Most people can agree that cleaning the oven ranks among the least enjoyable household chores. It’s right up there with unclogging drains or scrubbing toilets—something we promise to do “next weekend” but rarely actually get to. Over time, grease turns to tar, sauces bake into a sticky crust, and crumbs become blackened chunks glued to the racks. Even armed with gloves, sprays, and endless scrubbing, the mess seems to win. Many people simply close the oven door, try to forget, and hope no one ever peeks inside.

But what if this dreaded task didn’t have to be such a nightmare? What if the job that usually eats up an entire afternoon, leaves your arms sore, and fills your home with harsh chemical smells could be done in an hour—without scrubbing? That’s exactly what one clever grandmother, lovingly called “Nana,” discovered decades ago. She passed down a simple, no-fuss cleaning trick that requires no expensive products or dangerous fumes. The secret? Steam, patience, and a single dishwashing pod.

This isn’t just another viral “life hack” floating around the internet. It’s a tried-and-true method that’s been quietly used in households for generations. The technique relies on basic science—the same principle professional kitchens use every day. Steam softens stubborn grime while mild detergents break down grease molecules, making it easy to wipe away baked-on residue. The result is a spotless oven that looks refreshed in a fraction of the time.

The reason traditional oven cleaning feels impossible is simple: most methods are messy, time-consuming, or involve harsh chemicals. Store-bought sprays often contain caustic ingredients that release strong fumes, which can irritate the skin or trigger allergies. And even after applying these cleaners, you’re still stuck bending over and scrubbing stubborn stains that refuse to budge.

Some people rely on the self-cleaning cycle built into modern ovens, thinking it’s the perfect solution. But these cycles reach extreme heat levels, often for several hours, leaving your kitchen unbearably hot and filling the air with an acrid smell. In some cases, repeated use can even shorten the oven’s lifespan.

Nana’s method, on the other hand, focuses on softening grime rather than burning or dissolving it with chemicals. The magic ingredient? A simple dishwashing pod—something almost everyone already has at home.

Here’s all you need to get started: one dishwashing pod (any brand works, though enzyme-based ones are best), a heatproof casserole dish (glass or ceramic), and water. That’s it—no gloves, no sprays, no stress.

Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (about 93°C). This low temperature is key—it’s warm enough to create steam but not so hot that it dries everything out. Fill your casserole dish halfway with water, then drop in the dishwashing pod. As it dissolves, it releases grease-fighting enzymes and detergents into the water. Place the dish on the middle rack, close the door, and let the steam work for about an hour.

During that time, the combination of heat, moisture, and detergent loosens hardened grease and softens burnt-on stains. When the hour’s up, turn off the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before opening the door. The steam will be hot, so take care not to rush. Once it’s safe to touch, simply grab a damp cloth and start wiping. You’ll be surprised at how effortlessly the grime lifts away. Even those dark, stubborn spots that usually take forever to scrub will come off with little effort.

The reason this trick works so well lies in the chemistry of dishwashing pods. They’re designed to attack some of the toughest messes—hardened cheese, baked sauces, sticky oils—and break them down at the molecular level. When combined with steam, those same ingredients turn into a powerful cleaning solution that seeps into every corner of your oven. The steam softens debris, and the dissolved detergent helps lift it away without damaging the interior.

If your oven hasn’t seen a deep clean in months (or years), you might need to repeat the process for extra-tough buildup. For corners or racks that are particularly stubborn, a soft-bristled brush can help loosen debris without scratching the surface. And once your oven is sparkling again, repeating the process once a month will keep it that way with almost no effort.

Beyond aesthetics, there are practical benefits to keeping your oven clean. Grease buildup can cause smoke, strange odors, and uneven heating—factors that can affect how your food cooks and tastes. A dirty oven can make cookies smell like burnt lasagna or give roasted vegetables a faint smoky flavor. Keeping it clean not only looks better but also improves the quality of your meals.

There’s also the safety aspect. Old grease and crumbs can ignite at high temperatures, posing a fire risk. Regularly cleaning your oven helps prevent those hazards and keeps your kitchen safer overall.

Another big advantage of Nana’s method is that it’s chemical-free and family-safe. Traditional oven cleaners often leave behind residues that require careful rinsing to ensure your food doesn’t come into contact with toxic chemicals. With this trick, you’re using something already approved for washing dishes—items that come into direct contact with what you eat. That makes it especially great for families with kids or pets, where minimizing chemical exposure is a priority.

What makes this tip truly special is how it’s been passed down through generations. Before the days of store shelves filled with specialty cleaners, people relied on simple, multipurpose household solutions. This one is inexpensive, effective, and repeatable, without the need for harsh products or complicated steps. It’s a perfect example of how timeless wisdom often outperforms modern marketing.

By incorporating this easy technique into your cleaning routine, you transform oven maintenance from an exhausting, dreaded task into something simple and manageable. In under 90 minutes—from heating to wiping—you can have an oven that looks practically brand new. And since the process is so hands-off, you can multitask: throw in a load of laundry, fold clothes, or relax while the steam does the hard work for you.

Nana’s method is more than just a clever kitchen trick—it’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective. With nothing more than water, heat, and a dishwashing pod, you can banish grime, protect your family from harsh chemicals, and enjoy a cleaner, safer kitchen.

So next time you open your oven and groan at the sight inside, don’t reach for the toxic sprays or rubber gloves. Just remember Nana’s wisdom: a little steam, a pod, and some patience are all you need to bring your oven back to life.