She never called it a “hack.” To Grandma, it was simply the proper way to care for the oven that helped feed her family. Instead of immediately reaching for a harsh cleaning spray, she relied on something surprisingly simple: low, gentle heat, a heat-safe bowl of water, and a dishwashing pod while she went about her other household chores.

She would set everything up, let the warmth and moisture work, and then return later. When the oven door opened, baked-on grease and stubborn residue were noticeably softer and easier to wipe away. A cloth handled most of the remaining mess, while difficult corners received a little extra patience. Sometimes she repeated the process rather than aggressively scrubbing the surface. Her explanation was always wonderfully straightforward: “If it steams, it softens. If it softens, it lets go.” But there are a few important precautions before trying a method like this yourself. Continue below…