Keeping an oven or stove top clean can often feel like an endless chore thanks to grease, which sticks firmly to surfaces and will not budge unless you use the right product. Grease from oil or food splatter will burn into a surface to become a tough grimy stain that is resistant to water-based cleaners, so will not break down no matter how hard you scrub it.
However, the experts at Arm and Hammer have shared getting rid of grease does not need to be difficult, as it can dissolve quickly if you just use baking soda. They explained: “Baking soda is alkaline, and oven grease made of food particles is typically acidic. Baking soda neutralises acids and breaks down the grease, allowing you to wipe it up without a lot of elbow grease.”
Baking soda is one of the easiest ways to remove grease thanks to its alkaline properties, but it is also mildly abrasive, so it can remove burn marks and stuck-on food.
It usually only takes 15 minutes to get rid of grease stains, so you can quickly clean your oven or stove hobs without using any harsh chemical products.
How to clean a oven or stove with baking soda
You will need:
- 120g of baking soda
- Three tablespoons of water
- Three clean cloths
- White vinegar (optional)
Method:
All you need to do is place the baking soda in a small bowl, and then add a little water. You want just enough water to create a paste that will have the consistency of pancake batter.
Remove any racks from the oven and any grates or caps on the stove. Place them in a basin of warm soapy water to make them easier to clean later.
Put on a pair of rubber gloves and smear the baking soda paste on the dirty stains on a oven or stove. Use the baking soda on glass or metal but avoid the heating element on the oven.
Leave the paste for 15 minutes to give it time to break down the stain, when wipe the stains with a wet cloth. You can mix one part white vinegar with three parts to make a more powerful cleaner to wipe down the stove or oven.
Use another wet cloth to get rid of any baking soda paste, then make sure all the surfaces are completely dry before cooking.
Wash anything soaking in the basin, and also make sure they are completely dry before switching on a stove or oven again.
Your oven and stove should now be completely grease free and be much easier to clean without having to scrub for ages or use pricey chemical products.