In many homes, the kitchen is the heart of daily activity — and the oven often takes the biggest beating. Roasting, baking, and broiling all contribute to layers of stubborn grease that cling to the interior and refuse to budge. Not only is this buildup unsightly, but it can also affect your oven’s performance and even create smoke and odors when heating.

While countless products promise sparkling results, many rely on harsh chemicals or require tiresome scrubbing. Fortunately, my Nana passed down a simple trick that removes oven grease in just four minutes — and best of all, it requires almost no effort.

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1. Why oven grease is such a common problem

Grease splatters from bubbling casseroles, roasted meats, and melted fats quickly settle on oven walls and solidify into a sticky layer. Over time, this residue becomes more resistant to cleaning. Commercial cleaners can work, but many contain strong chemicals that irritate skin and produce unpleasant fumes. Natural DIY solutions help, but they often demand long waiting periods or heavy scrubbing.

That’s why an easy, fast method is such a game-changer.

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2. The magic ingredient you already own

Nana’s hack relies on one simple product: concentrated dish soap — the same grease-cutting formula used on cookware.
You’ll only need:

• 2 tablespoons concentrated dish soap

• A spray bottle of warm water

• A sponge or cloth

No specialty cleaners. No chemical fumes. No hours of scrubbing.

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3. Prep your oven in seconds

Before starting, ensure your oven is completely cool.

• Remove the racks and any loose debris.

• Wipe away crumbs or dried bits so the soap can work directly on the grease.

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4. The 4-minute grease-cutting method

1. Apply a thin, even layer of concentrated dish soap onto the greasy spots.

2. Lightly mist the area with warm water using your spray bottle.

3. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 4 minutes — no touching, no scrubbing.

During this short wait, the soap begins breaking down the hardened grease, softening it from the inside out.

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5. The effortless wipe-down

When the timer ends, grab a damp sponge and wipe away the soapy mixture.
Most of the grease will glide off easily, revealing a clean, shiny surface. For any stubborn patches, a gentle circular motion is all you need. The dish soap has already done the heavy lifting.

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6. Why this hack works so well

Concentrated dish soap is specifically designed to break apart grease molecules. When activated with warm water, it quickly penetrates the grime and emulsifies it — turning sticky buildup into a soft, wipeable layer. The process requires almost no manual force.

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7. How it compares to other oven-cleaning methods

• Commercial cleaners: Effective but full of harsh chemicals.

• Baking soda + vinegar: Natural, but requires long wait times and lots of scrubbing.

• Nana’s dish-soap hack: Fast, safe, cheap, and effortless.

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8. Simple tips to keep your oven clean longer

• Wipe the interior with a damp cloth after cooking to prevent buildup.

• Use liners or baking trays to catch spills.

• Give your oven a quick soap-and-mist treatment every few weeks.

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9. Real-life success stories

Readers who've tried this method rave about it.
Sarah from Ohio says: “I didn’t believe it could be that easy. Four minutes later, my oven looked brand new.”

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