Few household chores cause as much frustration as cleaning the oven tray; burnt-on grease and a sticky layer that seems to be welded to the metal are part of the routine in any kitchen.
No matter how much we use degreasing products, the most stubborn stains seem to resist everything. In this context, a simple yet effective trick has gone viral on social media for making oven trays look like new. All you need are two items that you’re sure to have at home: a ball of aluminium foil and a little baking soda.
The combination of the two has become the latest trend among those looking to make their oven trays shine effortlessly and without damaging the metal. ‘Aluminium acts mechanically, not chemically. The interesting thing is that, when combined with bicarbonate of soda, it generates controlled friction that enhances the cleaning effect, especially on oxidised grease. It is an environmentally friendly and economical alternative to commercial cleaners, many of which contain ammonia or caustic soda,’ explain the experts at limpieza del hogar.
The ultimate trick for cleaning oven trays
The oven tray is “one of the most difficult surfaces to clean because it combines oil, protein and caramelised sugar residues. When these residues are heated to high temperatures, they transform into a highly adhesive polymer film. That’s why bicarbonate of soda is an excellent tool: it acts on this structure without the need for aggressive products,” explain home cleaning experts.
This is where this method comes in, whose effectiveness lies in the physical and chemical reaction between the two elements. Bicarbonate of soda is a mild, alkaline abrasive, capable of breaking down fatty acids and neutralising odours. At the same time, aluminium foil, being a soft metal, replaces the traditional scouring pad without damaging the surface. Its rough texture helps to remove dirt without scratching stainless steel or non-stick coatings.
The steps to follow to leave your oven trays spotless with this trick are as follows:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda onto the tray.
- Add a few drops of hot water, enough to form a light paste.
- Leave for a few minutes if there are particularly stubborn stains.
- Using a crumpled ball of aluminium foil, gently rub the surface.
- Rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.
The result is incredible: the grease dissolves easily and the metal regains its original shine without scratches. Although this trick for cleaning oven trays may seem like just another one of the thousands of remedies we can find on the internet, it has a scientific basis.
Baking soda (NaHCO₃) is an amphoteric compound, capable of reacting with both acids and bases. When it comes into contact with burnt grease and moisture, it releases carbon dioxide and breaks down the molecular chains of the residue, making it easier to remove.
Aluminium foil, on the other hand, is softer than steel, so it does not damage the trays but is strong enough to lift the most stubborn dirt. This is why it is more effective than traditional metal scourers, which often leave micro-scratches that then trap more grease.
On platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, videos showing this method have accumulated millions of views. Even so, experts recommend taking certain precautions. It is not advisable to use it on enameled trays or trays with non-stick coatings. In these cases, it is preferable to use a soft sponge.
It is also not advisable to mix bicarbonate of soda with vinegar directly on aluminium surfaces. Although the combination is famous for its effervescent power, it can cause slight corrosion if left to act for too long. For stainless steel or iron trays, the method is 100% safe.
