💨 New year, New can-do Oven Cleaning Hack 💨

Happy New Year, y’all. While you’re tackling all the big resolutions on the old list, we thought we’d give you an easy, quick, can-do oven “steam” cleaning hack to start off your new year right — and if you’re oven was the work horse of the home this holiday season, it could really use it.

We know steam cleaners are so hot right now but you can DIY steam clean your oven and achieve the same results without one! With just a few household items and a little elbow grease, it’ll be like your oven went on a New Years’ “cleanse.”

What You’ll Need:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• A large oven-safe bowl or baking dish
• Water
• A sponge or microfiber cloth
• Optional: Lemon juice for added grease-cutting power

Prep the Oven Before starting, remove all but one oven racks and any loose debris from inside the oven. You can clean the racks separately using the same steam-cleaning technique or soak them in soapy water for easier scrubbing.

Create the Steam Cleaning Solution Fill your oven-safe bowl or baking dish with about 2-3 cups of water. Add a cup of white vinegar to the water. For a fresh scent and extra grease-cutting power, squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mixture. And toss the skin/pith into the dish.

Heat the Oven Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Once it reaches the desired temperature, carefully place the bowl or dish with the vinegar solution on the middle rack.

Let It Steam Close the oven door and let the mixture steam inside for 30 minutes. The steam will help loosen baked-on grime and grease, making it way easier to wipe away.

Cool and Wipe After 30 minutes, turn off the oven and carefully open the door to let it cool for a few minutes. Be cautious, as the steam will be hot. Take out the dish and dispose. Once the oven is cool enough to the touch, use a damp sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened grime. For stubborn spots, sprinkle a little baking soda directly onto the surface and scrub gently.

Rinse and Finish Dampen a fresh cloth with clean water and wipe down the inside of the oven to remove any residue from the cleaning solution. Dry the surface with a clean towel.

Cleaning the Oven Racks While the oven is steaming, soak the racks in a bathtub or large sink filled with hot water and a few tablespoons of dish soap or baking soda. After soaking for 30 minutes, scrub them with a non-abrasive sponge, rinse, and dry before returning them to the oven.

Maintenance Tips:

• Wipe up spills immediately after the oven cools to prevent them from hardening.
• Repeat the steam-cleaning process every 3-4 months to keep your oven looking and working like new.
• Consider using a baking sheet or foil under dishes prone to spilling to minimize mess.