If the festive feast has left your oven in a grimy state and your purse is feeling the pinch post-Christmas, fear not - you can freshen up your oven using two items likely already lurking in your kitchen. It's crucial to keep your oven clean, as a survey by Thomas Sanderson revealed that Brits only give their ovens a good scrub every 18 months, while another study found that 2 percent don't bother cleaning them at all.

However, accumulated grease and charred food can become a breeding ground for bacteria, compromising the hygiene of your food and potentially causing illnesses. Supermarket gurus at Britsuperstore are advising Brits to clean their oven with a simple concoction of baking soda and hot water, then using aluminium foil to scrub it off.

Supermarket Expert Richard Price warns: "Cleaning oven doors can be challenging because food splatters and grease often bake onto the surface, making the stains difficult to remove, even after scrubbing vigorously."

"If it’s been a while since you last cleaned your oven, it is important to start doing it now.

"This is due to the fact that built-up grease and burn marks create the perfect environment for bacteria, jeopardising kitchen hygiene and the safety of your cooking. "Using sodium bicarbonate is an easy and effective way to clean the oven, with great results in just three minutes, making it ideal for a last-minute cleaning chore.
Baking soda is a cheap cleaner (
Image:
Getty)

Here's a simple two-ingredient method to clean your oven:

1. Pour hot water onto the oven door, making sure to cover it without overflowing.

2. Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the door and let it sit for 30 seconds.

3. Create a cleaning paste by rubbing scrunched-up aluminium foil over the surface in gentle circular motions.

4. Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth, then use a clean cloth and a water spray bottle to remove any streaks.

5. Dry the glass with a paper towel for a streak-free finish.