Pumice stones aren’t just for at-home pedicures. Not only do they smooth rough heels, but the pieces of volcanic rock are also a surprisingly effective cleaning tool, helping to tackle all kinds of chores around the house. Pumice stones form when lava cools during an eruption, resulting in a porous, lightweight, and abrasive rock that’s…
But did you know they’re just as effective at scrubbing away built-up grease and food residue inside an oven? When you can’t let that baked-on clump of who-knows-what sit for one more day, break out a pumice stone. They’re affordable and eco-friendly, too, making them a must-have tool for any cleaning kit.
Read on for tips on cleaning your oven with a pumice stone, plus other uses for this natural scrubber.
How To Clean a Grimy Oven With a Pumice Stone
Cleaning the interior of your oven can feel like a daunting task — and it is — but this simple tool can remove years’ worth of burnt-on food from ovens, stovetops, and barbecue grill grates.
To start, simply wet your pumice stone, then get to work loosening the crusty spots. Keep a cup of warm water nearby and continually dunk the stone to ensure it won’t scratch the oven’s enamel. To put a little less elbow grease into scrubbing, create a cleaning solution using a ratio of 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Spray that mixture on greasy, gunky spots and let it soak for five minutes. Then use a pumice stone to scrub off the now-loosened buildup.
Tip: Depending on how vigorously you use it, a pumice stone could last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. Replace it once it becomes smooth, or at least every two or three months.
Other Pumice Stone Uses
Stubborn Toilet Stains
Hard-water stains, rust, and mineral buildup, oh my! For a nontoxic cleaning solution for everyone’s least favorite chore — cleaning the toilet — grab a pumice stone and scrub away. (There are ones made specifically for toilet cleaning, with an attached handle.) Your toilet will be sparkling again in mere minutes.
Pet Hair-Covered Upholstery
While you may adore your four-legged friend, the hair they leave behind? Not so much. Good news: A pumice stone is an easy way to gently remove pet hair from upholstered items, such as a couch, car interior, or the armchair that serves as Whiskers’ preferred sunbathing spot.
With a damp pumice stone, use short strokes, working in the same direction to gather the hair. Keep a vacuum handy too, and use that to suck up the piles of pet hair.
