Best Oven Cleaning Hacks You Need to Try

I’ve spent a good chunk of my life in kitchens, both at home and professionally. One thing I quickly learned is how much oven cleaning hacks simplify the process. Hacks save me valuable time and reduce the hassle and frustration of scrubbing stubborn grime. Today, I’ll share my favorite oven cleaning hacks that actually work, and make your life in the kitchen easier too.

Hack #1: Aluminum Foil Drip Guard

One simple trick I swear by is using aluminum foil as a drip guard. It catches drips from dishes like pies, casseroles, or roasted meats. Just lay foil directly on the rack beneath the cooking food. Never place foil directly on the oven floor, as it can cause overheating. Using foil as a drip guard makes cleanups incredibly easy since you toss the foil afterward.

Hack #2: Salt for Fresh Oven Spills

Here’s a quick fix I’ve relied on countless times. When something spills in the oven, quickly sprinkle salt directly onto the spill while it’s still fresh. Salt instantly absorbs the spill, preventing it from burning or sticking to surfaces. Once the oven cools, easily sweep or vacuum up the dried salt and mess. Timing is key—apply salt immediately for the best results.

Hack #3: Vanilla Extract for Removing Bad Odors

After cooking something strong, like fish or garlic-heavy dishes, your oven can hold onto smells. A small amount of vanilla extract solves this instantly. Simply pour a teaspoon of vanilla extract into an oven-safe bowl. Heat the oven gently at around 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Vanilla steam neutralizes odors, leaving a fresh, clean scent.

Hack #4: Dryer Sheets for Oven Racks

I’ve soaked oven racks overnight, but dryer sheets changed my game completely. Dryer sheets loosen baked-on grease and grime faster than soaking racks in soap alone. Place racks in your bathtub, add warm water, and toss in a few dryer sheets. Let them sit overnight, then simply wipe away grime with ease. The coating on dryer sheets breaks down grease surprisingly well.

Hack #5: Cream of Tartar Paste for Stainless Steel

Cream of tartar isn’t just for baking—it’s fantastic for stainless steel cleaning too. Mix equal parts cream of tartar and water to create a gentle paste. Apply it directly onto stainless steel surfaces, rubbing gently with a soft cloth. Rinse with water and buff dry. This paste cleans effectively without scratching, leaving your stainless steel looking polished and new.

Hack #6: Newspaper for Streak-Free Oven Glass

One trick I learned early—and still swear by—is using newspaper to clean oven glass. It might sound odd, but newspaper works far better than paper towels, which often leave behind lint and streaks. Newspaper has tightly packed fibers that absorb cleaner efficiently, leaving a crystal-clear finish.

Spray your favorite glass cleaner or vinegar-water mix onto the oven door. Crumple a sheet of newspaper into a loose ball and wipe gently in circular motions. You’ll quickly notice how effortlessly grime and fingerprints vanish, leaving streak-free, perfectly clear glass every time.

Hack #7: Vegetable Oil to Prevent Future Buildup

Here’s an easy preventative trick—not just cleaning, but preventing messes before they start. After cleaning your oven thoroughly, lightly coat oven racks and inner walls with a thin layer of vegetable oil. It might sound counterintuitive, but it truly helps.

The oil creates a protective barrier, making future spills or grease splatters far easier to clean up. Use a soft cloth to apply a very thin, even coat—no drips. This simple step reduces cleaning effort dramatically later, keeping grime from sticking stubbornly to oven surfaces.

Hack #8: Shaving Cream for Oven Door Grease

Surprisingly, plain shaving cream is an exceptional grease fighter for oven doors. Traditional foamy shaving cream—not gel—contains mild cleansers and softeners that dissolve greasy film easily.

Spray a generous layer of shaving cream onto greasy oven door stains. Wait about ten minutes, allowing it to break down grime. Then wipe off gently with a damp cloth. You’ll see grease lift away effortlessly, leaving your oven door sparkling and fresh-smelling without harsh chemicals.

Hack #9: Tea Bags to Degrease Oven Windows

Here’s another unusual yet brilliant solution—regular tea bags. Tea naturally contains tannins that cut through greasy residues effectively. I’ve used this many times, and it truly works wonders.

Steep two or three regular black tea bags in hot water, let them cool slightly, then dampen a cloth in the tea. Gently wipe your oven window. The tea cuts through greasy buildup quickly, leaving your oven glass clear and clean. It’s completely natural, chemical-free, and works surprisingly fast.

Hack #10: Chalk to Absorb Grease and Moisture

A little-known trick I picked up years ago involves regular chalk—the kind kids use for sidewalk drawings. Chalk is incredibly effective at absorbing grease and excess moisture inside your oven, reducing sticky buildup.

Place a few sticks of plain white chalk inside your oven, near corners or at the bottom away from heating elements. Chalk naturally absorbs grease and humidity, keeping your oven fresher between cleanings. Replace every month or so, and you’ll be amazed how much cleaner your oven stays with almost no extra effort.

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