We Just Found the Easiest and Cheapest Way to Clean Your Oven

Anyone with an oven knows that every once in a while, this frequently used home appliance needs a deep scrub. But when it comes to figuring out which cleaning method yields the best results, it can be overwhelming. Whether you’re someone who likes to use the oven’s self-cleaning setting or have a trusted grocery store product you swear by, cleaning the oven can be pretty time-consuming. So when our team recently stumbled on a video on Instagram that introduced a method that only requires a pumice stone to get a squeaky clean oven in less than 30 minutes, we knew we had to try it.

What Is a Pumice Stone?

Pumice stone is a natural product made from volcanic rock. It forms when lava suddenly cools during an eruption and is very lightweight with a similar weight and texture to chalk. However, don’t underestimate this natural power tool. It’s abrasive and porous, which is why it’s commonly used for skin exfoliation, removing pet hair from fabric and carpets, and household cleaning—including the oven! Its porousness makes it fantastic for cutting through greasy deposits without scratching up your appliance.

How to Clean Your Oven With Pumice Stone

To start, vacuum the bottom of your oven to collect any built-up debris. This helps to prevent any scratching that may result from scrubbing. Then, use a spray bottle to spray the entire oven with warm water, and allow it to sit for a few minutes to loosen stubborn surfaces. While you could use plain warm water, another TikToker suggests using a white vinegar and warm water mixture for spraying, which helps to remove even more grease and grime. While that sits, fully submerge a pumice stone in warm water so the stone becomes moist and as absorbent as possible.

To scrub, move in small circular motions to remove baked-on food, stubborn grease spots, grime, and even carbon buildup. You don’t need to apply elbow grease, because the stone will work its magic with gentle movement around the surface. Use a clean kitchen towel to dry the oven before use.

It’s important to note that @realitydaydream, the Instagrammer who posted the video, mentions that the pumice stone she uses is specifically made for cleaning; it’s different from the type generally used for exfoliation. She also said that the oven racks proved to be more of a challenge and recommends using stone wool instead.

Does It Work?

According to many Reddit threads like this one and this one, tons of people have had success with the pumice stone. One person wrote, “My boss sometimes buys us pumice stones which work [expletive] GREAT on them [ovens]; like so so clean. Nothing I’ve done since has come close.” Another fan raved about managing to scrub out 10 years’ worth of buildup from their oven glass door.

The people have spoken and even the team over at Martha Stewart agrees: cleaning the oven with a pumice stone not only works, but it can also leave your oven looking sparkling and brand new without the use of any elbow grease, oven cleaners, and harsh chemicals. For less than $5 a piece, this is definitely the most budget-friendly method, too.