Why go chemical-free
Oven cleaners from the hardware store may promise “easy” results, but they often contain corrosive agents like sodium hydroxide (lye) that can:
- Irritate skin, eyes, and lungs
- Leave lingering fumes in your kitchen
- Damage oven seals and finishes
For homes in Redondo Beach and South Bay, where ocean breezes invite open-window living, natural cleaning not only protects your health but also keeps your indoor air safe for kids, pets, and guests.
Safety first — even without chemicals
Before you start:
- Unplug the oven or switch it off at the breaker
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from grease and hot water
- Make sure the kitchen is well-ventilated — open windows or turn on the range hood
Remove oven racks & accessories
Take out racks, pizza stones, thermometers, and trays. Cleaning these separately will make the main oven cleaning faster and more thorough.
- Soak racks in a bathtub or large sink with warm water + ½ cup baking soda for at least 4 hours (overnight for heavy grease).
- Scrub gently with a non-abrasive brush and rinse.
Make your natural oven cleaner
In a bowl, combine:
- ½ cup baking soda (mild abrasive)
- 2–3 tbsp water (enough to form a spreadable paste)
- Optional: a few drops of lemon juice or essential oil for scent
Why it works:
- Baking soda breaks down grease and neutralizes odors
- Water softens baked-on food without corrosive damage
Apply the paste
- Spread the paste over the entire interior surface, avoiding the heating elements.
- Pay extra attention to the back wall and corners where grease splatters accumulate.
- For tough spots, layer the paste thicker.
Pro tip for Redondo Beach homes: Coastal humidity can soften old grease, making it easier to remove if you preheat the oven to just warm (around 150°F), then turn it off before applying the paste.
Let it sit overnight
Give the baking soda paste 12 hours to work. During this time, it:
- Loosens burnt residue
- Neutralizes odors
- Softens hardened spills
If you’re short on time, let it sit at least 4 hours — but overnight delivers the best results.
Wipe & rinse
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the paste and loosened grime.
- Rinse the cloth often in warm water to avoid re-spreading grease.
- For stubborn spots, scrape gently with a silicone spatula.
Tackle stubborn areas with vinegar spray
- Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Mist over any baking soda residue — it will fizz, lifting away the last bits of paste.
- Wipe clean with a fresh cloth.
Clean the oven door glass naturally
Mix:
- ¼ cup baking soda
- Enough water to form a thin paste
Apply to the inside glass, let sit 30 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge and rinse.
For exterior glass, use vinegar + water and a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.
Prevent future buildup
- Line the bottom with a reusable oven liner (heat-safe and dishwasher-friendly)
- Wipe small spills as soon as the oven cools
- Give the oven a light baking soda wipe-down every 2–3 months to avoid deep cleans
Local tip for South Bay kitchens
In beachside communities like Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach, the combination of salt air + humidity can make grease and food residue slightly tackier, which means it traps dust faster. More frequent light cleanings will keep your oven fresh between deep cleans.
When DIY isn’t enough
If your oven has:
- Years of baked-on carbon
- Persistent burnt smells
- Visible smoke during preheating
…it may need a professional deep clean. At Flash Guys Cleaning, our Oven Cleaning Add-On uses safe, high-efficiency methods that remove stubborn residue without toxic fumes — perfect for South Bay homes.
FAQ: how to clean an oven without chemicals
Q: Can I clean my oven with just baking soda and water?
A: Yes, for most light to moderate messes. For heavy buildup, add vinegar spray after baking soda to boost cleaning power.
Q: Is lemon juice safe for oven cleaning?
A: Yes, but use sparingly. It’s mildly acidic and helps cut grease, but can corrode aluminum parts over time.
Q: How often should I clean my oven?
A: Light cleaning every 2–3 months, deep cleaning twice a year for typical home cooking — more often for frequent bakers.
