Leave the mixture on for a minimum of two hours or overnight. Then fill a spray bottle with half water and half white vinegar and spray it over the baking soda. “The acid in the vinegar will react with the baking soda, causing it to foam,” he says. “This action helps to remove the burnt-on food stains from the oven.” After 30 minutes, use a rubber spatula (if necessary) and a rag to remove the baking soda mixture. Finish by wiping everything down with a damp cloth. Start by boiling one-third of a pot of water on the stove. “Once it starts boiling, add an equal amount of white vinegar. Allow it to boil for another 30 seconds or so,” Linden says. Next, remove the pot from the stove, place it inside the oven on the rack, and close the oven door. Allow the pot to sit for 45 to 60 minutes. “Once you open the door, you can start cleaning. Wipe the surface down with a soapy cloth,” Linden says. “The grime comes off much more easily than it would if you simply tried to scrub it.” Then put the pan in the oven and turn it on. “Let the water boil and take the pan out. The steam will loosen the grime and grease inside your oven and will help you remove it more easily.” Let the oven cool before wiping it down with a damp cloth. Before you start the process, he suggests lining the tub with old towels so it doesn’t get scratched. Then fill the tub with water and drop in a dishwasher tablet. “Dishwasher tablets do a great job cleaning your dishes, so there’s no reason they shouldn’t do an equally good job with your oven racks,” Parry says. Fully submerge the racks. Leave them for a couple of hours, or ideally, overnight. “After soaking, use the old toothbrush (or a heavy-duty scrubber) to remove any stuck-on food,” he says. “Remove the racks from the bath. Rinse them under warm water and dry with a clean kitchen cloth, and you’re good to go.” Don’t forget to clean the bathtub when you’re finished! If an upright vacuum feels too cumbersome, or you have a narrow kitchen, a handheld vacuum, like the Shark Wandvac ($110; amazon.com), might be easier.
