Step 2: Remove Oven Racks and Soak
Remove the oven racks and submerge them in hot soapy water. Let them soak while you clean the interior of the oven. This will help loosen any particles and make scrubbing away residue a lot easier later on.
Step 3: Wipe Out Any Solids
Using a paper towel or disposable cloth, carefully wipe out any solid matter from the oven. You’ll want to eliminate as much of the solid waste as possible before using any liquids to clean, as this will prevent spreading the mess further.
Step 4: Apply a Mixture of Baking Soda and Water
Create a paste using baking soda and water and spread it throughout the interior of the oven, particularly where the urine was. Baking soda is excellent for absorbing odors and lifting stains. Coat the affected areas and let the paste sit for at least 15 minutes.
Step 5: Clean with a Vinegar Solution
After letting the baking soda sit, spray a solution of half vinegar and half water over the baking soda. This will cause a chemical reaction that helps lift the urine residue. Wipe down the interior with a sponge or cloth.
Step 6: Use Oven Cleaner If Necessary
If the smell persists or the stain is stubborn, you may need to use a commercial oven cleaner. Follow the instructions on the cleaner, as these often require a specific application time before being wiped off.
Step 7: Rinse and Dry
Once you’ve managed to remove the residue and odor, thoroughly rinse the interior of the oven with water. Then, dry it with a clean towel or paper towels.
Step 8: Scrub and Rinse Oven Racks
Return to your oven racks. After soaking, scrub them with a non-abrasive sponge or brush, rinse them well, and let them dry before placing them back in the oven.
Step 9: Air Out the Oven
Leave the oven door open to air out for a couple of hours. For extra odor elimination, you can place a bowl of charcoal or fresh coffee grounds inside the oven to absorb residual odors.
Step 10: Perform a Final Inspection and Test
Before you consider the task complete, do a final inspection of the oven for any missed spots or lingering smells. You can perform a test run by heating the oven to a low temperature to ensure that there are no remaining odors when the oven is warm.
Damage control after your partner’s late-night mishap can certainly test your patience. Hopefully, these steps will help mitigate the damage and restore a bit of sanity (and cleanliness) back to your kitchen. Remember, should you encounter any future accidents, quick action is always best. Good luck, and here’s hoping for a less eventful remainder of your night—or, considering the time, a more peaceful morning.