The 5-Minute Oven Cleaning Hack That's Taking the Internet by Storm

8. Dealing with Tough Spots: Advice for Persistent Stains

Although the five-minute oven cleaning trick is quite handy for routine cleaning, some ovens may have especially tough stains or baked-on filth that call for more care. You can change the fundamental approach somewhat for these difficult areas. Apply a thicker layer of the baking soda paste to the trouble spots first, then let it sit for maybe thirty minutes to an hour before misting with vinegar. The baking soda's extended contact period lets it act to break down the harder stains. Before applying, mix baking soda with a little dish soap to get a more strong cleaning paste for very tough stains. Dish soap strengthens the degreasing ability of the mixture. After the vinegar reaction, another tip for tough stains is to carefully scrape away loosened filth with an old credit card or plastic scraper. Cover a hot, moist cloth over a baked-on spill on the oven floor for a few minutes before applying the baking soda paste. The heat and moisture will assist to soften the spill therefore facilitating removal. When dealing with difficult stains, remember that patience is essential; occasionally, best results require a second cleaning session.