Oven Cleaner Paste with Soda Crystals
A thick Soda Crystals paste softens burnt-on food at the bottom of the oven, without harsh oven sprays.
Takes 20 minutes
What you’ll need
- 3 tbsp Soda Crystals
- About 1 tbsp Hot water
- Sponge, Magic Sponge or Scourer
- Rubber gloves
Method
- Mix 3 tablespoons of Soda Crystals with about 1 tablespoon of hot water until you get a nice paste.
- Spread the paste onto the stain, give it a gentle rub, and let it sit for a few minutes to tackle those stubborn spots. Just be cautious not to get any on the heating element as it might cause damage.
- Soda Crystals can leave a white residue, so make sure to thoroughly rinse away all traces before using the oven again.
cleaning oven with Soda Crystals
Remove burned-on and stuck-on food from the bottom of the oven.
Burnt-on oven grime is mostly carbonised fat. Strong alkalinity breaks it down so it can be wiped off.
The science: Sodium carbonate (PubChem, NIH) →
Whilst Soda Crystals are a natural cleaning wonder, there are some things that should not be cleaned with them because of their abrasive properties (can scratch delicate surfaces).
Polished/Waxed/Lacquered Surfaces:
Due to its abrasiveness, Soda Crystals should not be used on fibreglass or polished/waxed surfaces as they may cause damage. The same applies to lacquered or varnished surfaces as Soda Crystals can damage the lacquer and leave a dull finish.
Aluminium:
Soda Crystals should not be used on aluminium products, such as aluminium pans, utensils, or window frames. This is because Soda Crystals can corrode aluminium and will discolour them.
Store Soda Crystals in a labelled airtight container in a cool and dry place, out of reach of kids and pets. Get a container with a tight seal, such as our glass jars to maximise its shelf life, but it also makes it easier to scoop out when needed for cleaning.
Whilst Soda Crystals are a very environmentally friendly and safe Natural Cleaning ingredient, it is important to bear in mind that it is still a chemical. As such the powder can still cause damage and irritation if handled incorrectly.
It is not edible, should not be inhaled, and can damage eyes (flush the exposed areas with large quantities of water). Wear gloves when cleaning with Soda Crystals as prolonged contact with the skin when used in high concentrations can also cause irritation.
B&M Pro-Tip 1:
Clean while the oven is still slightly warm, never hot: warmth softens the grease. Hot or cold water? →
B&M Pro-Tip 2:
Switch the oven off at the socket and take the racks out first. Leave the paste overnight for really baked-on grease, and sprinkle a little Bicarbonate of Soda on stubborn spots for extra scrubbing power.
B&M Pro-Tip 3:
Orange Essential Oil is a great degreaser for hobs and cooker hoods. Which oil for which job →
Quick questions
Is it safe on enamel ovens?
Yes. Keep it off the heating element and rinse well.
Why the white marks?
Dried Soda Crystals. Wipe again with clean water.
Try this next: Oven Door Cleaner →
