifts grime and helps restore your oven’s shine.

Steps:

Mix 1 tablespoon cream of tartar with 3 tablespoons of baking soda.
Sprinkle the mixture over the oven’s interior surfaces.
Wipe away with a damp cloth or sponge, ensuring the surface isn’t left too wet to avoid water spots.
For best results, apply using a clean rag or an inexpensive paint brush, then wipe off with another clean rag or brush.

Do’s and Don’ts for Easy Oven Cleaning

Cleaning your oven can be simple when you know the right way to do it. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you avoid hassle down the line and keep your oven in great shape.

Do’s When Cleaning Oven

Start with a Cool and Empty Oven.

Before you clean your oven, make sure your oven has completely cooled down. Take out the pots, pans, and oven racks so you can reach all the corners. If you see any loose crumbs or chunks of debris, use a spatula to gently scrape them off.

More than two-thirds of home cooking fires start when cooking materials—like food, fat, or grease—catch fire. In half of those cases, the first thing to ignite was cooking oil, grease, or something similar. Keeping your oven free of grease and buildup helps lower the risk of fire and keeps your kitchen safer.

Use the Self-Cleaning Feature Carefully

If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, use it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. The self-cleaning cycle heats the oven to very high temperatures, which burns away food residue and turns it into ash that can be easily wiped clean. This is helpful because it makes cleaning quick and easy. To protect your oven’s components, avoid running the cycle more often than recommended, as frequent use can shorten their lifespan.

Don’ts When Cleaning Oven

Don’t Use Abrasive Cleaning Tools

Never clean your oven with steel wool or harsh abrasive tools, as they can easily scratch and harm the oven’s surfaces. Instead, go for soft sponges or cloth to remove dirt and grime gently. Using gentle cleaning materials protects your oven while still getting it clean effectively.

Don’t Forget to Clean Regularly

Keeping your oven in good shape requires regular maintenance. Be sure to schedule deep cleaning sessions regularly and do light cleaning after each use. Consistent care helps prevent grime buildup and extend the oven’s lifespan.

It's best to perform a thorough cleaning every three to six months, depending on how often you use the oven.

Key Takeaways

A clean oven can make your whole kitchen feel fresh again—and cooking just a little more enjoyable. It might not be the most exciting task on your list, but finding an easy, natural way to get it done can really make a difference.

Whether you’ve got a favorite method or you’re trying a few of the simple tips mentioned above, cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. And while you’re at it, give your stovetop a quick wipe too—because a clean stove and oven together make the kitchen feel cared for and ready for the next good meal.

So if oven cleaning has been sitting on your to-do list (and let’s be honest, it’s been on all of ours), take this as your gentle reminder to just get it done. It’s easier than you think—and once you see that shine, you’ll be glad you did.