Intro:
If oven cleaning makes you want to don a hazmat suit and hold your breath, you’re not alone. Most store-bought oven cleaners smell like a science experiment gone wrong—and worse, they often leave behind toxic residue. But don’t worry, friend: there’s a natural, no-fume, budget-friendly way to tackle those greasy splatters and burnt-on spills.

Say goodbye to chemical clouds and hello to a fresh, clean oven using just a few pantry staples you probably already have.

Why Go Natural?
Your oven cooks the food you feed your family—so the last thing you want is harsh chemical residue lingering where your casseroles and cookies go. This natural method is safe, simple, and surprisingly effective.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• A few tablespoons of water
• Optional: a few drops of essential oil (lemon or tea tree work great)
• White vinegar in a spray bottle
• A small bowl, sponge or cloth, and gloves (optional but helpful)

Step-by-Step: The Natural Oven-Cleaning Method

1. Mix the Magic Paste
   In a bowl, combine baking soda with just enough water to form a spreadable paste. Add a few drops of essential oil if you’d like a fresh scent (and an extra grease-fighting boost).
2. Apply It Like a Pro
   Remove oven racks. Using a sponge or cloth, spread the paste all over the interior of the oven—especially on grimy spots. Avoid the heating elements. It might look like a mess, but trust the process!
3. Let It Sit Overnight
   Close the oven and let the paste work its magic overnight (or at least 8 hours). While you sleep, the baking soda gently lifts grease, grime, and burnt-on bits.
4. Wipe It Down
   In the morning, use a damp cloth to wipe out as much of the paste as you can. Some spots might need a little elbow grease—don’t be shy!
5. Spritz the Vinegar
   Spray white vinegar on any remaining baking soda residue. It’ll fizz (yay, science!) and make it easier to wipe everything clean.
6. Final Buff
   Wipe it all down one last time with a clean, damp cloth. Admire that sparkle—your oven hasn’t looked this good in ages!

Bonus Tip:
Soak oven racks in your bathtub overnight with hot water and a few tablespoons of baking soda. Scrub in the morning and rinse clean.

Wrap-Up:
There you have it—a fume-free, budget-friendly way to get your oven gleaming without sacrificing your health or your weekend. With this natural method, you can skip the gloves, hold the gas mask, and still get sparkling results.

Got any oven-cleaning horror stories—or natural hacks that saved the day? Share them in the comments and let’s keep the savvy tips flowing!