Removing garlic odors

by BC
(St. Louis, MO)

When I first received my All-American Sun Oven, I followed the cleaning instructions sent by the manufacturer, and, based on many reviews I read from Sun Oven owners, I vigorously scrubbed all parts of the inside of the Sun Oven to remove the manufacturing odor. I used the recommended water/vinegar solution, and I allowed it to steam inside the hot oven for several hours. This did seem to remove most of the initial odor.

However, now I have the opposite problem: It smells like onions and garlic in there! The water/vinegar solution doesn’t seem to cut it. I’d like it to be gone because it is very overpowering, and I’ve begun to suspect that it will “infect” my sweet baked goods! So, for now, I only cook entrees in there--or bread!

I’m wondering if a water/bleach solution would eliminate the odors? But perhaps that will damage the rubber seal? I also worry about chemical vapors from the bleach; they can’t be good. Any ideas to try? Obviously, Febreeze is not the answer! Haha!