How to Clean Burnt Food from Your Oven Quickly

If your oven looks like a blackened pancake after a cooking mishap, you’re not alone. Burnt food can stick to the walls, racks, and the bottom panel, making the whole kitchen smell like smoke. The good news is you don’t need expensive chemicals or a professional call‑out. With a few kitchen staples and a bit of elbow grease, you can bring your oven back to a clean, safe state.

What You Need

Gather these items before you start. They’re cheap, easy to find, and safe for most oven surfaces:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Dish soap (a few drops of gentle detergent)
• Spray bottle
• Soft scrubbing pad or non‑abrasive sponge
• Old toothbrush for tight spots
• Micro‑fiber cloth or paper towels

Having everything ready saves you from stopping midway and keeps the cleaning flow smooth.

Step‑by‑Step Cleaning Process

1. Cool down and remove loose debris. Make sure the oven is completely cool. Open the door, pull out the racks, and brush away any loose crumbs or charred pieces with a dry towel.

2. Soak the racks. Place the racks in a bathtub or large sink. Fill with hot water, add a squirt of dish soap, and let them sit while you work on the oven interior. The heat loosens the burnt residues.

3. Make a baking‑soda paste. In a small bowl, mix three parts baking soda with one part water until you get a thick paste. Baking soda is mildly abrasive but safe for enamel and metal.

4. Apply the paste. Spread the paste over the burnt spots on the oven walls and bottom. Focus on the worst areas first. The paste will start to fizz as it reacts with the residue.

5. Let it sit. Allow the paste to work for 15‑20 minutes. For heavy carbon buildup, you can leave it longer, even up to an hour. The longer it sits, the easier the grime lifts.

6. Spray vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and lightly mist the baking‑soda coated areas. The vinegar will cause a gentle bubbling reaction that helps lift the burnt layer.

7. Scrub gently. Using a soft scrubbing pad, wipe the area in circular motions. For corners and tight seams, use an old toothbrush. You’ll see the burnt food break away without scratching the surface.

8. Wipe clean. Dampen a clean cloth with warm water and wipe away the paste, vinegar, and loosened grime. Rinse the cloth often to avoid spreading the residue.

9. Clean the racks. After the soaking time, scrub the racks with the same baking‑soda paste or a gentle scouring pad. Rinse thoroughly and dry before putting them back.

10. Finish with a fresh scent. For a pleasant finish, spray a light mist of diluted vinegar (one part vinegar to two parts water) inside the oven, then wipe with a dry cloth. The oven will smell clean and fresh.

That’s it—no harsh chemicals, no pricey services. Regular maintenance, like wiping spills right after cooking, prevents the buildup from becoming a full‑blown disaster. Keep a small bottle of baking soda and a spray bottle of vinegar handy, and your oven will stay ready for the next roast.