This is an economical trick that allows you to remove stuck-on grease without scrubbing or using abrasive products. At some point, you have probably had to deal with an oven tray full of stuck-on grease, stubborn stains or food residue that won’t come off easily. This is very common, especially if you cook every day and the intense heat sets the dirt, making cleaning increasingly difficult. Although many people resort to detergent or bicarbonate of soda as home remedies, these options are not always the most effective: warm white vinegar mixed with mild soap and a little alcohol.
How to clean the oven tray effectively?
The best way to clean it is by using warm white vinegar mixed with mild soap and a little alcohol, a combination that helps dissolve encrusted grease quickly, without scraping and without resorting to aggressive products.
Step by step:
- Remove the tray from the oven and remove any loose food debris.
- Prepare a mixture of 50 ml of warm white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap and 1 pinch of alcohol (ethyl or isopropyl).
- Pour the mixture over the surface of the tray or place it in the sink and cover it with the mixture.
- Leave it to work for 20 to 30 minutes to soften the grease.
- Wipe with a soft sponge or brush without using excessive force.
- Rinse with hot water and dry thoroughly before putting it back in the oven.
Why use this mixture instead of bicarbonate of soda or detergent alone
- It dissolves grease effortlessly: the vinegar breaks down the grease and the alcohol speeds up the evaporation process.
- It prevents damage to the surface: it does not scratch or deteriorate the material, which is common with abrasive products.
- It is economical: all the ingredients are usually found in any home.
- No lingering odours: it does not leave a chemical scent like some industrial cleaning products.
- Ideal for quick cleaning: it does not require long scrubbing sessions.
Many cleaning experts agree that the secret is to let the mixture work and not to scrub. When the ingredients are left to rest long enough, the dirt softens and comes off on its own, preserving the life of the tray and leaving it looking better. The ingredients in this mixture are usually found in the home, making it an economical and accessible alternative, especially when compared to stronger chemicals.
