A dishwasher tablet can help loosen baked-on oven grease, but the viral “drop a tablet in and the oven becomes like new” trick needs a little caution.
Easy dishwasher-tablet oven clean
- Let the oven cool completely and remove the racks.
- Put a dishwasher tablet in a heat-resistant bowl or tray.
- Add very hot water and let the tablet dissolve.
- Place the bowl in the oven and close the door for about 30–60 minutes so the steam can soften grease.
- Remove the bowl carefully—it will be hot.
- Wipe the loosened grime away with a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth.
- Wipe several times with clean water to remove detergent residue, then dry.
Important cautions
Don’t use this method on a self-cleaning/pyrolytic oven interior unless the manufacturer specifically permits it. Avoid getting detergent into heating elements, fans, electrical components, or door seals. Also never mix the dishwasher detergent with bleach, ammonia, or other cleaners.
For very heavy buildup, the oven manufacturer’s recommended cleaner or cleaning procedure is safer than experimenting with homemade combinations.
