"Steam cleaning, though... I rented one last year for an old stove, and it was surprisingly effective."
Glad you mentioned steam cleaning—I've had similar experiences. Have you tried it on other appliances besides the stove? I once tackled an ancient dishwasher in a fixer-upper property, and steam cleaning made a noticeable difference. Didn't exactly transform it into showroom condition, but definitely saved me from hours of scrubbing misery.
Honestly, natural cleaners can be hit or miss depending on what you're dealing with. Vinegar and baking soda are great for minor grime or odors, but when you're facing decades of built-up grease and dirt... sometimes store-bought stuff just has that extra kick. Have you experimented with any eco-friendly commercial cleaners? I've found a couple brands that strike a decent balance between effectiveness and not leaving behind harsh chemical smells.
Also curious—what appliance are you working on right now? If it's something vintage or particularly stubborn, maybe combining methods could help. Like starting with steam to loosen things up, then following up with a gentle natural cleaner to finish the job. Renovation chaos is tough enough as it is, so anything that makes the process less frustrating is worth considering.
Either way, hang in there. Every DIY project has its moments of doubt (and salad dressing smells), but the satisfaction when you're done usually outweighs the struggle... usually.
Steam cleaning worked wonders on my fridge, too—especially around those nasty door seals. But honestly, I've found natural cleaners pretty underwhelming on ovens or anything with baked-on grease. Tried a citrus-based eco-cleaner once, smelled amazing but barely dented the grime... ended up grabbing the heavy-duty stuff anyway. Maybe I'm just impatient, but sometimes you gotta pick your battles. Curious if anyone's had luck with something stronger that's still eco-friendly?
I've had decent luck with baking soda paste and vinegar, but it does take patience and elbow grease—no instant miracles there. Recently tried a product called Bon Ami; it's eco-friendly, non-toxic, and surprisingly effective on tough oven grime. Not as powerful as the chemical-heavy stuff obviously, but way better than citrus-based cleaners I've used before. Might be worth a shot if you're looking for something stronger but still environmentally friendly.
Good to hear Bon Ami worked out for you—I’ve found it pretty reliable too, especially considering the price. Baking soda and vinegar do the job eventually, but yeah, patience is key. I tried citrus cleaners once and honestly wasn't impressed either...felt like scented water. Might give Bon Ami another go next time my oven needs attention. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Bon Ami's decent stuff—cheap, effective, no fuss. Citrus cleaners...yeah, pretty much overpriced air fresheners in my experience too. Baking soda and vinegar work, but life's short and I don't have all day to scrub an oven. Honestly, for tough grime, I still reach for Bar Keepers Friend. Not as "natural," but it gets the job done fast without killing my arms.
