Let’s be real: Cleaning the oven is one of those household chores that no one wants to do. It’s a pain, takes forever, and usually leaves you battling stubborn grease that refuses to budge no matter how vigorously you scrub. If you’ve ever procrastinated scrubbing your oven for weeks (or months), you’re not the only one.
But what if I said you don’t have to scrub for hours or use toxic chemicals to make your oven shine like new again? That’s right — this is a no-fuss trick that’s been passed down in my family for generations. And the best part? It uses only three ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
How this quick and simple method uses steam power along with a household kitchen pantry item to dissolve grease and dirt so that cleanup is a snap. Whether you’re facing small messes or an oven that hasn’t seen a sponge in years, this trick will save you time and elbow grease. So, let’s zoom in and get those grates back into your oven sparkling without all the nuisance!
Traditional Oven Cleaning Methods: What They Get Wrong
Oven stains and grease buildup can be a challenge, it is why most people use commercial oven cleaners or some harsh chemicals. Although these products may be effective, they also have a number of drawbacks.
- Harsh Chemical Odors – Most commercial cleaners emit fumes that can be unhealthy to inhale, particularly in small areas. If you’ve ever been cleaning your oven and felt woozy, you know what I’m talking about.
- Heavy Duty — You may still need to scrub your hearts out for eternity to forcibly eliminate stubborn stains even using chemical cleaners.
- Potential Damage to Oven – Some harsh chemicals can actually damage the interior of your oven, giving it a worn-out or dulled finish over time.
- Residual Product — If you don’t rinse well enough, chemical residues can stay behind in your oven and alter the taste of the food you cook.
Rather than battling those problems, Gramma’s trick leverages a powerful but gentle cleaning technique that converts to nearly no scrubbing at all. Let’s see what you’ll need!
What You Need for Gramma’s Oven-Cleaning Hack
This way is so, so easy and calls for three basic ingredients:
- Dishwashing Pod – Enzymes and detergents available in dishwashing pods are great for cutting through grease and grime, which makes dishwashing pods great for cleaning your oven.
- A Heatproof Casserole Dish — This will contain the cleaning solution and be able to withstand high oven temperatures. Using a glass or ceramic dish works best.
- Water – You need enough water to fill the casserole dish halfway to create the steam that helps loosen tough stains.
That’s it! No pricey cleaning products, no fancy tools — just a simple hack that’ll do the dirty work with little effort.
How to Clean Your Oven With a Dishwashing Pod: A Step-By-Step Guide
Once you have your ingredients prepped, simply follow these steps to turn your dirty oven into a spotless appliance:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C). This will help create a steam cleaning environment and let the dishwashing pod do its job.
Step 2: Make the Cleaning Solution
- As your oven heats, grab your heatproof casserole dish and fill it halfway with water. Toss in a dish-washing pod and let it sit for a minute so it can start dissolving.
Step 3: Put the Dish In the Oven
- When the oven is at 200°F, gently set the dish in the center of the middle rack. Shut the oven door and leave it for one hour. As the water gets hotter, it will generate steam that cuts through the grime and stubborn grease.
Step 4: Shut Off the Oven and Allow It to Cool
- After an hour, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly open. (Caution — hot steam will gush out when you open it.) Allow the oven to cool to warm but no longer dangerous to touch.
Step 5: Wipe Down the Inside
- Using a wet rag or sponge, give the inside of your oven a wipe-down. You will be shocked by how how easily the gunk washes away without scrubbing!
Step 6: Repeat if Necessary
- For tough spots, reapply, or simply use a soft-bristled toothbrush to lightly scrub the residue away. But in most cases, one round is sufficient to clean even the grungiest ovens.
Why This Trick Works So Well
The key to the success of this method also comes from steam and dishwashing pod ingredients:
- Steam Loosens Stubborn Grease — Heat and moisture melt baked-on grime so that it can be wiped away with ease.
- Dishwashing Pods Include Enzymes – these enzymes break down food and grease particles, targeting even the toughest stains.
- No Harsh Chemicals — This method is safe, gentle, and non-toxic, unlike store-bought oven cleaners.
It’s a win-win: a sparkling oven with less hassle and no toxic chemicals!
Bonus Tips: How to Make Your Oven Stay Cleaner, Longer
Now that your oven is clean, here are some tips to keep it that way:
- Wipe Spills Right Away – If something drips or spills, wipe it up as soon as your oven is cool, to avoid stubborn buildup.
- Use an oven liner — These non-stick liners collect crumbs and grease for easier clean up later on.
- Monthly Maintenance — Clean your oven once a month with Gramma’s cleaning method to keep it fresh and grime-free.
- Cover Your Food — For mess-prone baked dishes (casseroles and a roast, for example), utilize a lid or foil to contain the mess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any dishwashing pod to do this?
Yes, that grease-cutting enzymes and detergent in most dishwashing pods do a good job for oven cleaning. But don’t choose ones with added bleach or heavy fragrances, as they can leave residues or smells behind.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Will this method apply to electric and gas ovens?
Absolutely! Not only is this method safe for gas ovens, but you can also use it with electric ovens. Just make sure to turn the oven off and let it cool down before wiping its interior clean.
Is that safe for self-cleaning ovens?
Yes, this process is much more forgiving than the high-heat self-cleaning method. It won’t corrode the protective coatings in self-cleaning ovens, so it’s a good alternative.
How often can I clean my oven like this?
For optimal results, do this method once a month to prevent grease buildup. If you do a lot of cooking, clean your oven every two to three weeks.
Will the steam damage the heating elements of my oven?
No, newer ovens are designed to handle heat and steam. They use steam to loosen grime, but the steam won’t damage the heating elements.
What if there’s some grime that’s stickin’ around?
If there’s still some grime, repeat the process, or use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the tough spots. You can also make a paste of baking soda (mix it with water) and apply it to stubborn areas to let it sit before you wipe.
Can I use this technique to clean my oven racks?
If you also want to clean the oven racks, you can soak them in a bathtub, mixing hot water and a dishwashing pod in for a few hours, then scrub them.
My oven is going to smell like detergent afterward, right?
Any faint smell of detergent will go away after a few minutes of airing it out. Check your manual for instructions; if you’re worried, you can wipe the interior down with a damp cloth and run the oven at 200°F for 10 minutes before using it for cooking.
Can I replace the glass or ceramic casserole dish with a metal one?
Metal dish recommendations such as some get reactive to heat or detergents. With this method, glass or ceramic retains heat better and is safer.
Is this safe for a very dirty oven that has years of buildup?
Yes! But if grease has built up too much in your oven, you might have to do this two times or incorporate a baking soda and vinegar scrub for more scrubbing power.
Final Thoughts: A Hassle-Free Way to a Clean Oven
With this easy, no-fuss trick, cleaning your oven will no longer be dreaded. Just a dishwashing pod, water and a casserole dish can get your oven gleaming clean with little effort on your part.
The next time you see grease and grime add up, give this method a shot. You’re going to be shocked at how simple and fast it is! No more scrubbing, no more chemical fumes — just a clean, fresh oven, the way Gramma always had hers.
Happy cleaning!
