Just made 5 gallons of waxed dirt in my oven and of course as soon as I finish it occurs to me that the dirt might absorb food smells from the oven. Thoughts on if this will affect its use for canines? I hate to toss it all but I don’t want to use it if they’ll be able to smell it. Thanks

I suppose it could possibly cause some digging. I wouldn't toss it but just make some more and save this batch when you run out.

Where abouta in SE Ohio are you?

Im kinda inbetween Albany and McArthur. What other ways should I prepare the waxed dirt? Don’t have a cement mixer and I tried the solar method in a black mortar tub but didn’t have luck, I guess 85 isn’t hot enough to get it to melt

You're only a 30-40mins north of me.

If you have a clear plastic tarp it helps get some more heat but we're getting to the point the solar method is getting harder to work.

If you have a propane turkey cooker you could use to make wax dirt. Just keep the heat turned down so you don't scorch.

Coon creek outdoors has a youtube video showing how to do it in a roaster oven (Nesco style).

Rent a cement mixer for the weekend.

I've done the solar method in 75°. Like the method says, you need SUN, and lots of it. Also cover your tubs with a glass/plexiglass window. If you've done it just in the last few weeks there was probably not enough sun hours in the day. And the sun is quite angled now.
Go test your waxed dirt this week. Make sure you have enough loose dirt around the set to see tracks

I've used an old crock pot.

By a pair of heat lamps and do in a galvanized tub. Works great!

Use the self cleaning cycle if the oven has one, let the oven cool down, wipe the oven down and then make your waxed dirt.

Might using a disposable roasting pan or 2 on on the grill depending on how much you need can get t about 3 to 4 gal per pan
Hint do NOT use a plastic spatula for turning the contents in the pan

Buy yourself and electric roaster at a yard sale, flea market or splurge on a new one. I run mine about 195° and then spread the dirt out on a cheap tarp or plywood to cool off before storing it in 5 gallon buckets.