Scrub with lemon juice and salt

Cut a lemon in half, dip the cut side in coarse salt, and use it as a scrubbing pad directly on greasy oven surfaces. For tougher spots, squeeze lemon juice onto the deposit, sprinkle salt over it, and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before scrubbing.

Why It Works

Citric acid in lemon dissolves grease and breaks down light carbon buildup, while coarse salt acts as a gentle abrasive. The combination is effective on moderate deposits and leaves a fresh scent instead of chemical fumes.

Tips

• Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best abrasive texture
• Warm the oven slightly (150°F) before applying to help the citric acid work faster
• Not strong enough for heavily carbonized black deposits — pair with baking soda paste for tough jobs
• Rinse surfaces thoroughly with a damp cloth afterward