Natural, Organic Oven Cleaner

This weekend we decided to clean the gunk out of our oven that keeps causing smoke that sets off the smoke alarm. Unfortunately, our oven doesn't have a self-clean setting.

I think its widely acknowledged that most oven cleaners are very toxic with unhealthy fumes. Although these products get burnt-on waste off the oven walls, they probably burn a few brain cells in the process. What other options do you have when getting your oven clean?

Well, there are natural oven cleaners like "Restore" that use plant-based solvents and citric acid to break down stains. We used a mixture of vinegar and water to rub off the stains. It worked sufficiently. Below are some other recipes from THIS SITE

GRANDMA'S TRIED AND TRUE VINEGAR RECIPE

• 5T Baking soda

• 3 drops hand soap or liquid dish soap

• 4T White vinegar

Mix above ingredients until they form a thick paste. Apply paste to inside of oven and scrub with sponge. Wipe clean and rinse thoroughly.

CITRUS CLEANSER

• Use equal amounts of lemon juice and salt. Apply paste to stubborn stains and allow to sit for 3-5 minutes. Scrub with brush and wipe clean.

NATURAL SCRUB CLEAN OVEN SOLUTION

• 4T Baking soda

• 4T Hot, steamy water

Make a paste with the above listed ingredients and apply it to the oven's cavity using an old toothbrush or soft-bristled cleaning brush. Allow solution to sit for 1-minute. Scrub with brush until oven is clean. Rinse with water and sponge until no traces of baking soda remain.

TOUGH STAIN REMOVER

• 1c Salt

• 1c Baking soda

• 1c Water

Make a paste using the ingredients above and apply it to the inside of the oven. Close door and heat oven to 500-degrees for 60 minutes. Turn off oven and allow to cool. Wipe debris from oven using a moist sponge. Rinse well.