Tired of spending hours scrubbing burnt-on grease and food stains from your oven? What if we told you there’s a way to wake up to a sparkling clean oven—without lifting a finger while you sleep?
Yes, it’s possible! With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can let science do the hard work overnight. Here’s how to clean your oven effortlessly while you catch some Z’s.
Why This Method Works
Traditional oven cleaning involves harsh chemicals, elbow grease, and a lot of time. But this overnight hack relies on a powerful, natural cleaning agent: ammonia.
Ammonia is a degreaser that breaks down stubborn grime and baked-on residue. When left in a sealed oven overnight, the fumes soften the grease, making it easy to wipe away in the morning—no scrubbing required!
What You’ll Need
- Ammonia (plain household ammonia, not bleach-based)
- A small bowl or oven-safe dish
- A larger oven-safe pan or baking dish (if using the water method)
- Water (optional, for an alternative approach)
- Rubber gloves (for safety)
- Sponge or microfiber cloth
Step-by-Step Guide
Method 1: The Fume Cleaning Technique (Best for Heavy Grease)
- Remove Oven Racks – Take out the oven racks and set them aside to clean separately.
- Pour Ammonia into a Bowl – Fill a small oven-safe bowl with about ½ to 1 cup of ammonia.
- Place It in the Overnight – Put the bowl on the top rack of your cold oven.
- Close the Door & Let It Sit – Seal the oven door tightly and leave it overnight (8-12 hours). The ammonia fumes will loosen all the grime.
- Wipe It Down in the Morning – The next day, put on gloves, open the oven, and remove the bowl. Use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe away the softened grease effortlessly.
- Rinse with Water – For a final touch, wipe the interior with a clean, damp cloth to remove any ammonia residue.
Method 2: The Water & Ammonia Combo (For Extra Dirty Ovens)
- Boil Water First – Heat a pot of water until steaming (not boiling).
- Place a Baking Dish with Ammonia & Water – Fill a large oven-safe pan with 1 cup ammonia and 2 cups hot water.
- Let It Sit Overnight – Close the oven door and leave it for 8-12 hours.
- Wipe Clean in the Morning – The combination of steam and ammonia will make cleaning a breeze.
Bonus: How to Clean Oven Racks Effortlessly
While your oven is getting its overnight treatment, you can also clean the racks without scrubbing:
- Place Them in a Plastic Bag – Put the racks in a large garbage bag.
- Add Ammonia – Pour ½ cup ammonia into the bag and seal it tightly.
- Let It Sit Overnight – The fumes will dissolve the grime.
- Rinse & Wipe – The next day, rinse the racks with water and wipe them down.
Safety Tips
- Never mix ammonia with bleach—it creates toxic fumes.
- Ensure proper ventilation when handling ammonia.
- Wear gloves to protect your skin.
- Keep pets and children away from the oven during the cleaning process.
Why This Hack Is a Game-Changer
✅ No harsh scrubbing – Wake up to an oven that wipes clean in minutes.
✅ Chemical-free alternative – Avoid toxic oven cleaners.
✅ Works on toughest stains – Even burnt-on spills dissolve easily.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your oven doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. With this simple overnight trick, you can let ammonia do the dirty work while you sleep. Wake up, wipe away the grime, and enjoy a spotless oven with minimal effort!
Have you tried this method? Share your experience in the comments! 🔥✨