Close-up view of an oven interior showing baked-on grime and grease.
Interior view of an oven surface showing baked-on grime and grease.
Stubborn, baked-on grease often feels impossible to remove from kitchen appliances once it sets. However, a traditional chemical reaction remains the most effective strategy for restoring a dirty oven without relying on harsh commercial solvents.
A dirty oven base waiting for a deep cleaning treatment.
The Expert Behind the Method
Begoña Pérez, widely known as “La Ordenatriz,” has built a massive following by reviving forgotten household management techniques. With a background in Advertising and Public Relations, the Spanish author and television collaborator breaks down practical, high-impact cleaning solutions.
In her bestselling book, Soluciones de la A a la Z para pequeños dramas domésticos (Planeta), Pérez tackles the notorious issue of kitchen grease. She emphasizes the importance of choosing the right dish detergent, advocating for traditional neutral soaps over modern gels.
Neutral soaps offer a balanced pH and powerful degreasing capabilities while remaining gentle on delicate surfaces. Modern formulas also feature bactericidal properties, allowing you to disinfect areas prone to food residue and airborne bacteria.
Executing the Baking Soda and Vinegar Technique
For routine maintenance, Pérez recommends wiping down the oven walls with neutral dish soap and a green scouring pad. This should only be done once the appliance has cooled completely after baking.
When dealing with heavily encrusted grease, standard wiping is not enough. First, empty the oven entirely and soak the base thoroughly with cleaning vinegar.
Next, sprinkle baking soda generously over the vinegar, concentrating heavily on the thickest stains. The natural reaction will create a thick paste that needs to coat the entire affected base and lower walls.
The Heating and Resting Phase
Once the paste is applied, turn the oven on to 90 degrees Celsius for exactly 10 minutes. Turn the appliance off immediately after and let the mixture sit undisturbed for a minimum of two hours.
After the resting period, simply wipe away the dried paste with a damp cloth. Finish the process by lightly scrubbing the area again with neutral dish soap and a green scouring pad to reveal a pristine, undamaged enamel finish.
