I've got this stubborn charred mess at the bottom of my oven from a casserole that bubbled over last week. I've tried wiping it with a damp cloth and some baking soda paste, but it's not budging. What's the best way to get it off without damaging the enamel coating?
How long has it been sitting there? The longer it sets, the tougher it gets, but there's still plenty you can do.
Since baking soda paste alone didn't work, try letting it soak first. Mix baking soda with a bit of water to make a thicker paste, spread it over the burnt spots, and leave it for several hours or overnight. The moisture and time help soften that charred layer. After soaking, use a plastic scraper or an old credit card to gently lift the debris away - avoid metal scrapers since they can scratch the enamel. If bits are still stubborn, dampen the area again and let it sit another hour before scraping.
For anything that's still clinging, you can try white vinegar. After you've removed the loose stuff, spray vinegar on the remaining marks and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrape gently again. The combination of vinegar and baking soda creates a fizzing action that can help break down burnt residue without being harsh on the surface. Once you've got most of it off, a final wipe with a damp cloth should clean up any paste or vinegar residue. Going forward, putting a baking sheet on the rack below your casserole dish catches spills before they hit the bottom.
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