Salt is a common seasoning used in cooking, but did you know that it can also be used for cleaning? When it comes to cleaning your oven, salt can be a powerful and natural alternative to harsh chemicals. Not only is it better for the environment, but it can also save you money in the long run.
The power of salt lies in its abrasive properties, which can help to scrub away tough stains and grime. When combined with other natural ingredients such as baking soda and vinegar, salt can create a powerful cleaning solution that is effective and safe to use.
Whether you have a self-cleaning oven or not, using salt to clean your oven can help to keep it looking and functioning like new.
Why Use Salt To Clean Your Oven
In general, using salt to clean your oven gives you a natural product that is abrasive and non-toxic. You can simply mix a little salt and water to make an odorless paste that will cut through grease and grime.
When you take the time to clean your oven, there are a variety of products and methods available. However, many of these products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both you and the environment such as Butane and Sodium Hydroxide. That’s where salt comes in as a natural and non-toxic alternative.
Benefits of Using Salt
- Effective Cleaning: Salt is a powerful abrasive that can help to remove stubborn stains and grime from your oven. When combined with other natural ingredients, such as baking soda and vinegar, it can create a powerful cleaning solution that is tough on dirt but gentle on surfaces.
- Non-Toxic: Unlike many commercial oven cleaners, salt is completely non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets. It won’t release any harmful fumes or chemicals into the air, making it a healthier and more environmentally-friendly option.
- All-Natural: Salt is a natural substance that is found in abundance in the earth. It doesn’t contain any synthetic ingredients or additives, making it a pure and natural choice for cleaning your oven.
- Affordable: Salt is an inexpensive and readily available ingredient that can be found in most grocery stores. It’s much more affordable than many commercial oven cleaners, which can be quite expensive.
- High Temperatures: Salt can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for use in ovens and other appliances that get hot. It won’t break down even when exposed to high heat, so if a little residual salt doesn’t get wiped out of the oven during the cleaning process, it won’t be a hazard.
- Fire Hazard: Unlike some other natural cleaning products, such as oils and fats, salt is not a fire hazard. It won’t ignite or cause a fire, making it a safe and effective choice for cleaning your oven.
And it’s not just ovens. Salt pastes can be used to clean all sorts of areas of your home. You can even add essential oils like lavender or citrus to help freshen up your kitchen, bathroom, or other areas.
Preparing Your Oven for Cleaning
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to prepare your oven properly. This will ensure that you have all the necessary supplies and that you don’t damage your oven during the cleaning process.
Gathering Supplies
Before you clean your oven, you’ll need to gather some supplies:
- A scrub brush
- A plastic scraper
- A microfiber cloth
- A wet cloth
- Steel wool (optional)
- Rubber gloves (optional, but helpful)
- Access to water nearby
Removing Racks and Accessories
Next, remove the oven racks and any accessories from the oven. This will make it easier to clean the oven and ensure that you don’t damage any of the accessories during the cleaning process.
If you have a gas oven, make sure to turn off the gas supply before removing any parts from the oven. This will ensure your safety during the cleaning process.
Once you’ve removed the racks and accessories, place them in a sink or bathtub filled with hot, soapy water. Let them soak while you clean the oven.
Making a Salt Paste
Ingredients
To make a salt paste to clean your oven, you will need:
- 3/4 cup of table salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate is also a salt!)
- About 1/4 cup of water, then add a bit more as needed to form a paste about the thickness of toothpaste
Instructions
- Barely moisten each area to be treated with plain water. You can use a wet cleaning rag or sponge. If you use a spray bottle of water – go easy and avoid letting water drip into any oven openings
- Spread the paste over the interior of the oven, paying special attention to areas with stubborn crud or tough stains. Avoid any openings and any of the working parts of the oven such as heating elements or gas nozzles.
- Let the paste sit for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight, depending on the severity of the grime.
- Scrape away the paste with a plastic scraper or spatula, removing as much of the grime as possible. Remove chunks of dried paste manually or by vacuuming.
- Wipe down the entire oven with a damp cloth to remove any remaining salt residue.
Using a salt paste is an easy and natural way to clean your oven without harsh chemicals. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive, while the paste helps to loosen and dissolve tough stains. With a little bit of scrubbing and patience, your oven will be sparkling clean in no time!
Cleaning the Oven Knobs and Control Panel
You can make a general cleaning spray that nice for cleaning up counters, spills on vinyl or laminate flooring, and in this case, it will help clean the top of your oven (range) and all the knobs and controls.
In a 16 ounce spray bottle, add 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 tablespoons table salt, a few drops of dish soap (the grease cutting agents in Dawn Dishwashing liquid make it my preference ) and then fill the bottle with water and shake well to mix.
Prepare for Next Time
Once your oven is clean and shiny, consider this tip I learned from a woman who runs a professional house cleaning business. Once you have a clean oven – or when buying a new oven, consider putting a teflon mat in the bottom. Thin sheets of teflon oven mat can be custom cut with scissors to exactly fit the bottom of your oven. The worst of oven spills and boil-overs then land on the mat. When the oven is cool, you simply pull out the teflon mat and rinse it in the sink. Spills just drop right off of the mat with little effort. Mats will last for many years – sometimes as long as the oven itself.
Final Thoughts
Using salt to clean your oven is a simple, natural, and effective way to remove stubborn stains and grease buildup. It is also a cost-effective alternative to harsh chemical cleaners that can be harmful to your health and the environment.
Natural ingredients may not be as effective as commercial oven cleaners, especially for heavily soiled ovens. However, natural cleaning methods are a safer, more eco-friendly option that can work well for routine maintenance.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily clean your oven using salt and a few basic household items. Whether you are looking to save money, reduce your exposure to chemicals, or simply prefer natural cleaning solutions, salt is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals.
